Rocklea - Acacia Ridge

An assessment of population growth drivers in Rocklea - Acacia Ridge reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rocklea - Acacia Ridge's population is around 10,197 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 486 people (5.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,711 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,025 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 58 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 454 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 65.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of national statistical areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 350 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 1.8% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Rocklea - Acacia Ridge, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge has experienced around 25 dwellings receiving development approval each year, totalling 126 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 24 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $319,000. There have also been $85.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

Relative to Greater Brisbane, Rocklea - Acacia Ridge has significantly less development activity (73.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 86.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 318 people per dwelling approval, Rocklea - Acacia Ridge shows characteristics of a low density area.

Future projections show Rocklea - Acacia Ridge adding 178 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 64 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Expansion, Transition - Archerfield Logistics Estate, Acacia Ridge Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Precinct, and Acacia Ridge Industrial Estate Expansion - Warehouse & Logistics Facilities, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Rocklea - Acacia Ridge faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 14.2%, and 1.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,475 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 10.0% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (64.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 11.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 5.2% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. With 2.7 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 1.2% alongside the labour force increasing by 2.5%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane, where employment rose by 3.2%, the labour force grew by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rocklea - Acacia Ridge. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Rocklea - Acacia Ridge's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Rocklea - Acacia Ridge SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Rocklea - Acacia Ridge SA2's median income among taxpayers is $54,172 and the average income stands at $61,249, which compares to figures for Greater Brisbane's of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,540 (median) and $67,319 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Rocklea - Acacia Ridge all fall between the 20th and 24th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the largest segment comprises 34.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,497 residents), consistent with broader trends across the broader area showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 80.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Rocklea - Acacia Ridge, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.7% houses and 14.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Rocklea - Acacia Ridge was lagging that of Brisbane metro, at 20.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (29.8%) or rented (49.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,517, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $335, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Rocklea - Acacia Ridge's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 64.5% of all households, comprising 24.3% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 17.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.5%, with lone person households at 28.8% and group households comprising 6.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (23.5%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 42.1%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 34.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (24.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 5.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 74 active transport stops operating within Rocklea - Acacia Ridge, comprising a mix of train and bus services. These stops are serviced by 27 individual routes, collectively providing 3,461 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 82%, with 6% by bus and 6% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 11.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 494 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 46 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rocklea - Acacia Ridge is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Rocklea - Acacia Ridge, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,078 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.8% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 14.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,491 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge scores highly on cultural diversity, with 37.4% of its population born overseas and 33.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Rocklea - Acacia Ridge is Christianity, which makes up 42.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 9.8% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rocklea - Acacia Ridge are English, comprising 21.2% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 19.8% of the population, and Other, comprising 18.7% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 1.4% of Rocklea - Acacia Ridge (vs 0.9% regionally), Spanish at 0.8% (vs 0.4%) and Vietnamese at 2.2% (vs 0.8%).

Rocklea - Acacia Ridge hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

With a median age of 34, Rocklea - Acacia Ridge is slightly younger than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and is substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Rocklea - Acacia Ridge has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (16.8%) but fewer 15 - 24 year-olds (12.0%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 14.1% to 14.8% of the population. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 18.0% to 16.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rocklea - Acacia Ridge. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 18%, adding 215 residents to reach 1,433. Demographic aging continues as residents 65 and older represent 57% of anticipated growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.