Rochedale

Rochedale lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of May 2026, Rochedale's population is estimated at around 10,771, reflecting an increase of 3,138 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 7,633 in the suburb. This growth represents a 41.1% increase compared to the national average of 9.3%. AreaSearch estimated Rochedale's resident population at 10,491 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025), with an additional 661 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this figure. The population density ratio is approximately 700 persons per square kilometer, in line with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of Rochedale's population growth was interstate migration, accounting for approximately 55% of overall population gains during recent periods.

Other factors such as overseas migration and natural growth also contributed positively to the increase. 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; therefore, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, Rochedale is expected to grow exceptionally, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australian statistical areas by 2041. Aggregated SA2-level projections indicate a population increase of 4,623 persons over this period, reflecting a total gain of 40.3%.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Rochedale recorded around 260 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 1,303 homes were approved, with a further 106 approved in FY-26 so far. Over the past five financial years, an average of three new residents per year was associated with each home built.

This indicates strong demand outstripping supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is $530,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $162.6 million, reflecting robust commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rochedale exhibits 384.0% higher development activity per person. This high level of activity is well above the national average and signifies strong developer confidence in the area. Recent construction comprises 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 92.0% houses. This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

Rochedale has approximately 34 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. By 2041, AreaSearch estimates the location will grow by 4,343 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Rochedale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 31 infrastructure projects that could impact the area. Key ones include Shafston College Rochedale Campus Mixed-Use Development, Gardner Road Extension, Rochedale Terrace Masterplan, and Rochedale Road Ford Road Stormwater Project. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Rochedale performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Rochedale has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate was 2.1% as of December 2025, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%.

Of its residents, 71.7% were participating in the workforce, similar to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. A moderate 21.1% of residents worked from home as per Census responses. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Notably, professional & technical employment is at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Over the year ending December 2025, Rochedale's employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force grew by 5.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.2% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rochedale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.2% over five years and 14.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Rochedale had a median income among taxpayers of $56,179 and an average income of $77,038. These figures are higher than national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 for Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% from financial year ended June 2023 to March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $62,561 and average income $85,790 as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Rochedale rank highly nationally, between the 76th and 90th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. Income analysis reveals that 32.1% of individuals (3,457 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, similar to the regional average of 33.3%. The suburb demonstrates affluence with 40.0% earning over $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 87th percentile nationally. Rochedale's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Rochedale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.6% houses and 8.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rochedale was at 23.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.8% and rented ones at 21.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,600, higher than Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Rochedale was $600, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Rochedale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,600 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rochedale features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 87.7% of all households, including 56.5% couples with children, 21.4% couples without children, and 8.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 12.3%, with lone person households at 8.9% and group households at 3.4%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Rochedale shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Rochedale's educational attainment is notably high, with 56.0% of residents aged 15 years and above holding university qualifications. This compares favourably to Queensland's 25.7% and Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational pathways account for 19.1%, with advanced diplomas at 9.6% and certificates at 9.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 34.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.9% in primary education, 7.2% in secondary education, and 6.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rochedale has 42 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 30 different routes, offering a total of 3594 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 359 meters from the nearest stop. Most Rochedale residents commute outward daily, primarily using cars (86%), with buses accounting for 11%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling, exceeding the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 21.1% of Rochedale residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 513 trips per day, translating to about 85 weekly trips per stop.

Rochedale's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Rochedale's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Very low prevalence of common health conditions is seen across all age groups. Private health cover stands at approximately 58% of the total population, around 6,218 people. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 4.1 and 3.5% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 86.6%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Rochedale has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 10.1%, or 1,087 people, than the 15.1% seen in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are notably strong, aligning with national rankings similar to those of the general population.

Rochedale is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rochedale has one of the highest levels of cultural diversity in the country, with 64.2% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 58.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Rochedale, with 35.1% of people identifying as such, although Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 5.8%, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane. In terms of ancestry, Chinese is the most represented group in Rochedale, comprising 34.4% of the population, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 3.4%.

English ancestry makes up 12.7% of Rochedale's population, notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%. Other ancestry comprises 12.2% of the population. There are also notable divergences in the representation of Korean (4.6% vs 0.5%), Indian (7.3% vs 2.0%), and Sri Lankan (0.7% vs 0.2%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

Rochedale's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Rochedale has a median age of 34, which is slightly lower than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 and substantially below Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rochedale has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (22.3%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.3%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the proportion of residents aged 45 to 54 has increased from 9.9% to 11.5%, while those aged 35 to 44 have risen from 20.8% to 22.3%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has decreased from 18.1% to 13.3%, and those aged 0 to 4 have dropped from 9.2% to 7.0%. Population forecasts for Rochedale indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to grow significantly, adding 1,057 residents to reach a total of 2,296, while the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow modestly by 7% (an increase of 105 people).