Rosslea

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

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of Rosslea is around 2,058. This figure represents an increase of 155 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,903. The latest estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by ABS in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date, is 2,053 residents. This results in a density ratio of approximately 1,182 persons per square kilometer. Rosslea's population growth rate of 8.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (7.1%) and SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed about 61.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as overseas migration also being positive influences.

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 from 2023 are used, based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead, Rosslea's population is expected to increase by approximately 266 persons to reach around 2,324 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of about 11.4% 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, Rosslea has experienced around 14 dwellings receiving development approval each year. Approximately 74 homes were approved over the past five financial years, from FY2021 to FY2025, with an additional three approved so far in FY2026. Each dwelling built has resulted in an average of 2.1 new residents per year over these five years, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $468,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. This financial year has seen $7.8 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to residential activity. Rosslea records 82.0% more building activity per person compared to the rest of Queensland, providing buyers with ample choice. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods.

New development consists predominantly of detached houses (88.0%) and a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (12.0%), preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census (33.0%), 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 234 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 (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 7.5%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 1,138 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 3.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation stands at 68.7%, slightly above Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census data shows that only 4.7% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. 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.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with 0% employment compared to the region's 4.5%. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels increased by 0.7%, while employment decreased by 1.7%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7% and labour force expand by 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Rosslea's median income 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% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $64,792 (median) and $75,987 (average). Census 2021 income data shows personal income ranks at the 68th percentile ($909 weekly), while household income is at the 22nd percentile. Income brackets indicate 30.7% of locals (631 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 33.3% houses and 66.6% other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Rosslea was $275, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Rosslea's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $275 compared to 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% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 20.1% and that of Rest of Qld (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.

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

Rosslea has six active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by two routes, offering a total of 93 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 258 meters from the nearest stop. As a residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 91%, while cycling accounts for 2%. On average, there are 0.9 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.7% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 15 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rosslea is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Rosslea faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover was found to be fairly high at approximately 55% of the total population (~1,123 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues impacting 11.1% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.8%. 67.9% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 13.5% of residents aged 65 and over (277 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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% being citizens, 81.2% born in Australia, and 89.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 50.9%. The 'Other' category shows slight overrepresentation at 0.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 0.8%.

Top ancestry groups are English (26.7%), Australian (25.5%), and Irish (8.1%). French (0.9% vs regional 0.5%), Spanish (0.7% vs 0.3%), and Russian (0.5% vs 0.2%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented.

Rosslea's population is younger than the national pattern

The median age in Rosslea is 34 years, which is notably lower than Rest of Qld's average of 41 and substantially under the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Rosslea has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (22.3%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (6.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.4%. Between the 2016 and 2021 Censuses, Rosslea's median age fell from 35 to 34 years. During this period, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 increased from 19.0% to 22.3%, while the proportion of those aged 45 to 54 decreased from 12.4% to 9.2%. By 2041, Rosslea is projected to experience notable shifts in its age composition. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 587 residents from the current total of 458. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 15-24.