Rosslea

Population growth drivers in Rosslea are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Rosslea's population is estimated at around 2,055 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 152 people (8.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,903 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,053 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 39 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,181 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rosslea's 8.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (6.9%), along with the SA3 area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the Rosslea statistical area (Lv2) expected to expand by 265 persons to reach 2,320 by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Rosslea experienced around 14 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY2021 and FY2025, approximately 74 homes were approved, with an additional three approved so far in FY2026. Each dwelling built over these years resulted in an average of 2.1 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average value of $468,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In FY2026, $7.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Rosslea records 83.0% more building activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

The new development consists of 88.0% detached houses and 12.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (33.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 202 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Rosslea is expected to grow by 243 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Duplication, Eden Park Estate, Corcoran Park Netball Courts Upgrade, and Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), University Road to Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Upgrade.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Rosslea recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Rosslea has an educated workforce with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 7.6%, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation in September 2025.

There are 1,131 residents employed, with a 3.5% higher unemployment rate compared to Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Workforce participation is high at 66.8%, above Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key employment sectors are health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training. Public administration & safety shows strong specialization with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.0% compared to region's 4.5%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Over September 2024 to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.6%, while employment decreased by 1.8%, raising unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, losing 1,210 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 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 nationally. Applying these projections to Rosslea's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Rosslea is $58,950 and average income is $69,136. This compares to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Rosslea would be approximately $64,792 and average income $75,987 by the latter date. According to Census 2021 data, personal income ranks at the 68th percentile ($909 weekly) and household income at the 22nd percentile. Income brackets indicate 30.7% of locals (630 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to metropolitan regions' 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 21st percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Rosslea displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Rosslea's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 33.3% houses and 66.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro Qld had 81.3% houses and 18.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rosslea was at 19.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.9% and rented ones at 58.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, aligning with Non-Metro Qld's average. The median weekly rent figure was $275, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $305. Nationally, Rosslea's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 50.0% of all households, including 14.5% couples with children, 23.4% couples without children, and 11.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 50.0%, with lone person households at 44.3% and group households comprising 5.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Rosslea shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 28.3%, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and Rest of Qld's rate of 20.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 35.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 10.2% and certificates make up 25.2%.

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, including 8.7% in tertiary education, 7.1% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

Rosslea has seven active public transport stops, all of which offer bus services. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 93 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system in Rosslea is considered good, with residents located an average of 258 meters from their nearest stop.

The service frequency across all routes is 13 trips per day on average, which equates to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Rosslea are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Rosslea's health indicators show below-average outcomes with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population, which amounts to around 1,122 people. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition, affecting 11.1% of residents, followed by arthritis at 7.8%. About 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across the rest of Queensland. Rosslea has 13.6% of its population aged 65 and over, which totals 279 people, lower than the 14.9% in the rest of Queensland. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are above average and perform better than the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Rosslea records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rosslea's cultural diversity aligns with its wider region, with 83.9% citizens, 81.2% born in Australia, and 89.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, accounting for 50.9%. Rosslea has a slightly higher percentage of Other religions, at 0.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 0.7%.

The top three ancestral groups are English (26.7%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, French (0.9% vs regional 0.4%), Spanish (0.7% vs regional 0.4%), and Russian (0.5% vs regional 0.2%) groups are overrepresented in Rosslea.

Rosslea's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Rosslea is 34 years, which is lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and also substantially under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Rosslea has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.8%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, Rosslea's median age decreased from 35 to 34 years. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 19.0% to 21.7%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 declined from 12.4% to 9.7%. By 2041, Rosslea's age composition is expected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 32% (143 people), reaching a total of 589 residents. Conversely, population declines are forecast for the 45-54 and 55-64 age cohorts.