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, as of November 2025, Rockville's estimated population is around 3,644. This reflects an increase of 440 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,204. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,382 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional nine validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,878 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rockville's growth of 13.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the non-metro area's 8.8% and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of Australia's regional areas is anticipated. The suburb is expected to increase by 114 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 6.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Rockville according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Rockville has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 29 homes were approved, with one more approved in FY-26 so far.

On average, three new residents arrive per year for each dwelling constructed during these years. This demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction cost of new homes is $506,000, aligning with regional trends. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rockville has significantly less development activity, at 68.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The area's development activity is also under the national average, indicating its established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 71.0% detached dwellings and 29.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Rockville's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 825 people per dwelling approval, Rockville reflects a highly mature market. The population is expected to remain stable or decline, reducing pressure on housing and potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Rockville has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact the region. Key initiatives 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 analysis reveals Rockville recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Rockville has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate in Rockville is 6.3%, compared to the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 15.7%. As of June 2025, 1,513 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 4.3% and a workforce participation rate of 53.0%, compared to Rest of Qld's rates of 59.1% and 3.9% respectively. Key industries for Rockville residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance (142.6% of regional employment), but mining has limited presence (0.5% vs region's 3.6%).

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 15.7%, labour force grew by 12.9%, and unemployment fell by 2.3 percentage points in Rockville. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8%, labour force expanded by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rockville's employment mix indicates potential local employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Rockville's median taxpayer income is $42,759 and average is $52,540 according to latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than the national average of $50,780 median and $64,844 average in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $48,741 (median) and $59,890 (average). Census data shows Rockville's household, family and personal incomes fall between the 10th and 13th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 31.0% of Rockville residents earn between $800 - 1,499 annually, differing from surrounding regions where earnings of $1,500 - 2,999 dominate at 31.7%. Housing affordability is severe in Rockville with only 82.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 11th percentile nationally.

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

Rockville's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockville was at 28.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.0% and rented ones at 41.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,250, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Rockville was $280, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Rockville's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,250 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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 make up 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, which is 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, 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, 8.0% in secondary, and 2.8% in tertiary education. Rockville State School serves the local area, enrolling 180 students as of a certain date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited (4.9 places per 100 residents vs 17.2 regionally), leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Rockville has 13 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 117 weekly passenger trips provided by one individual route collectively. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 227 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 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%, covering about 1,749 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 51.0% and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues are the most prevalent condition, impacting 13.3% of residents, followed by arthritis affecting 10.6%.

About 56.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.3%. The area has 19.8%, or 721 people, aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.1% of its population being citizens, 87.8% born in Australia, and 91.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rockville, comprising 55.4% of the population. The most significant overrepresentation was observed in the 'Other' category, which constituted 4.3% of Rockville's population compared to 2.2% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (27.8%), Australian (27.7%), and Irish (9.5%). Notably, there were divergences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: German was overrepresented at 8.9%, Australian Aboriginal at 6.7%, and Vietnamese 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 matches Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.0% of Rockville's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 7.8%, which is lower compared to Rest of Qld. According to data from the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.5% to 16.0%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 age group has decreased from 13.7% to 11.8%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Rockville. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 74% (an increase of 115 people), reaching a total of 272 from the previous count of 156. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 62% of the total population growth, reflecting Rockville's aging demographic trend. Conversely, the 0-4 and 65-74 age cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.