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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the Rockhampton City statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 2,054 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 5 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,059 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,052, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 40 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 790 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023 based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, lower quartile growth of national non-metropolitan areas is anticipated. The Rockhampton City (SA2) is expected to increase by 102 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.7% in total 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 averaged around 12 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 60 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 16 recorded approvals. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $393,000. This year, there have been $44.2 million in commercial approvals, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Rockhampton City has 50.0% more building activity per person. Currently, new building activity consists of 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, reflecting decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Rockhampton City reflects a low density area with around 272 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the city is expected to grow by 96 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Rockhampton City has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include the Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, Browne Park Redevelopment, Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case (commenced April 2021), and Rockhampton Museum of Art (opened June 2020). 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.

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 September 2025, its unemployment rate is 21.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

In comparison, the Rest of Queensland (Qld) has an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Rockhampton City's workforce participation lags behind Qld at 52.0% compared to Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction sectors. Notably, accommodation & food employment levels are at 2.0 times the regional average while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.8% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12-month period ending September 2025, Rockhampton City's labour force increased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 5.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 5.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7% and the labour force grow by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by only 0.3 percentage points. Providing broader context, state-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Rockhampton City's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years. However, note that this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Rockhampton City's income level is below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The suburb's median income among taxpayers is $46,955 and the average income stands at $60,887. In comparison, Rest of Qld's median and average incomes are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $51,608 (median) and $66,921 (average). Census data indicates that Rockhampton City's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 8th and 16th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 26.8% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 550 residents, differing from broader area patterns where $1,500 - $2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rockhampton City, with only 82.9% of income remaining, 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

In Rockhampton City, as per the latest Census evaluation, 62.3% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 37.7% being semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 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 in Rockhampton City was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, Rockhampton City's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 49.0%, with lone person households at 43.5% and group households comprising 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 - advanced diplomas at 7.6% and certificates at 28.8%. Educational participation is high, with 25.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 7.6% in primary education, 6.1% in secondary education, and 5.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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 residents. Approximately 51% (~1,054 people) have private health cover, lower than the 53.7% across the rest of Queensland.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, impacting 12.1 and 10.7% of residents respectively. Around 56.6% declare themselves free from medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.7% (404 people), compared to 18.5% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 82.2% of its population being citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 50.3% of the population. Hinduism is notably overrepresented at 2.0%, compared to 0.8% across Rest of Qld.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (30.9%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (8.8%). There are notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal is overrepresented at 6.8%, Filipino at 1.8%, and Spanish at 0.5%.

Rockhampton City's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Rockhampton City is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but notably higher than the Australian median of 38 years. Comparing with Rest of Qld, the 25-34 cohort is over-represented at 16.8% locally while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.3%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 15.3% to 16.8%, and the 0 to 4 cohort has risen from 4.0% to 5.2%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has decreased from 13.7% to 11.1%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.9% to 12.4%. By 2041, Rockhampton City's population is forecasted to see significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 64 people (19%), growing from 345 to 410. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.