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 is 5,229 as of Aug 2025. This is an increase of 311 people from the 2021 Census figure of 4,918. The estimated resident population of 5,180 in June 2024 and 42 validated new addresses since the Census date indicate this growth. This results in a density ratio of 548 persons per square kilometer. White Rock's growth rate of 6.3% since the census is close to the SA3 area's 7.2%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 52.1% of population gains recently, with other factors also positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts. By 2041, the population is projected to increase by 1,324 persons, a total rise 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. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25120 dwellings were approved. In FY-26, 11 dwellings have been recorded so far.

On average, 2.3 people per new home constructed have moved to the area over these five financial years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $403,000, which is below regional norms, offering more affordable housing options for purchasers. This financial year, $635,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, White Rock has had slightly more development activity, with a 35.0% increase above the regional average per person over the five-year period.

This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development consists of 52.0% detached dwellings and 48.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges. This marks a significant departure from the current housing pattern, which is 74.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 270 people per dwelling approval, White Rock shows a developing market. Future projections indicate that White Rock will add approximately 1,275 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects that may affect the area. Notable ones include Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre, Kowinka Village - Commercial Retail & Office Complex, Woree Social and Affordable Housing Precinct. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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. Essential services sectors are well represented.

The unemployment rate is 6.4%. As of June 2025, 2,403 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 56.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Residents are concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors.

Retail trade has particularly high employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between Jun-24 and Jun-25, labour force decreased by 1.5%, while employment dropped by 3.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and labour force expansion of 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2%. State-level data to Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, compared to national unemployment of 4.5% and national employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific projections suggesting local White Rock 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows White Rock had a median taxpayer income of $46,521 and an average income of $53,673. Nationally, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. By March 2025, estimates suggest the median will be approximately $51,969 and the average around $59,958, factoring in a 11.71% increase since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census ranks White Rock's incomes modestly, between the 27th and 28th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals 36.4% of White Rock residents (1,903 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in White Rock, 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

White Rock's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 74.2% houses and 25.8% other dwellings. Non-Metro Qld had 68.4% houses and 31.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in White Rock was 24.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.4% and rented ones at 38.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,343, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in White Rock was $340, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $315. Nationally, White Rock's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,343 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were less at $340 vs the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 30.9%, with lone person households at 27.1% and group households making up 4.0% of the total. 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 a challenge and an opportunity 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 at 33.2%, including primary education (13.1%), secondary education (10.1%), and tertiary education (3.1%). Educational institutions include Trinity Anglican School and White Rock State School, serving a total of 1,656 students. White Rock State School has an ICSEA score of 966, indicating typical Australian school conditions with balanced educational opportunities. The area's school capacity exceeds residential needs at 31.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 22.5, suggesting it serves as an educational hub 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 operating in White Rock. These are a mix of bus stops serviced by two routes, offering 352 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents usually located 263 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 50 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 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. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent throughout the population but are slightly more common among older age cohorts. Approximately 47% (~2,457 people) have private health cover, compared to Rest of Qld's 50.1%, and the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 7.8% each of residents. However, 68.2% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 71.7%. As of the latest data (2021), 16.5% (~863 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for 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, making up 51.6% of people there. However, the most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 1.0% of the population compared to 1.5% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (23.0%), English (22.3%), and Other (15.4%). There were also notable divergences in certain other ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 10.2% compared to 6.7% regionally, New Zealand at 1.2% versus 0.8%, and Samoan at 0.5% versus 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, individuals aged 25-34 are notably over-represented in White Rock at 14.4%, while those aged 55-64 are under-represented at 10.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 13.1% to 14.4%, while the proportion of those aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 9.9% to 9.1%. Demographic projections suggest that White Rock's age profile will significantly change by 2041. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 44%, adding 331 residents to reach a total of 1,087. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group is expected to grow by 5%, with an increase of 36 residents.