Rocky Point (Weipa - Qld)

Population growth drivers in Rocky Point are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Rocky Point (Weipa - Qld) is around 2,327, reflecting a growth of 113 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 5.1% rise from the previous population count of 2,214. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,318, based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 7 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 622 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. The suburb's population growth rate of 5.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (4.5%) and the SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth accounted for approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to increase by 70 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 2.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Rocky Point recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Rocky Point has seen minimal construction activity in recent years. Between 2017 and 2021 inclusive, only three new dwellings were approved annually on average, totalling nineteen over the five-year period. This low level of development reflects the rural nature of the area, where housing needs are typically driven by local specific requirements rather than broader market demand.

It is important to note that due to the small sample size, individual development projects can significantly influence annual growth and relativity statistics. Compared to the rest of Queensland and national averages, Rocky Point has naturally lower development activity. The new developments in the area consist of 80% detached houses and 20% attached dwellings, maintaining its rural character with an emphasis on space. As of 2021, the estimated population per dwelling approval is 354 people.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rocky Point is projected to add 55 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Rocky Point has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 2ndth percentile nationally

No changes can significantly affect a region's performance like alterations to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 0 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Queensland National Land Transport Network Maintenance, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan SuperGrid, Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, and Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. The following list provides details on 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Rocky Point places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Rocky Point has a skilled labor force with prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 1.4% as of June 2025.

Employment stability in the area has been relatively consistent over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical aggregation. As of June 2025, 1,452 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 2.5% below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 74.5%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include mining, education & training, and health care & social assistance.

Mining particularly stands out with an employment share 11.4 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 2.8% versus the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. In the year to June 2025, the labor force increased by 0.2%, while employment declined by 0.1%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labor force growth of 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within Rocky Point. These projections suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Rocky Point's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 4.5% over five years and 11.3% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Rocky Point had a median income among taxpayers of $82,358 and an average level of $87,211. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $93,880 (median) and $99,412 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Rocky Point rank highly nationally, between the 97th and 98th percentiles. Income analysis reveals 40.0% of the population (930 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the metropolitan region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 50.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. High housing costs consume 15.5% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 96th percentile nationally and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

Rocky Point's dwellings were 71.2% houses and 28.8% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other') in the latest Census, compared to Non-Metro Qld's 82.5% houses and 17.6% others. Home ownership in Rocky Point was 8.1%, with mortgages at 27.8% and rentals at 64.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,063, higher than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Rocky Point was $530, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $140. Nationally, Rocky Point's mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,063 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Rocky Point features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.6% of all households, consisting of 46.7% couples with children, 22.8% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.4%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households making up 3.1%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.9.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 53.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (42.7%).

Educational participation is high, with 39.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.8% in primary, 11.9% in secondary, and 3.3% in tertiary education. Rocky Point's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,196 students, with an ICSEA score of 885. The educational mix includes 1 primary school and 2 K-12 schools. The area serves as an education hub, offering 51.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.4. This attracts students from surrounding communities. Note: for schools with 'n/a' enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Rocky Point's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Rocky Point's health outcomes show exceptional results across all age groups, with very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (1,437 people), compared to 49.9% in Rest of Qld and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.8% and 4.8% of residents respectively.

A significant majority, 83.9%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 79.2% in Rest of Qld. Rocky Point has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 3.1% (72 people), than the Rest of Qld's 11.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and broadly align with the general population's health profile.

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

Rocky Point, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity score below average. Its population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 82.9%. Born in Australia, they comprised 88.3%, and speaking English at home was reported by 87.4% of residents.

Christianity was the main religion, practiced by 45.0% of people. Notably, Hinduism had a higher representation in Rocky Point than across Queensland, with 1.3% compared to 0.2%. Ancestry-wise, Australian (25.2%), English (22.4%), and Other (15.9%) were the top groups, differing significantly from regional averages of 15.4%, 14.2%, and 28.1% respectively. Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 12.5% compared to 25.3% regionally, Maori at 0.8% (vs 0.4%), and Macedonian at 0.2% (vs 0%).

Rocky Point hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Rocky Point has a median age of 29, which is younger than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's median age of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Rocky Point has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (19.1%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (2.0%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 25-34 age group increased from 18.0% to 19.1%, while the 45-54 cohort decreased from 14.3% to 13.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Rocky Point. The 35-44 age group is projected to grow by 17%, adding 68 residents to reach a total of 469. Meanwhile, both the 55-64 and 45-54 age groups are expected to see a decrease in numbers.