Rockville

Rockville has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Rockville's population is estimated at around 3,797 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 593 people (18.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,204 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,526 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 9 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,957 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rockville's 18.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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 for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated, with the Rockville statistical area (Lv2) expected to increase by 114 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 9.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Rockville has recorded approximately seven residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 36 homes were approved, with seven more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, about 2.4 people have moved to the area per new home constructed over these five years, indicating robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $506,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26, $34.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockville has markedly lower building activity, at 61.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established homes. Nationally, Rockville's building activity is also lower, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 67.0% detached dwellings and 33.0% attached dwellings, with a growing mix of townhouses and apartments offering options across different price points. With around 943 people per dwelling approval, Rockville reflects a highly mature market. Population projections indicate stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers in the area.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Major projects include New Toowoomba Hospital, Kearney West Estate, Palm Lake Resort Toowoomba, and Wilsonton Shopping Centre Redevelopment Stage 2. 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Rockville faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Rockville has a balanced workforce that includes both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area, with an unemployment rate of 6.9%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 5.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,457 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's rate at 2.8%. Workforce participation in Rockville is lower at 53.0% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Health care & social assistance is particularly strong with an employment share that is 1.4 times the regional level. However, mining has limited presence in Rockville with only 0.5% of employment compared to the regional average of 3.6%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.9% while labour force grew by 3.9%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate of 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7%, labour force expansion of 2.1%, and an increase in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows that Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6%, and over ten years, it is forecast to grow by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Rockville's employment mix indicates that local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 14.0% over ten years. However, this extrapolation does not take into account localised population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Rockville had a median taxpayer income of $42,759 and an average income of $52,540 in the financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national averages of $53,146 for median income and $66,593 for average income in Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimates based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth would be approximately $46,996 (median) and $57,747 (average). Census data showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Rockville all fell between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income analysis revealed that 31.0% of the community earned between $800 and $1,499, while in surrounding regions, the dominant earnings band was $1,500 to $2,999 at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Rockville, as evaluated at the latest Census conducted on 28 August 2016, comprised 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. The level of home ownership within Rockville was at 28.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged at 30.0% or rented at 41.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,250, well below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517 and the national average of $1,863 as of June 2021. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent figure recorded in Rockville was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.7% of all households, including 19.7% couples with children, 24.8% couples without children, and 16.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.3%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households comprising 4.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Rockville faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 11.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 31.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.9% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 2.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Rockville shows 17 active public transit stops operating within the city. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one individual route providing service. Collectively, these stops facilitate 117 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 229 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rockville is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Rockville faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low, at approximately 48% (~1,823 people), compared to 51.5% across the rest of Queensland and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, impacting 13.3% and 10.6% of residents respectively.

Around 56.5% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across the rest of Queensland. The area has 19.7% (748 people) of residents aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors presenting challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Rockville ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rockville has lower cultural diversity compared to the average, with 86.1% citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 91.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, accounting for 55.4%. The 'Other' category is overrepresented at 4.3%, compared to 2.2% regionally.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (27.8%), Australian (27.7%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, German ancestry is higher than regional averages at 8.9%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry is also higher at 6.7%, as well as Vietnamese ancestry at 0.5%.

Rockville's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Rockville is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38. The age group of 25-34 has a strong representation in Rockville at 15.9%, compared to Rest of Qld. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort is less prevalent in Rockville at 7.8%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.5% to 15.9% of Rockville's population. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.7% to 11.9%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Rockville, with the 85+ age group expected to grow by 65% (an increase of 105 people), reaching a total of 269 from 163. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 67% of the total population growth in Rockville, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 75-84 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.