Rothwell

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Rothwell's population is estimated at around 7,657 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 119 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,538 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,610 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 55 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 729 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the Rothwell statistical area (Lv2) was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, 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, lower quartile growth of statistical areas across the nation is anticipated. The Rothwell (SA2) is expected to increase by 272 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 3.4% in total 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 shows Rothwell has annually received around 14 dwelling approvals from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals 73 approved homes over five years and 129 so far in FY-26. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a balanced market with varied buyer choices.

Average new dwelling construction cost is $331,000. In FY-26, Rothwell has registered $3.7 million in commercial approvals, reflecting its 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 of 70% houses. This trend may reflect decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles seeking diverse, affordable housing options.

Currently, Rothwell has an estimated 425 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a quiet development environment. By 2041, Rothwell is projected to grow by 261 residents based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are 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 diverse workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs with significant representation from essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.0%, lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 4.5%.

Over the year ending September 2025, employment grew by 8.1% while the labour force increased by 5.6%, reducing the unemployment rate to 3.7%. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance (employing 29.4% of residents), retail trade (17.2%), and education & training (9.0%). Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.2 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical jobs have lower representation at 4.5%.

Many Rothwell residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. In the wider area, employment increased by 8.1% over the year to September 2025 while labour force grew by 5.6%, reducing unemployment by 2.2 percentage points. Meanwhile, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted slightly by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, employment is forecast to grow 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 median taxpayer income in Rothwell suburb is $48,581 and the average is $55,149, based on latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Brisbane's median income at $58,236 and average at $72,799. By September 2025, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $53,395 and the average around $60,614, considering a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data from 2021, Rothwell's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 19th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution shows that the largest segment is 30.1% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, with 2,304 residents falling into this category, aligning with regional trends where this cohort also represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rothwell, 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 strong rates of outright home ownership

The dwelling structure in Rothwell, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 69.5% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. The home ownership level was 31.1%, with 27.5% of dwellings mortgaged and 41.4% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,676, while the median weekly rent figure was $380. Nationally, Rothwell's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Rothwell has a typical household mix, with a median household size of 2.5 people

Family households constitute 69.5% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 28.0% couples without children, and 15.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.5%, with lone person households at 27.9% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.5 people.

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 such qualifications - 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 operating within its boundaries. These include train and bus services. There are 35 individual routes servicing these stops, which together provide 2,648 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents located an average of 304 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 378 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Rothwell faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% (~3,756 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.1%) and mental health issues (9.9%), while 58.4% report no medical ailments, compared to 0% in Greater Brisbane. Rothwell has 27.3% (2,090 people) of residents aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors largely align with the general population's health profile.

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, surveyed in 2016, had 9.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 23.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 57.2%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.1%), Australian (26.6%), and Scottish (8.1%).

Notably, Samoan (1.7%) and Maori (1.6%) were overrepresented compared to regional figures.

Rothwell hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Rothwell is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and also considerably older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constitutes a strong 12.0% of the population in Rothwell, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 9.8%. This concentration of the 75-84 age group is well above the national average of 6.0%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.0% of the population in Rothwell, while the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rothwell, with the 75 to 84 group expected to grow by 36%, reaching 1,248 people from 918. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 87% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.