Rothwell

An assessment of population growth drivers in Rothwell reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, AreaSearch estimates Rothwell's population at around 7,659, reflecting a 1.6% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 7,538 people. This change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 7,610 in June 2024 and 93 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 730 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of recent population growth in Rothwell. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. By 2041, Rothwell is expected to increase by 282 persons, reflecting a total gain of 3.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Rothwell, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Rothwell experienced around 14 dwellings receiving development approval annually. Between FY21 and FY25, approximately 73 homes were approved, with a further 129 approved in FY26 so far. Despite population decline over the past period, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $331,000. In FY26, commercial approvals worth $3.7 million have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. New development consists of 40% detached houses and 60% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 70% houses). This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

The estimated population density is 425 people per dwelling approval, reflecting Rothwell's quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rothwell is expected to grow by 260 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Rothwell has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Wellbrook by Azure, Freshwater Hub, Thyme Lifestyle Resort Rothwell (formerly Grace Living Rothwell), and Mango Hill Urban Village. 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 indicates Rothwell maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Rothwell has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 8.1% over the past year.

As of this date, 3,378 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate aligned with Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. However, workforce participation was lower at 56.2%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, only 11.4% of residents worked from home. The dominant employment sectors were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training.

Rothwell had a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services showed lower representation at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Many residents appeared to commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 8.1%, while labour force grew by 5.6%, causing a drop in unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and labour force growth of 3.3%, with a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rothwell's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.8% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The suburb of Rothwell has a median taxpayer income of $48,581 and an average income of $55,149 based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than the national average, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $53,395 (median) and $60,614 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, Rothwell's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 19th and 20th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment in Rothwell comprises 30.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 2,305 residents falling into this category, aligning with regional trends where this cohort represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.8% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

Rothwell displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Rothwell, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 69.5% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rothwell was 31.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,676, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Rothwell was $380, matching Brisbane metro's figure but exceeding the national average of $375. Nationally, Rothwell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

Rothwell has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 69.5 percent of all households, including 25.3 percent couples with children, 28.0 percent couples without children, and 15.2 percent single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.5 percent, with lone person households at 27.9 percent and group households comprising 2.8 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of Rothwell exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 14.8%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 28.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.6% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rothwell has 23 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 35 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,648 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good with residents typically located 304 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward; cars remain the primary mode of transport at 89%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 378 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rothwell is well below average with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Rothwell faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence across various age groups. The area has a relatively low private health cover rate of approximately 49% (~3,757 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions in Rothwell are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (9.9%), with 58.4% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane.

The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Rothwell has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.0% (2,144 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. While national rankings for senior health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population, some challenges exist among seniors.

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

Rothwell's cultural diversity is above average, with 9.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 23.0% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Rothwell, comprising 57.2%, compared to 47.8% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.1%), Australian (26.6%), and Scottish (8.1%).

Notably, Samoan (1.7%) and Maori (1.6%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Rothwell compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 1.1%, respectively. Additionally, New Zealand ancestry is slightly higher at 1.1%.

Rothwell hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Rothwell is 44 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and substantially exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 years are particularly prominent, making up 12.5% of the population, while the 25-34 year-olds make up 9.3%, which is comparatively smaller than in Greater Brisbane. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of the population aged 75 to 84 has grown from 10.5% to 12.5%, while the proportion of those aged 25 to 34 has declined from 10.7% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Rothwell's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to increase solidly by 276 people (29%), from 957 to 1,234. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.