Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
Population
Rasmussen has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Rasmussen's population is estimated at around 4,940 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 271 people (5.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,669 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,817 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 172 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 894 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rasmussen's 5.8% growth since census positions it within 1.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate 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. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the Rasmussen statistical area (Lv2) expected to grow by 625 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.9% in total over the 17 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
Recent residential development output has been above average within Rasmussen when compared nationally
AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates approximately 17 residential properties granted approval annually in Rasmussen. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 89 homes were approved, with an additional 48 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 1.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand. However, this ratio has moderated to 1.4 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, indicating an improved balance.
New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $332,000, aligning with regional patterns. This year, $5.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Rasmussen has 12.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 83rd percentile nationally.
Building activity has accelerated recently, with new development consisting of 79.0% detached dwellings and 21.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature. Rasmussen has around 122 people per dwelling approval, further emphasizing its low density characteristics. By 2041, Rasmussen is projected to grow by approximately 540 residents, with construction maintaining a reasonable pace to accommodate this growth, although increasing competition among buyers can be expected as the population rises.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Infrastructure
Rasmussen has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified twelve projects likely impacting the region. Notable projects comprise Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension, Somers & Hervey Estate, Riverstone Estate, and River Parks Estate. The following details projects expected to be most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK)
The North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK) is a high-tech simulation innovation hub and technology-oriented collaborative precinct. It features the Advanced Environmental Simulation Facility (AESF) designed to support defence, health, medical, science, and emergency response industries with immersive training, research, and operational test and evaluation capabilities. Stage 1 includes an agile command and control laboratory and high-performance computing systems.
Riverway Plaza Stage 2 Extension
The Stage 2 expansion of Riverway Plaza is a major retail development in the Upper Ross growth corridor of Townsville. The project delivers a new 3,585 sqm full-line Coles supermarket, approximately 30-35 specialty stores, and a 650 sqm Snap Fitness gym on the first floor. Infrastructure improvements include the city's first retail basement car park with 140 spaces, a travelator, and an additional 64 shaded surface parking bays. The expansion also features a 300kW rooftop solar system and enhanced public amenities, completing the transition of the site into a comprehensive district retail hub following the 2021 Woolworths Stage 1 upgrade.
River Parks Estate
River Parks is a master-planned residential community spanning 72 hectares in Kelso, designed for families and young professionals. The development features approximately 1000 homes, two major parks, 2.3 kilometers of walking and cycling pathways, a planned convenience center, childcare center, and village with shops and cafe. Located 20km southwest of Townsville CBD with easy access to the Ross River.
Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant Pipeline Renewal
Renewal and duplication of a 9.5km pipeline connecting Ross River Dam to Douglas Water Treatment Plant, enhancing resilience and water security for Townsville, which supplies approximately 85% of the city's water.
Douglas Water Treatment Plant Clarifiers Upgrade
The project involved the installation of two new clarifiers at the Douglas Water Treatment Plant to double the number of clarifiers, enhancing water treatment capacity during tropical weather events and providing additional water security for Townsvilles growing population. The new infrastructure treats 950 litres per second through Module 3 and 1100 litres per second through Module 4.
Riverstone Estate
Riverstone Estate is a 271-hectare masterplanned residential community located in the Townsville growth corridor. The project is being delivered in multiple phases and will ultimately provide approximately 1,500 new homes for over 5,000 residents. Key features include a future retail hub, a P-6 primary school, childcare facilities, a medical center, and extensive recreational infrastructure such as riverside walkways along the Bohle River and 128 hectares of open green space.
First Nations Social Housing Project (Rasmussen)
Construction is underway on 24 new social homes at 1145 Riverway Drive, Rasmussen. The project is being delivered by Yumba-Meta Limited with Queensland Government support as part of a broader pipeline of social and community housing across North Queensland. Units are intended to meet Social Housing Design guidelines and accessibility standards. Public statements indicate completion is targeted for late 2025.
Limestone Estate
Boutique residential subdivision in Condon (Townsville) delivering 54 land lots near schools, shops and Riverway. Development by Centurion Global; estate reported sold out after staged releases.
Employment
AreaSearch assessment indicates Rasmussen faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets
Rasmussen's workforce spans white and blue collar jobs with prominent essential services sectors. As of September 2025, the unemployment rate was 11.3%, calculated from AreaSearch aggregated statistical area data.
At this time, 2,022 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 7.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Rasmussen was on par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and retail trade. Notably, the area showed strong specialization in public administration & safety, employing 2.4 times more workers than the regional level.
Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The predominantly residential area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the Census working population versus resident population count. In the preceding 12 months, labour force decreased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 2.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 2.3 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 provided further insight into potential future demand within Rasmussen. These projections estimated national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Rasmussen's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this was a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and did not account for localized population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Rasmussen is below national average. Median assessed income is $54,930 and average income stands at $61,546. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Rasmussen would be approximately $60,374 (median) and $67,645 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Rasmussen rank modestly, between the 30th and 32nd percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 35.0% of locals (1,729 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to metropolitan region's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rasmussen, with only 83.9% of income remaining, ranking at the 30th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Rasmussen is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
In Rasmussen, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.9% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 11.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's composition of 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rasmussen stood at 19.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 36.6% and rented ones at 44.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,343, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Rasmussen was $263, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Rasmussen's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,343 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Rasmussen features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 73.4% of all households, including couples with children at 28.3%, couples without children at 24.9%, and single parent families at 19.1%. Non-family households account for 26.6%, with lone person households at 22.3% and group households comprising 4.2% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Rasmussen faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 11.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (34.0%). Educational participation is high, with 33.1% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 13.4% in primary, 9.6% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.
Educational participation is notably high, with 33.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.4% in primary education, 9.6% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
The analysis of public transport in Rasmussen shows that there are 16 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 241 weekly passenger trips provided collectively by these routes. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 376 meters away from the nearest transport stop.
On average, there are 34 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 15 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Rasmussen is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts
Rasmussen faces significant health challenges, with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to averages. This is particularly true for older age groups.
Approximately 52% (~2,548 people) have private health cover, lower than the Rest of Qld's 53.9%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 10.6% and 8.6% of residents respectively. Around 65.2% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 67.8% in Rest of Qld. The area has 12.3% (607 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the Rest of Qld's 14.9%. While this is true, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Rasmussen is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Rasmussen's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 88.0% of its population being Australian citizens and 89.6% born in Australia. A majority, 94.5%, spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 47.8% of Rasmussen's population.
However, the most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 0.7%. In terms of ancestry, Australians topped the list at 27.8%, followed by English at 27.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 10.3%, which was significantly higher than the regional average of 5.0%. Divergences were also noted in Maori representation at 0.8% (vs regional 0.5%), Maltese at 0.4% (vs 0.3%), and Samoan at 0.1% (vs 0.1%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Rasmussen hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide
Rasmussen's median age in 2021 was 31 years, which is younger than Rest of Qld's 41 and considerably younger than the national average of 38 years. The age group of 25-34 years had a strong representation at 17.9% compared to Rest of Qld, while the 65-74 cohort was less prevalent at 7.3%. Between 2021 and the present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 15.2% to 17.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 15.9% to 13.9%, and the 45 to 54 age group dropped from 12.3% to 10.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rasmussen. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 304 people (34%) from 884 to 1,189. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts.