Rosslea

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

As of November 2025, Rosslea's population is estimated at around 2,089 people. This figure reflects an increase of 186 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,903 people. The growth is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,088, based on their 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 results in a density ratio of 1,200 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Rosslea's growth rate of 9.8% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region (6.9%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration being 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied when utilized. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase for regional areas across the nation, with Rosslea expected to expand by 259 persons to reach approximately 2,348 people by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 9.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data, Rosslea has experienced approximately 16 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Around 80 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, with an additional four approved so far in FY26. This indicates an average of around 1.9 people moving to the area for each dwelling built over these years, suggesting a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost value of $468,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. In terms of commercial development, approximately $3.9 million in approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating limited focus on commercial projects compared to residential ones. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Rosslea records around 97.0% more building activity per person, providing buyers with ample choice despite some recent moderation in development activity. New developments in Rosslea consist of approximately 82.0% detached houses and 18.0% 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 213 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth in housing supply. Looking ahead, Rosslea is expected to grow by around 203 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Five projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly: North Queensland Simulation Park (NQ SPARK), Townsville Connection Road (Stuart Drive), Bowen Road Bridge (Idalia) Duplication, Eden Park Estate, and Corcoran Park Netball Courts 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 significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 7.7%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025, there are 1,148 residents employed, with the unemployment rate being 3.8% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Rosslea is high at 66.8%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, public administration & safety, and education & training sectors. The area has a strong specialization in public administration & safety, with an employment share 2.2 times the regional level.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, with 0.0% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Over the year ending June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.4%, and employment dropped by 4.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 3.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and a labour force expansion of 2.0%, with the unemployment rate rising by only 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rosslea's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these estimates are illustrative and do not account for local population projections.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Rosslea's median income was $58,950 and average income was $69,136. This is higher than the national averages of $50,780 (median) and $64,844 (average). Comparing to Rest of Qld's figures, Rosslea had a higher median income by $8,170 and an average income that was $4,292 higher. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $67,197 (median) and $78,808 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census 2021 data ranks Rosslea's personal income at the 68th percentile ($909 weekly) and household income at the 22nd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 30.7% of locals (641 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region's 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rosslea, with only 82.0% of income remaining, 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, consisted of 33.3% houses and 66.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, 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 in the area 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 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 50.0%, with lone person households at 44.3% and group households making up 5.3%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing both 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 also prominent, with 35.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.2% and certificates at 25.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in tertiary education, 7.1% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing secondary education. Tec-NQ - Rosslea Campus provides local educational services within Rosslea but has no current students enrolled as of the reported date.. Secondary education dominates with one school available, while primary students typically attend schools in neighboring areas due to no schools being located within Rosslea itself.

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

Rosslea has eight active public transport stops operating, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 93 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed good, with residents typically residing just 255 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 13 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 11 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 results with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age groups.

The private health cover rate is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (around 1,140 people). Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 11.1 and 7.8% of residents respectively. About 67.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.8% across the Rest of Qld. The area has 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (284 people), which is lower than the 14.9% in the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing 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, comprising 50.9%. The 'Other' religion category is slightly overrepresented at 0.9%, compared to 0.7% regionally.

Top ancestry groups are English (26.7%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, French (0.9%) Spanish (0.7%), and Russian (0.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 0.4%, and 0.2% respectively.

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 and also substantially below the Australian median of 38. 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 notably above 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 to 34 increased from 19.0% to 21.7%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 decreased from 12.4% to 9.7%. By 2041, Rosslea's age composition is projected to change significantly. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 29%, reaching 587 people from the current 453. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 45-54 and 55-64 age cohorts.