Rockdale

An assessment of population growth drivers in Rockdale reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, Rockdale's estimated population is around 18,223. This reflects an increase of 2,748 people (17.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,475. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 18,213 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 178 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 7,377 persons per square kilometer, placing Rockdale in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 88.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, primarily driving growth in the suburb. AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb until 2041, with Rockdale expected to grow by 2,699 persons over this period, reflecting a total increase of 14.8%.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Rockdale among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Rockdale recorded around 75 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 378 homes were approved, with an additional 24 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 3.5 people moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $410,000. This year, Rockdale has registered $8.4 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Rockdale records 19.0% less building activity per person but ranks among the 73rd percentile nationally for development activity. Recent construction comprises 15.0% standalone homes and 85.0% medium and high-density housing, appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

With around 172 people per approval, Rockdale reflects a developing area with projected population growth of 2,689 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining reasonable growth, though increasing competition among buyers may arise as the population grows.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 51 projects that could affect the area. Notable projects include Fox Lane Rockdale, 588-592 Princes Highway Mixed-Use Development, Rockdale Community and Cultural Centre, and 570 Princes Highway Co-Living Development. 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.

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

Rockdale has a highly educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. Its unemployment rate is 2.5%, lower than the national average. In the past year, employment grew by an estimated 5.6%.

As of December 2025, 12,354 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.7% below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Rockdale is 78.9%, higher than Greater Sydney's 68.8%. According to Census responses, 30.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food, with a notable concentration in the latter at 1.9 times the regional average.

However, education & training is under-represented, comprising only 5.5% of Rockdale's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.9%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.6%, while the labour force also grew by 5.6% with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rockdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Rockdale suburb has a median taxpayer income of $50,329 and an average income of $63,671, according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This is below the national average, which stands at a median income of $60,817 and an average income of $83,003 in Greater Sydney. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates project approximately $55,523 (median) and $70,242 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates that incomes in Rockdale cluster around the 54th percentile nationally, with the predominant cohort spanning 37.9% of locals (6,906 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This pattern is similar to the surrounding region where 30.9% occupy this range. High housing costs consume 19.1% of income, however strong earnings place disposable income at the 56th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Rockdale features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rockdale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 24.4% houses and 75.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockdale was at 23.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.3% and rented ones at 48.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,167, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $460, slightly higher than Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Rockdale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,167 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rockdale features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 66.6% of all households, including 28.4% couples with children, 26.9% couples without children, and 9.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 9.7%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Rockdale's educational attainment significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 42.1% hold university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.5%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 25.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 13.1% and certificates at 12.3%.

Educational participation is notably high in Rockdale, with 31.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.1% in tertiary education, 6.4% in primary education, and 4.5% pursuing secondary education.

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

Rockdale has 87 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 29 routes facilitating 6,447 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents on average 113 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode at 48%, followed by train at 35% and bus at 10%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.7 per dwelling, below the regional norm.

In 2021 Census data (possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions), 30.6% of residents worked from home. Service frequency across all routes averaged 921 trips daily, equating to roughly 74 weekly trips per stop.

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

Rockdale's health outcomes show impressive results according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 52% of the total population (~9,499 people), leading the average SA2 area rate but trailing Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Rockdale are arthritis (4.7%) and asthma (4.2%). A majority of residents (81.5%), compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney, report being completely clear of medical ailments. Rockdale has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 11.9% (2,168 people) than Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors in Rockdale align with national rankings similar to those of the general population.

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

Rockdale has high cultural diversity, with 70.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 64.6% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 39.2%. Hinduism is overrepresented at 19.6%, higher than Greater Sydney's average of 5.2%.

Top ancestry groups are Other at 34.5%, Chinese at 11.6%, and Australian at 8.5%. Notably, Macedonian (5.4%), Spanish (1.0%), and Russian (0.9%) groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Rockdale hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Rockdale's median age is 33, which is lower than Greater Sydney's figure of 37 and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Rockdale has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (26.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.6%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population share of those aged 15-24 has increased from 13.2% to 15.1%, while the 25-34 age group has risen from 24.9% to 26.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 7.8% to 6.8%. By 2041, Rockdale's population is projected to undergo substantial demographic changes. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow significantly by 33%, adding 557 residents and reaching a total of 2,234. Meanwhile, the 0-4 age cohort is forecasted to grow modestly by 3% (an increase of 28 people).