Rosewood

Rosewood lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rosewood's population is around 16,683 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 2,466 people (17.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,217 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,987 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 777 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 24 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Rosewood's 17.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 78.3% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, exceptional growth, placing in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, is predicted over the period, with the area expected to grow by 23,200 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 134.9% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Rosewood was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Rosewood has seen around 206 new homes approved each year, with 1,033 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 65 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.5 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $298,000. Additionally, $39.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Rosewood has 60.0% more building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice. This activity is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. New building activity shows 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 64 people per dwelling approval, Rosewood shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Rosewood will gain 22,504 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Rosewood has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 84 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the South East Queensland Intermodal Terminal Capacity, Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area, Dawn Walloon, and Western Ipswich Bypass Proposal, 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 analysis indicates Rosewood maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Rosewood features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.9%, and 8.0% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,901 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.3% below Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (62.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 13.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 4.5% versus the regional average of 8.9%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.0% while the labour force increased by 7.3%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, and unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rosewood. 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 Rosewood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% 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 align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Rosewood SA2 is just below the national average, with the median assessed at $57,423 while the average income stands at $65,679. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $63,114 (median) and $72,188 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Rosewood, between the 40th and 40th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.9% of the community (5,655 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. After housing, 85.5% of income remains for other expenses.

Rosewood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Rosewood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.0% houses and 4.9% 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 Rosewood was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 33.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.4%) or rented (26.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,600, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Rosewood's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rosewood has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 75.3% of all households, comprising 31.6% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Rosewood fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (12.2%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (34.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 35.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.5% in primary education, 11.2% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 24 active transport stops operating within Rosewood, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 36 individual routes, collectively providing 1,062 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1563 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 91%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 13.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 151 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 44 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rosewood is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Rosewood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover slightly lags the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~8,658 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.2% and 9.9% of residents, respectively, while 63.1% 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 18.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,106 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Rosewood placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rosewood was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 82.8% of its population being citizens, 90.1% born in Australia, and 97.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rosewood is Christianity, which makes up 52.5% of people in Rosewood, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rosewood are Australian, comprising 32.4% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 23.2%, English, comprising 30.6% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.3% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 7.3% of Rosewood (vs 4.2% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.7% (vs 2.1%) and Dutch at 1.4% (vs 1.2%).

Rosewood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 38, Rosewood is slightly older than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36, though equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age group shows strong representation at 10.5% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.2%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 4.6% to 6.4% of the population. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 12.8% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 13.5% to 12.2%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Rosewood's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 156% (3,322 people), reaching 5,446 from 2,123.