Rockingham (WA)

Population growth drivers in Rockingham are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, Rockingham's population is estimated around 17,430, a 13.8% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 15,312 people. This growth is inferred from AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, showing an estimated resident population of 17,297. The suburb has a high population density ratio of 1,362 persons per square kilometer. Rockingham's growth since the Census exceeded the national average (8.9%), with interstate migration contributing approximately 62% of overall population gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 and ABS Greater Capital Region projections from 2023 to estimate future growth. By 2041, Rockingham's population is projected to grow by 3,753 persons, a total increase of 20.4%.

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 to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering the projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of national statistical areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 3,753 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 20.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Rockingham has experienced around 37 dwellings receiving development approval each year over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 188 homes. So far in FY-26, 22 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 10.4 new residents per year arrived per dwelling constructed.

Supply has substantially lagged demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $430,000. In FY-26, there have been $159.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Rockingham has significantly less development activity, 74.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, though building activity has accelerated in recent years.

Recent construction comprises 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. Developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (66.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 259 people per dwelling approval, Rockingham shows a developing market. Population forecasts indicate Rockingham will gain 3,553 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 15 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable projects are Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Seaside Estate Madora Bay, Waikiki Hotel Site Redevelopment, and Secret Harbour Beachfront Development. The following list details those likely 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 Rockingham are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Rockingham has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well represented. Its unemployment rate was 9.0% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 3.5%.

As of June 2025, 8,203 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.1%, higher than Greater Perth's 3.9%. Workforce participation lags at 52.4% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Public administration & safety has a notable concentration, with levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services are under-represented, at 3.5% compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 3.5%, labour force by 5.8%, leading to a 2.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Perth had an employment growth of 3.7% and labour force growth of 3.8%, with a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rockingham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows median income in Rockingham is $54,442 and average income is $65,809. This contrasts with Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Rockingham are approximately $62,173 (median) and $75,154 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Rockingham fall between the 11th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 26.8% of Rockingham's population earns between $400 and $799, differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 to $2,999 category is predominant at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rockingham, with only 82.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

Rockingham displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Rockingham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.6% houses and 34.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockingham stood at 34.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 38.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Rockingham was $300, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Rockingham's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rockingham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 56.9% of all households, including 17.6% composed of couples with children, 27.7% consisting of couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.1%, with lone person households at 40.1% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Educational outcomes in Rockingham fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 9.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 32.1%.

A substantial 24.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 7.9% in primary, 6.7% in secondary, and 3.6% in tertiary education. The area has 13 schools serving 4,264 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 985) and balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision is split between 6 primary and 7 secondary institutions. School capacity exceeds residential needs, with 24.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.0, indicating the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Rockingham has 147 active public transport stops. These are served by 13 different bus routes. Together, these routes facilitate 2,869 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents to the nearest stop is 179 meters. On average, there are 409 daily trips across all routes, which equates to about 19 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rockingham is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Rockingham faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover stands at approximately 53%, slightly above the average SA2 area (~9,295 people). The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health concerns (9.5%), while 60.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Perth. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 28.8% of the population (5,019 people), higher than Greater Perth's 15.6%. Senior health outcomes present challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Rockingham was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Rockingham has a higher level of cultural diversity than most local markets, with 10.2% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 37.4% born overseas. The dominant religion in Rockingham is Christianity, accounting for 48.3% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Rockingham, comprising 0.1% of the population compared to 0.0% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups are English (36.2%), Australian (22.5%), and Scottish (8.6%). Some ethnic groups show significant differences: Welsh is overrepresented at 0.9% in Rockingham compared to 0.9% regionally, Serbian at 0.8% versus 0.3%, and Maori at 1.4% compared to 2.0%.

Rockingham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Rockingham has a median age of 49, which is higher than Greater Perth's figure of 37 and the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up 14.4% of the population, compared to 10.5% for the 35-44 group. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.3% to 10.3%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 12.7% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Rockingham's age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 68% (1,224 people), reaching a total of 3,020 from the current figure of 1,795. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 79% of the total population growth, reflecting Rockingham's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.