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 November 2025, the population of the Rochedale statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 9,997 people. This reflects an increase of 2,364 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,633 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 9,825 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 574 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 650 persons per square kilometer. The Rochedale (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 31.0% since the 2021 census, exceeding both the SA3 area's 9.6% and the national average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 55.00000000000001% of overall population gains during recent periods in Rochedale (SA2).

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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort when utilised. Considering projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase is forecasted for Rochedale (SA2), with an expected growth of 3,739 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 27.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 approximately 260 residential properties approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 1,303 homes were approved, with an additional 55 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling accommodated about 2 new residents per year over these five years.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $530,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment. This year, Rochedale has seen $162.6 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rochedale exhibits 424.0% higher development activity per person. Recent construction trends show 45.0% standalone homes and 55.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current 92.0% houses pattern, suggesting changing housing preferences and affordability needs. The area has approximately 32 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. By 2041, Rochedale is projected to grow by 2,733 residents. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Looking ahead, Rochedale is expected to grow by 2,733 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects that could impact the area. Notable 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 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.

Rochedale ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Rochedale has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.3% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year.

There were 4,931 residents in work at this time, and the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation was high at 71.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, professional & technical services, and retail trade. Notably, employment levels in professional & technical services are 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 7.0%. Analysis of SALM and ABS data indicates that over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 0.6%, while labour force increased by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch reports that Rochedale had a median taxpayer income of $56,179 and an average income of $77,038 in the financial year 2023. Nationally, these figures were $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes are approximately $61,746 and $84,672 based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census places Rochedale's household, family, and personal incomes between the 76th and 90th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 32.1% of Rochedale residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (3,209 individuals), similar to the regional figure of 33.3%. Notably, 40.0% of the district earns over $3,000 per week. High housing costs consume 18.4% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 87th percentile nationally. The area'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. In comparison, Brisbane metro had 74.0% houses and 26.0% 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 $2,100. Median weekly rent in Rochedale was $600, compared to Brisbane metro's $420. 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 comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 3.3 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

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+ having university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 34.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.8%. Vocational pathways account for 19.1% of qualifications, 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, operating from March 2023. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totalling 30 individual routes. As of this month, these routes collectively provide 3,594 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 359 meters from the nearest transport stop. Service frequency averages 513 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 85 weekly trips per individual 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 data shows exceptional results across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 58% (~5771 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 52.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (4.1%) and mental health issues (3.5%), while 86.6% report being completely free of medical ailments, higher than Greater Brisbane's 75.7%. Rochedale has 8.6% (859 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Greater Brisbane's 14.3%. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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 Australia, 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, accounting for 35.1% of the population. However, Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 5.8% compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 4.5%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese residents make up 34.4%, which is significantly higher than the regional average of 15.2%. English ancestry is less prevalent in Rochedale at 12.7%, compared to the regional average of 19.2%. Other ancestries account for 12.2% of Rochedale's population. Notable differences exist in the representation of Korean, Indian, and Sri Lankan ethnic groups: Koreans make up 4.6% (regional average is 2.6%), Indians 7.3% (vs regional 4.5%), and Sri Lankans 0.7% (vs regional 0.5%).

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

Rochedale's median age is 33 years, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rochedale has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (23.1%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (6.9%). This concentration of 35-44 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.2%. According to post-2021 Census data, Rochedale's population has shifted with the 35-44 age group growing from 20.8% to 23.1%, and the 45-54 cohort increasing from 9.9% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group declined from 18.1% to 14.6%, and the 0-4 age group dropped from 9.2% to 7.8%. Demographic modeling indicates Rochedale's age profile will significantly change by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 cohort (63%), adding 708 residents to reach a total of 1,838. Meanwhile, numbers in the 25-34 age range are expected to decrease by 47%.