Rockingham (WA)

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

Analysis of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside new address points validated by AreaSearch since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Rockingham (WA) is approximately 17,693 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 2,381 residents or 15.5% since the 2021 Census, which recorded 15,312 people. The calculation is derived from the resident population of 17,693, estimated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release and 100 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This population level corresponds to a density of 1,383 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical average across national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 15.5% expansion rate in the suburb of Rockingham (WA) since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3% as well as the state average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population increases were primarily supported by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 62.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

AreaSearch adopts ABS and Geoscience Australia demographic projections for individual SA2 sectors, published in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions lacking this coverage, and to calculate growth beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies age cohort growth rates from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. In light of anticipated demographic shifts, population growth is projected to exceed the national median, with the suburb of Rockingham (WA) expected to add 3,395 residents by 2041 under aggregated SA2-level forecasts, representing a total increase of 19.2% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Rockingham when compared nationally

According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical areas, Rockingham records approximately 28 residential development approvals annually, representing a total of 141 expected dwellings over the past 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 73 approvals have been logged. With an average of 15.4 new residents arriving per constructed dwelling over the past 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, demand is outstripping supply, which generally drives up prices and intensifies buyer competition. Approved new dwellings have an average expected construction cost of $430,000, indicating developers are targeting the upper tier of the market with higher-end builds. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $830.2 million have been registered in the current financial year, indicating substantial business investment locally.

In comparison to Greater Perth, Rockingham exhibits significantly lower levels of residential construction, tracking 81.0% below the regional average per capita. Although construction activity has risen recently, this constrained supply typically reinforces pricing and demand for existing houses. This rate is also below the national average, reflecting a mature market and pointing to potential limits on development. The current construction mix consists of 78.0% standalone houses and 22.0% townhouses or apartments, which preserves the traditional suburban aesthetic and appeals to buyers wanting space. With approximately 422 people per dwelling approval, the market appears highly developed.

Projections indicate Rockingham will add 3,395 residents by 2041 based on the latest quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. If current building rates do not accelerate, residential supply is likely to lag behind population growth, which could increase competition among buyers and support price growth.

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

Local infrastructure projects, major developments, and urban planning decisions significantly impact property performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 active projects in the region, with key developments including Seaside Estate Madora Bay, Waikiki Hotel Site Redevelopment, Rockingham Community Hub, Rockingham Lotteries House, and the Rockingham City Centre Plan.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Rockingham face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Rockingham has a balanced employment profile split between professional and trade roles, with a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of 9.3% according to statistical area data aggregated by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 7,985, while the unemployment rate was 5.1% higher than the Greater Perth rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation is relatively low at 56.8% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. Census data indicates that only 5.8% of residents worked from home, although this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.

The largest sectors of employment for local residents are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. Public administration & safety shows a particularly high concentration, employing residents at 2.0 times the regional rate. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for only 3.5% of the workforce compared to 8.2% in Greater Perth. While local jobs exist, comparison of the Census working population to the local population suggests a significant portion of residents travel outside the area for employment.

Analysis of SALM and ABS data for the 12 months ending March 2026 shows that the local labor force contracted by 0.7% and total employment fell by 1.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. Over the same period, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.0% and its labor force expand by 2.5%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia released in May-25 suggest future demand patterns. While nationwide employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary by industry. Projecting these industry-specific trends onto the local workforce profile suggests employment in Rockingham could grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

ATO postcode data for the financial year 2023 shows median income in Rockingham is $54,442 and average income is $65,809, which is slightly below the national average. In comparison, Greater Perth recorded a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 10.93% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes stand at $60,393 for the median and $73,002 for the average as of March 2026. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and personal incomes fell between the 11th and 23rd percentiles nationally. The income distribution shows 26.8% of the population, or 4,741 residents, earning between $400 - 799, whereas the wider region is dominated by the $1,500 - 2,999 range at 32.0%. Housing affordability is highly constrained, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, placing the area in the 11th percentile.

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

At the time of the latest Census, residential dwellings in Rockingham consisted of 65.6% standalone houses and 34.4% other formats such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings across metro Perth. Home ownership stood at 34.8%, with 27.1% of properties mortgaged and 38.1% rented. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,517, and the median weekly rent was $300, compared to metro Perth averages of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national median of $375.

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

Families make up 56.9% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 17.6%, couples without children at 27.7%, and single parents at 10.7%. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.1%, with single-person households at 40.1% and group houses at 3.0%. The median household size of 2.0 people is below the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

University completion rates are low, with 13.9% of residents holding a degree compared to the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 9.7% of the population, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational and technical education is common, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 32.1%.

A total of 24.2% of the local population is enrolled in education, which includes 7.9% in primary schools, 6.7% in secondary schools, and 3.6% in tertiary institutions.

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

Public transport infrastructure consists of 166 active stops served by buses. These stops accommodate 13 distinct routes that provide 2,893 passenger trips weekly. The average distance to a stop is 181 meters, indicating high accessibility. Private vehicles are the primary commuting mode at 82%, while 8% of residents use the train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.0 per household, which is below the metropolitan average. Working from home was recorded for 5.8% of residents at the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Service frequencies average 413 daily trips across all routes, which translates to roughly 17 weekly trips per individual stop. The reference map illustrates the 100 closest stops to the central coordinate.

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

Health indicators point to significant local challenges based on mortality and chronic disease rates across various age groups. Private health insurance coverage stands at approximately 53% of the population, representing about 9,435 people, which is slightly above the average SA2 area but below the Greater Perth average of 59.0%.

Arthritis and mental health conditions are the most prevalent diagnoses, affecting 11.0% and 9.5% of residents respectively. The proportion of residents reporting no chronic health conditions is 60.8%, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. The working-age cohort has elevated rates of chronic illness, and 29.0% of the population is aged 65 and over, representing 5,130 people, compared to 16.1% in Greater Perth. Senior health metrics are generally consistent with national averages.

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

Cultural diversity is high compared to most regional markets, with 37.4% of residents born overseas and 10.2% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, adhered to by 48.3% of the population. Judaism is represented by 0.1% of residents, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

The primary ancestries reported are English at 36.2%, which is higher than the regional average of 28.0%, Australian at 22.5%, and Scottish at 8.6%. Other ethnic groups with notable representation relative to regional averages include Welsh at 0.9% compared to 0.7% regionally, Serbian at 0.8% compared to 0.3%, and Maori at 1.4% compared to 0.9%.

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

The median age of 49 is higher than the Greater Perth average of 37 and the national average of 38. Residents aged 65 - 74 comprise a prominent 14.4% of the population, while the 35 - 44 cohort is smaller at 10.8% compared to the wider metro area. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.2%, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.7% to 10.7%. Projections to 2041 indicate that the 75 to 84 cohort will grow by 62% or 1,127 people, rising from 1,804 to 2,932. Residents aged 65 and over are expected to account for 76% of total growth, while the cohorts aged 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 are projected to contract.