Rockingham (WA)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Rockingham (WA) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 17,357 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 2,045 people (13.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,312 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 17,324, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 97 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,357 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The Rockingham (WA) (SA2)'s 13.4% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 62.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 3,752 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 20.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Rockingham shows approximately 33 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling around 168 homes. As of FY26, 25 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 has resulted in about 11.6 new residents annually. This supply lagging behind demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes being built at an average construction cost of $430,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In FY26, commercial approvals valued at $830.2 million have been registered, demonstrating high local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Rockingham has significantly less development activity, approximately 77.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, although building activity has accelerated in recent years. Recent construction comprises around 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Rockingham's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. With approximately 324 people per dwelling approval, Rockingham exhibits a developing market.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Rockingham is forecasted to gain around 3,625 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger 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 this 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 likely to be 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 in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.1%.

As of September 2025, 8,060 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 5.2%, higher than Greater Perth's 4.0%. Workforce participation in Rockingham lags at 52.4% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and construction. The area specializes in public administration & safety, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services employ only 3.5% of local workers, below Greater Perth's 8.2%. Many Rockingham residents commute elsewhere for work, as indicated by the count of Census working population to local population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.1%, while the labour force grew by 4.3%, leading to a 1.1 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced employment growth of 2.9% and labour force growth of 3.0%. As of 25-November-25, state-level data shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, losing 5,520 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%. Nationally, employment grew by 0.14% and the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 30, 2023 shows median income in Rockingham suburb was $54,442 and average income was $65,809. This is lower than Greater Perth's median income of $60,748 and average income of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 9.62% from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025, estimated median income in Rockingham would be approximately $59,679 and average income would be around $72,140 by September 2025. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from August 2021, incomes in Rockingham fall between 11th and 23rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income distribution reveals that 26.8% of residents earn between $400 and $799 per week (4,651 individuals), unlike the broader area where 32.0% earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Housing affordability is a significant issue in Rockingham, with only 82.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Rockingham's housing structure, as per the latest Census, had 65.6% houses and 34.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockingham was at 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 $1,733. Median weekly rent in Rockingham was $300, lower than Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Rockingham's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 constitute 56.9% of all households, including 17.6% couples with children, 27.7% 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% of the total. 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 9.7% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.4% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are prevalent among residents aged 15 and above, with 43.0% holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.9%) and certificates (32.1%).

A total of 24.2% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 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 stops are served by 13 different routes that together facilitate 2,893 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent access to these services, with an average distance of 181 meters to the nearest stop.

On average, there are 413 daily trips across all routes, which amounts to about 17 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, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

The area has private health cover at approximately 53% of its total population (~9,256 people), which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 56.6%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.0%) and mental health issues (9.5%), while 60.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 68.5% in Greater Perth. Rockingham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.8% (4,998 people), compared to 15.6% in Greater Perth. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Rockingham are better than those of 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 showed higher linguistic diversity, with 10.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Born overseas, 37.4% of Rockingham residents were born outside Australia. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rockingham, accounting for 48.3%.

Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Rockingham at 0.1%, compared to no representation across Greater Perth. In terms of ancestry, English (36.2%), Australian (22.5%), and Scottish (8.6%) were the most represented groups. Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.9%), Serbian (0.8% vs regional 0.3%), and Maori (1.4% vs regional 2.0%) showed notable differences in representation compared to Greater Perth.

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 are particularly prominent, making up 14.4% of the population, compared to 10.5% for the 35-44 group. This concentration of people aged 65-74 is higher than the national figure of 9.4%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the proportion of people aged 75-84 has grown from 9.3% to 10.3%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has declined from 12.7% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Rockingham's age structure. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 69%, adding 1,232 people and reaching a total of 3,020 from the current figure of 1,787. Notably, the combined age groups of 65+ will account for 78% of total population growth, reflecting Rockingham's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.