Rockhampton City

Rockhampton City is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, Rockhampton City's population is estimated at around 2,108, reflecting an increase of 49 people since the 2021 Census. The population was reported as 2,059 in 2021. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,057 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 810 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed about 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered 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 in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth of national non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, Rockhampton City is expected to increase by 102 persons, reflecting an overall increase of approximately 2.0% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Rockhampton City, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Rockhampton City has received approximately 13 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling about 65 homes. No approvals have been recorded so far in FY-2026. The area's population decline has resulted in adequate housing supply relative to demand, leading to a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average construction cost of new homes is $393,000, reflecting more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $44.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Rockhampton City has 63.0% more building activity per person. New building activity comprises 12.0% detached houses and 88.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Rockhampton City has a low density area with around 255 people per approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Rockhampton City is expected to grow by 42 residents through to 2041, with current construction levels likely meeting demand and creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Looking ahead, Rockhampton City is expected to grow by 42 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Rockhampton City has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, Rockhampton Ring Road, Browne Park Redevelopment, and Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case. The following list details projects most relevant to the area.

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.

Employment conditions in Rockhampton City face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Rockhampton City has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 22.8%, higher than the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction, particularly notable in accommodation & food at twice the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.8% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. In the year ending June 2025, labour force increased by 4.9%, while employment declined by 4.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 7.3 percentage points.

This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rockhampton City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on Sep-22 forecasts.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

Rockhampton City's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $46,955, while the average income stood at $60,887. This is below the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 for Rest of Qld respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,524 (median) and $69,405 (average), based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99%. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Rockhampton City fall between the 8th and 16th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 26.8% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 564 residents, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally.

Rockhampton City displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rockhampton City's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 62.3% houses and 37.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockhampton City stood at 23.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.6% and rented ones at 54.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Rockhampton City's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 vs the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rockhampton City features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 51.0% of all households, including 11.2% couples with children, 20.6% couples without children, and 16.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 49.0%, with lone person households at 43.5% and group households making up 5.4%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Rockhampton City faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 18.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.6%) and certificates (28.8%). Educational participation is high at 25.5%, comprising primary education (7.6%), secondary education (6.1%), and tertiary education (5.8%).

Rockhampton Special School serves the area with an enrollment of 105 students, and the region has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 926). All schools offer integrated K-12 education for academic continuity. Local school capacity is limited at 5.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.6, leading many families to seek schooling in nearby areas.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Rockhampton City is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Rockhampton City faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 51%, covering about 1,082 people, which is slightly lower than the average SA2 area. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 12.1% and 10.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 56.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.7%, comprising 415 people, compared to the 18.5% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Rockhampton City ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rockhampton City had a cultural diversity below average, with 82.2% citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 50.3%. Hinduism was overrepresented at 2.0%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (6.8%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 5.1%. Filipino (1.8%) and Spanish (0.5%) also showed higher representation than the regional averages of 1.0% and 0.2%, respectively.

Rockhampton City hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Rockhampton City is 42 years, close to Rest of Queensland's average of 41 and above Australia's median of 38. Compared to Rest of Queensland, the 25-34 cohort is over-represented at 16.8% locally while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.3%. From the 2021 Census to present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 15.3% to 16.8%, and the 0-4 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.2%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 13.7% to 11.1%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.9% to 12.4%. Population forecasts for Rockhampton City in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 56 people (16%) from 354 to 411, while the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.