White Rock
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in White Rock are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

White Rock's population was around 5,226 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a growth of 308 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,918. The increase is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5,180 in June 2024 and an additional 41 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 548 persons per square kilometer. White Rock's growth rate of 6.3% since the census is within 1.5 percentage points of its SA4 region, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.1% to recent population gains, though all drivers were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. By 2041, the population is projected to increase by 1,324 persons, a total increase of 24.4% over 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees White Rock recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

White Rock has averaged approximately 24 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 120 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.3 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25. The average construction cost value for these dwellings was approximately $337,000, aligning with broader regional development trends.

This financial year has seen $635,000 in commercial approvals registered, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, White Rock has experienced slightly more development, at 35.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This increased activity supports existing property values while maintaining good buyer choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

The new development composition is approximately 52.0% detached dwellings and 48.0% attached dwellings, reflecting an increasing blend of attached housing types to cater to various price ranges and lifestyle preferences. This shift marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which are currently dominated by houses at 74.0%. With around 270 people per dwelling approval, White Rock indicates a developing market. Future projections suggest that White Rock will add approximately 1,278 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

White Rock has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 41stth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre, Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct, Kowinka Village - Commercial Retail & Office Complex, and Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in White Rock are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

White Rock has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 6.4%.

As of this date, 2,403 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was lower at 56.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services. Retail trade has a notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 1.5%, while employment decreased by 3.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8% and labour force expanded by 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to White Rock's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.1% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2022, White Rock had a median income among taxpayers of $46,521 with the average level standing at $53,673. This is lower than the national average and compares to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $53,029 (median) and $61,182 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in White Rock, between the 27th and 28th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 36.4% of the population (1,902 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 26th percentile.

White Rock is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

In White Rock, as per the latest Census evaluation, 74.2% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 25.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types of dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in White Rock stood at 24.4%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's rate. The majority of dwellings were mortgaged (37.4%) or rented (38.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,343, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and Australia's national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure for White Rock was $340, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $315 but lower than the national average of $375.

White Rock features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.1% of all households, including 24.6% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 16.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.5%) and certificates (33.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 10.1% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools: Trinity Anglican School and White Rock State School, serving a total of 1,656 students. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 966) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 31.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 22.5, indicating that the area serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis shows 18 active stops in White Rock serving mixed bus services. These stops are covered by two routes offering a total of 352 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good with residents typically located 263 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 50 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in White Rock is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

White Rock faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,456 people), compared to 50.1% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% and 7.8% of residents respectively, while 68.2% report having no medical ailments compared to 71.7% in the rest of Queensland.

As of 2021, 16.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (863 people). Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in White Rock was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

White Rock's cultural diversity was found to be above average, with 19.7% of its population born overseas and 15.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in White Rock, comprising 51.6% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, which made up 1.0% of White Rock's population compared to 1.5% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian at 23.0%, English at 22.3%, and Other at 15.4%. There were also notable divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 10.2% (vs regional 6.7%), New Zealand at 1.2% (vs regional 0.8%), and Samoan at 0.5% (vs regional 0.3%).

White Rock's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

White Rock's median age is 37 years, which is significantly lower than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, White Rock has an over-representation of the 25-34 cohort at 14.4% locally, while the 55-64 year-olds are under-represented at 10.0%. Following the Census in 2021, the 25 to 34 age group increased from 13.1% to 14.4%, and the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 9.9% to 9.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests White Rock's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 44%, adding 331 residents to reach 1,087. The 5 to 14 group is expected to grow by 5%, with an increase of 36 residents.