Rocklea (Qld)

Rocklea has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Rocklea (Qld) is estimated to be approximately 1,715 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 43 people (2.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,672 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 1,709, estimated by AreaSearch after analyzing the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 186 persons per square kilometer, offering considerable space per individual and potential scope for subsequent development. Population growth for the locality was chiefly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 66.0% of total population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 regions not encompassed by these statistics, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, published in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are used. It is worth noting that these state projections lack age category breakdowns; consequently, where applied, AreaSearch uses proportional growth weightings matching the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking ahead at demographic trends, growth in the lower quartile of national areas is expected, with the suburb of Rocklea (Qld) projected to gain 18 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, representing a total increase of 0.7% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Rocklea, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval statistics, distributed from statistical area data, Rocklea has recorded almost no dwelling approvals in recent years, accumulating an estimated 3 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 3 approvals have been documented. With an average of 1.7 new residents per year per dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply and demand seem closely aligned, generating stable market dynamics, with recent data showing this has dropped to 1 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, indicating improved supply availability. Construction projects average $398,000 in estimated value—just above the regional standard—implying a focus on quality developments. There have also been $1.9 million in commercial approvals this financial year, pointing to minimal commercial development activity.

In comparison to Greater Brisbane, Rocklea displays notably lower construction volumes. This restricted new supply generally helps support demand and values for existing dwellings, though construction activity has accelerated in recent periods. This level is also lower than national averages, indicating a mature market and highlighting possible development restrictions. Furthermore, recent construction has consisted entirely of detached dwellings, preserving the traditional low density character of the area with a focus on family homes appealing to buyers looking for space. The estimated ratio of 1139 people in the locality per dwelling approval underscores its quiet, low activity development environment.

Rocklea has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Few factors influence local performance as much as changes to infrastructure, major projects and planning programs. In total, 32 developments have been identified by AreaSearch as likely to impact the locality. Key projects include Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Hospital Expansion, Transition - Archerfield Logistics Estate, Cross River Rail - Moorooka Station Rebuild, and Cross River Rail - Salisbury Station Upgrade, with the following list showing those expected to be of greatest relevance.

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

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Rocklea shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Rocklea features a highly educated workforce, with significant representation in essential services industries, an unemployment rate of 12.3%, and 6.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year, according to AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026920 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.0% above the rate of 4.3% in Greater Brisbane, indicating potential for job creation, and workforce participation is generally close to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%. Based on Census answers, a moderate 16.5% of residents worked from home, though the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

The primary employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The locality shows a particularly high concentration in other services, with employment numbers at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, finance & insurance has a small footprint with 1.8% employment compared to 3.4% regionally. With 8.6 workers for every resident at the time of the Census, the area acts as an employment hub, hosting more positions than residents and drawing workers from neighboring suburbs.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics, aggregated from broader statistical areas, the 12-month period saw employment rise by 6.7% alongside a labor force expansion of 4.7%, resulting in a decline in unemployment of 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane registered employment growth of 3.2%, labor force growth of 3.4%, with unemployment increasing 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment projections from May-25 can provide additional perspective on potential future demand within Rocklea. These forecasts, spanning five and ten-year horizons, have been matched against the local employment profile to estimate growth trends. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary widely between industry sectors. Applying these sector-specific projections to Rocklea's employment distribution suggests local employment is expected to rise by 6.5% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting calculation for demonstration purposes and does not incorporate localized population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to the latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch released for financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in Rocklea is $62,657, with an average of $70,628. This exceeds the national average, and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,775 (median) and $78,651 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Rocklea, falling between the 35th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 34.5% of residents (591 people), which aligns with the metropolitan area where this cohort also accounts for 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, leaving only 80.6% of income remaining, which ranks in the 31st percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Rocklea is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The mix of housing in Rocklea, as measured at the latest Census, consisted of 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Rocklea was lower than the Brisbane metro average at 17.7%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (48.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly below the Brisbane metro average at $1,635, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $335, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Rocklea's mortgage payments are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households make up the majority at 53.1% of all households, consisting of 20.4% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.9%, with lone person households at 37.8% and group households making up 8.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Rocklea shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Educational attainment in Rocklea is lower than regional averages, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 42.1% in the SA4 region. This difference points to opportunities for educational growth and skill development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate credentials (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (21.8%).

Participation in study is notably strong, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in higher education, 8.8% in primary school, and 4.5% undertaking secondary school.

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

Public transport data shows 11 active passenger stops operating within Rocklea, consisting of both trains and buses. These stops are served by 24 unique routes, which together provide 3,223 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is classified as good, with residents on average living 257 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential community, most workers commute out of the area - private vehicles remain the main mode of travel at 78%, with 9% using trains. Car ownership averages 1.2 per household, which is below the regional average. Some 16.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 rules).

Service frequency averages 460 journeys per day across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 293 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rocklea is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators highlight significant challenges facing Rocklea, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with a variety of medical issues having notable impacts on both younger and older cohorts, while the rate of private health insurance is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~946 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area were found to be mental health concerns and asthma, affecting 10.8 and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 68.4% reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Residents of working age display higher than average rates of chronic health issues. The area has 13.3% of residents aged 65 and over (228 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among older residents present some difficulties, with national rankings generally matching the broader population.

Rocklea 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

Rocklea shows high levels of cultural diversity, with 29.7% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 36.8% born overseas. The most common religion in Rocklea was Christianity, representing 39.8% of local residents. However, the most pronounced overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which accounts for 4.5% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

Regarding parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Rocklea are English, representing 22.7% of the population, Australian, representing 19.4% of the population, and Other, representing 13.8% of the population. In addition, there are distinct variations in the proportions of other backgrounds: Russian is overrepresented at 1.8% of Rocklea (compared to 0.3% regionally), Spanish at 0.9% (compared to 0.4%) and Vietnamese at 3.2% (compared to 0.8%).

Rocklea hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

With a median age of 34, Rocklea is slightly younger than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and is substantially below the Australian average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rocklea has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (21.8%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (9.6%). This concentration of 25 - 34 year-olds is well above the national level of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 16.9% to 18.2% of the population. Population forecasts for 2041 point to significant demographic shifts for Rocklea. The 85+ cohort shows the most rapid projected growth at 60%, adding 37 residents to total 99. Structural aging is evident, as residents aged 65 and older represent 59% of predicted growth. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.