Rochedale South

Rochedale South has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Rochedale South is around 15,912, reflecting an increase of 684 people since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 4.5% rise from the previous population count of 15,228. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 15,887, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,566 persons per square kilometer, placing Rochedale South in the upper quartile relative to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 4.5% growth since the census is within 1.9 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 6.4%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Natural growth contributed approximately 51.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in Rochedale South.

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, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Looking ahead, lower quartile growth is anticipated nationally, with Rochedale South expected to increase by 82 persons to reach a total population of approximately 16,094 by 2041, reflecting a gain of 0.3% in total over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Rochedale South according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Rochedale South experienced around 48 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 242 homes. As of FY-26, 6 approvals have been recorded. The average population increase for each dwelling built in the area between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.2 people per year. New construction has matched or outpaced demand, offering buyers more options while enabling population growth that could exceed current expectations.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $631,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, there have been $40.9 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rochedale South maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

Nationally, the level is lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 81.0% detached houses and 19.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 494 people per dwelling approval, Rochedale South shows a developed market. Population forecasts indicate Rochedale South will gain 48 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Rochedale South 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 has identified 26 projects that may impact the region. Key initiatives include 319 Gardner Road Townhouses Stage 3566 Underwood Road Mixed Development, Springwood Health Hub, and Daisy Hill Koala Conservation Trails. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Rochedale South performing better than 85% of local markets assessed across Australia

Rochedale South has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 2.0%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Employment growth over the past year, up to September 2025, was estimated at 2.7%.

As of this date, 9,155 residents are employed while workforce participation stands at 73.2%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. Home-based workers comprise a moderate 17.7% of the population, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and construction. Notably, education & training has an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 7.3% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data comparing working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 2.7%, labour force grew by 1.9%, leading to a 0.8 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded higher growth rates across these metrics. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rochedale South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

The suburb of Rochedale South had a median taxpayer income of $54,610 and an average income of $68,791 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is slightly above the national average for that period. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799 during the same time. Based on Wage Price Index growth figures, current estimates suggest the median income in Rochedale South would be approximately $60,022 and the average income around $75,608 by September 2025. Census data indicates that incomes in Rochedale South cluster around the 58th percentile nationally. Examining income distribution, the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is dominant with 37.3% of residents (5,935 people), which is similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort represents 33.3%. After housing costs, 85.1% of income remains for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Rochedale South is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Rochedale South's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.4% houses and 11.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metropolitan area had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rochedale South was at 30.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 47.0% and rented ones at 23.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, lower than Brisbane's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Rochedale South was $395, compared to Brisbane's $380 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Rochedale South's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded it.

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

Family households constitute 78.8% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 26.5% couples without children, and 12.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 21.2%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households at 2.6%. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Rochedale South exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Rochedale South is notable with 27.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 16.2% in the broader SA4 region and 20.6% in the SA3 area. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 36.8% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas being 11.9% and certificates 24.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rochedale South has 77 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 241 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated highly, with residents on average located just 197 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 88% of residents, while 8% use buses. On average, there are 1.6 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census, 17.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, resulting in roughly three weekly trips per individual stop.

Rochedale South's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Rochedale South residents have shown positive health outcomes according to AreaSearch's analysis.

Mortality rates and health conditions were found to be largely in line with national benchmarks. Common health conditions were seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. Private health cover was high, with approximately 54% of the total population (~8,665 people). The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (8.4%) and asthma (8.3%). A majority of residents, 69.6%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population were typical. The area has a higher percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.0% (2,705 people), compared to 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings largely in line with the general population.

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

Rochedale South had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 27.4% of its population born overseas and 19.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Rochedale South, comprising 52.1% of people there, compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane for Other religions. The top three ancestry groups were English (25.5%), Australian (23.6%), and Other (10.1%).

Notably, New Zealanders made up 1.4%, Koreans 1.5%, and Maori 1.3% of Rochedale South's population, higher than their regional percentages of 1.0%, 0.5%, and 1.1% respectively.

Rochedale South's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Rochedale South has a median age of 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The age group of 75-84 years shows strong representation at 6.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's figure. However, the 25-34 age cohort is less prevalent in Rochedale South at 10.6%. Between 2021 and the present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.0% to 6.9% of the population, while the 15-24 age group increased from 11.4% to 12.9%. Conversely, the 25-34 age cohort has declined from 12.5% to 10.6%, and the 65-74 age group dropped from 9.4% to 8.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Rochedale South's age structure. The 85+ age group is expected to grow by 151% (480 people), reaching a total of 799 from the current figure of 318. This growth reflects an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 65% of projected growth. Conversely, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.