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

Rosewood's population, as of May 2026, is around 17,047. This figure reflects a growth of 2,830 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,217. The increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 16,825 in June 2025 and an additional 548 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 25 persons per square kilometer. Rosewood's growth rate of 19.9% since the 2021 census exceeds both national (9.3%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader regionally. Interstate migration contributed approximately 81.1% to overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, demographic trends predict exceptional growth for Rosewood, placing it in the top 10 percent of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. The area is expected to grow by 23,164 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 134.6% over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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 approximately 206 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,033 homes were approved, with an additional 92 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 2.5 new residents per year, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $298,000. This financial year, commercial development approvals totaled $39.0 million, reflecting high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rosewood has 58.0% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. The new building activity comprises 98.0% detached houses and 2.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. With around 64 people per dwelling approval, Rosewood exhibits growth area characteristics.

Population forecasts indicate that Rosewood will gain approximately 22,942 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Rosewood has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 83 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include South East Queensland Intermodal Terminal Capacity, Ebenezer Regional Industrial Area, Dawn Walloon, and Western Ipswich Bypass Proposal. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.9% as of December 2025. This is 0.3% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 8.0%. As of December 2025, there are 7,901 employed residents in Rosewood. The workforce participation rate is significantly lower at 59.4%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, only 13.1% of residents work from home.

Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Rosewood shows strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.0%, while labour force grew by 7.3%, resulting in a decrease in unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2% and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, applying these projections to Rosewood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.5% over ten years.

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 financial year 2023 shows that Rosewood SA2 has an income median of $57,423 and an average income of $65,679. This is below the national averages of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799 in Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $63,946 (median) and $73,140 (average). Census 2021 income data ranks Rosewood's household, family, and personal incomes modestly, between the 40th and 40th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 33.9% of individuals in Rosewood earn between $1,500 - 2,999, aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 33.3%. After housing expenses, 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

Rosewood's dwellings, as per the latest Census findings, consisted of 95.0% houses and 4.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro, in comparison, had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rosewood stood at 33.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.4% and rented ones at 26.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,600, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Rosewood was $300, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Rosewood's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,600 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.3% of all households, including 31.6% couples with children, 30.8% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 24.7%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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's university qualification rate is 12.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.1%) and certificates (34.2%). Educational participation is 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

Rosewood has 24 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 36 different routes, facilitating 1,062 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 1563 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward using cars, which remain the dominant mode at 91%. Each dwelling owns an average of 1.9 vehicles, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 13.1% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 151 trips per day, equating to about 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

Rosewood faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, both younger and older age cohorts have high prevalence of common health conditions.

Private health cover is slightly lower than average at approximately 52% of Rosewood's total population (~8,847 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (10.2%) and arthritis (9.9%), with 63.1% reporting no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents face substantial health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Rosewood has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.1%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average. Its population is predominantly citizens, with 82.8% being so, and 90.1% born in Australia. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6%.

Christianity is the prevailing religion, accounting for 52.5%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (32.4%), English (30.6%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, German ancestry is higher in Rosewood at 7.3% compared to the regional average of 4.2%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry is also higher at 3.7%, versus 2.1%. Dutch ancestry stands at 1.4%, slightly above the regional average of 1.2%.

Rosewood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Rosewood has a median age of 38 years, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The population aged 65-74 is strongly represented at 10.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent in Rosewood at 13.2%. Between 2021 and the present day, the proportion of people aged 75-84 has grown from 4.6% to 6.0%. During this period, the 15-24 age group declined from 14.3% to 13.1%, while the 45-54 age group decreased from 13.4% to 12.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Rosewood's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 158%, increasing from 2,110 people to 5,442.