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 AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the Census, as of Feb 2026, Rockhampton City's estimated population is around 2,056. This reflects a decrease of 3 people (0.1%) from the 2021 Census figure of 2,059. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,052 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 43 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 790 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 52.0% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 using a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for age cohorts. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth of national non-metropolitan areas, with Rockhampton City expected to increase by 110 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.8% 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 averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 60 homes. In FY-26 so far, 16 approvals have been recorded. The population has fallen during this period, yet housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $393,000.

This financial year, $44.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Rockhampton City has 50.0% more construction activity per person. New development consists of 13.0% detached houses and 87.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from existing patterns (currently 62.0% houses). This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Rockhampton City reflects a low density area with around 272 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate the city will gain approximately 98 residents by 2041.

With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds 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 13 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Bruce Highway Upgrade Program, Browne Park Redevelopment, Central Queensland Defence Industry Precinct Business Case, and Rockhampton Museum of Art. The following list details those likely to be 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's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 21.9% as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025. At this time, 855 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 17.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation stood at 61.1%, lower than Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, only 4.6% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and construction sectors. Notably, employment in accommodation & food was at 2.0 times the regional average while agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence at 0.8% compared to the regional 4.5%.

The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.7, indicating above-normal local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Rockhampton City's labour force increased by 0.4%, while employment declined by 5.8%, causing unemployment to rise by 5.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% with a labour force increase of 2.1% and a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Rockhampton City. These projections estimate national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

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

Rockhampton City's suburb income level is below national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Rockhampton City's median income among taxpayers is $46,955 and average income stands at $60,887. Rest of Qld's figures are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $51,608 (median) and $66,921 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows household, family and personal incomes in Rockhampton City fall between 8th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals 26.8% of population (551 individuals) within $800 - 1,499 range, differing from surrounding region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.9% of income remaining, ranking at 9th percentile.

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 contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockhampton City was at 23.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 21.6% and rented ones at 54.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Rockhampton City's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 account for 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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 affect 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 prevalent conditions, affecting 12.1 and 10.7% of residents respectively. However, 56.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (409 people), with senior health outcomes presenting some challenges, generally aligned with national rankings.

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% being citizens, 85.2% born in Australia, and 91.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, composing 50.3%. Hinduism was overrepresented at 2.0%, compared to 0.8% regionally.

For ancestry, the top groups were English (30.9%), Australian (26.9%), and Irish (8.8%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 6.8% (vs regional 3.9%), Filipino at 1.8% (vs 0.9%), and Spanish at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Rockhampton City's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Rockhampton City was 42 years as of a certain date, closely matching Rest of Qld's average of 41 but higher than Australia's median of 38. Comparing the two areas, the 25-34 age group made up 17.2% of Rockhampton City's population, which is notably higher than Rest of Qld's average, while the 5-14 year-olds were underrepresented at 7.0%. Between the 2021 Census and a later date, the percentage of the population in the 25 to 34 age group grew from 15.3% to 17.2%, and the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 4.0% to 5.4%. Conversely, the percentages for the 15 to 24 and 45 to 54 cohorts decreased to 11.1% and 12.0%, respectively. Population forecasts for Rockhampton City indicate substantial demographic changes by the year 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 58 people, from 353 to 412, while the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.