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 broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Rockhampton City as of May 2026 is around 2,056 people. This reflects a decrease of 3 people (0.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,059 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,054 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 45 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 suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 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 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 applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. As future population trends are examined, lower quartile growth of national non-metropolitan areas is anticipated. The suburb is expected to increase by 86 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.1% in total over the 16 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Rockhampton City had around 11 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling approximately 59 homes. As of FY26, 16 approvals have been recorded. The average new resident per year per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 was 0.1. New construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and potentially driving population growth beyond current expectations.

Average construction value for new homes is $393,000. Commercial approvals in FY26 reached $44.2 million, indicating high local commercial activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockhampton City has 49.0% more development per person over the past five years, maintaining good buyer choice while supporting property values. However, recent development activity has moderated. New building activity consists of 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 62.0% houses).

This change may indicate decreasing developable sites and reflects evolving lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Rockhampton City has a low density, with around 273 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the city is expected to grow by 84 residents by 2041. Current construction levels should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

Local infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Browne Park Redevelopment, Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case, Rockhampton Museum of Art, and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Redevelopment. 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 drivers in Rockhampton City are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Rockhampton City has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 16.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.3%. As of December 2025, there were 916 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 12.8% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was somewhat below standard at 61.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. A low 4.6% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0.7% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. There is a ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident, indicating local employment opportunities above the norm. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 2.3%, while labour force decreased by 3.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 4.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld where employment rose by 0.7%, labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia suggest Rockhampton City's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

Rockhampton City's median income among taxpayers was $46,955 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $60,887 during the same period. These figures are below those of Regional Qld, which had median and average incomes of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By March 2026, estimates suggest Rockhampton City's median income will be approximately $52,289 and the average will be around $67,804, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Rockhampton City all fall between the 8th and 16th percentiles nationally. The largest income bracket comprises 26.8% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly, with 551 residents falling into this category. This differs from broader area patterns where the dominant bracket is $1,500 - $2,999 with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rockhampton City, 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, was 62.3% houses and 37.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional Qld's 68.4% houses and 31.6% 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 Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in Rockhampton City was $250, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Rockhampton City's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,083 against 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 Regional Queensland 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are also common, 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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Multiple health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 51% of the total population (around 1,055 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 12.1% and 10.7% of residents respectively. However, 56.6% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. There are 19.4% of residents aged 65 and over (398 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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 lower cultural diversity, 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 Regional Qld's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups were English (30.9%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal (6.8%) and Filipino (1.8%) groups were overrepresented in Rockhampton City compared to regional averages of 3.9% and 0.9%, respectively. Spanish ethnicity was also slightly higher at 0.5%.

Rockhampton City's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Rockhampton City was 42 years as of a certain date, close to Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than the Australian median of 38 years. The 25-34 cohort constituted 17.2% of Rockhampton City's population, notably higher than Regional Queensland's average, while the 5-14 age group made up only 8.0%. Between the 2021 Census and a later date, the 0-4 age group grew from 4.0% to 5.9%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 15.3% to 17.2%. Conversely, the 15-24 cohort declined from 13.7% to 10.7%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.9% to 12.8%. Population forecasts for Rockhampton City in a future year indicate substantial demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 52 people, from 353 to 406. Meanwhile, the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.