Rockingham (WA)

Population growth drivers in Rockingham are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The population of the suburb of Rockingham (WA) is estimated to be around 17,357 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 2,045 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,312. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validation of new addresses, puts the resident population at 17,324. This results in a density ratio of 1,357 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rockingham's growth rate since the 2021 Census was 13.4%, exceeding the national average of 9.9%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) to estimate population trends. Based on these projections, an above median population growth is expected for Rockingham, with a projected increase of 3,749 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Rockingham among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Rockingham averaged approximately 33 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 168 homes. In FY26 so far, 25 approvals have been recorded. Historically, between FY21 and FY25, around 11.6 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed. This suggests supply is lagging demand, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

Developers focus on the premium market with high-end developments, as new homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $430,000. In the current financial year, $830.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Perth, Rockingham shows substantially reduced construction levels, with 77.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction may reinforce demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although recent periods show increased activity. The area's established nature is suggested by its level being under the national average, possibly indicating potential planning limitations.

Recent construction comprises approximately 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Rockingham's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 324 people per dwelling approval, there is room for growth in the area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rockingham is forecasted to gain approximately 3,621 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Seaside Estate Madora Bay, Waikiki Hotel Site Redevelopment, and Secret Harbour Beachfront Development. 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 Rockingham are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Rockingham's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate in September 2025 was 9.1%, showing a 3.1% employment growth over the previous year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of that date, 8,056 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.2%, higher than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Rockingham was lower at 58.2% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Census data indicated that only 5.8% of residents worked from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Notably, the concentration in public administration & safety was 2.0 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 3.5% of Rockingham's workforce compared to Greater Perth's 8.2%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.1%, while the labour force grew by 4.3%, resulting in a 1.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate compared to Greater Perth's marginal increase. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, Rockingham's employment should increase by 5.7% and over ten years by 12.4%, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix. These projections are illustrative extrapolations and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Rockingham suburb's median taxpayer income is $54,442 and average is $65,809 based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is below national averages of $60,748 (median) and $80,248 (average). By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $59,679 and average $72,140, considering Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023. Rockingham's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 11th and 23rd percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows 26.8% (4,651 people) in the $400 - 799 bracket, differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category is predominant at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 65.6% houses and 34.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Perth metro had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockingham was 34.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.1% and rented ones at 38.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Rockingham was $300, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Rockingham's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $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 account for 56.9% of all households, including 17.6% consisting of couples with children, 27.7% comprising couples without children, and 10.7% being single parent families. Non-family households make up 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 has university qualification rates of 13.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the 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 (10.9%) and certificates (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.

A substantial 24.2% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 7.9% in primary education, 6.7% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rockingham has 166 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These are serviced by 13 routes, together providing 2,893 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 181 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. Most residents commute outward due to Rockingham's primarily residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 82%, with train use at 8%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.0 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 413 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 17 weekly trips per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Rockingham faces substantial health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Notably, common health conditions are prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~9,256 people), which is higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Perth's 59.0%. The most common medical conditions in Rockingham are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (9.5%). Conversely, 60.8% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Rockingham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (29.8%, or 5,172 people) than Greater Perth's 16.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Rockingham was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rockingham's population, as per the 2016 Census, showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets. Specifically, 10.2% of residents spoke a language other than English at home, while 37.4% were born overseas. Christianity was the dominant religion in Rockingham, with 48.3% of people identifying as such, although Judaism was overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to Greater Perth's average of 0.3%.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.2%), Australian (22.5%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Serbian (0.8%) populations were higher in Rockingham than regionally, while Maori representation was at 1.4% compared to the regional average of 0.9%.

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 above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are prominent at 14.9%, while the 35-44 age group is smaller at 10.3%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is higher than the national figure of 9.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 9.3% to 10.6%, while the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 13.8% to 14.9%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 12.7% to 11.0%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Rockingham's age structure. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 64%, reaching 3,016 people from 1,839. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 75% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.