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 Nov 2025, Rothwell's population is estimated at around 7,659 people. This reflects an increase since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 7,538 people in the suburb. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 7,609 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 730 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for Rothwell was primarily driven by overseas migration during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth of statistical areas across the nation is anticipated. Rothwell is expected to increase by 269 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 3.3% in total over the 17 years based on aggregated SA2-level projections.

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 received around 14 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY21-FY25, approximately 74 homes were approved, with 18 so far in FY26. Despite population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, indicating a balanced market with good buyer choice.

Average new dwelling value is $331,000, below the regional average, suggesting affordable housing options. This year, $9.2 million in commercial approvals were registered, reflecting Rothwell's primarily residential nature. New development consists of 44% detached houses and 56% attached dwellings, promoting higher-density living for affordability and suitability for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift marks a departure from the current 70% house pattern, likely due to decreasing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The area's population per dwelling approval is estimated at 493 people, indicating a quiet development environment. Future projections suggest Rothwell will add 256 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet housing demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Rothwell has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 25 projects that may affect the area. Notable projects 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 likely to be 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include essential services, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 11.4%. As of June 2025, 3,407 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, which is 0.1% below Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation in Rothwell is 52.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance (1.2 times the regional level), retail trade, and education & training.

Professional & technical services have limited presence at 4.5% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 11.4%, labour force grew by 8.2%, and unemployment fell by 2.7 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane's employment growth of 4.4% and unemployment reduction of 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with variations across sectors. 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Rothwell's median income is $48,581 and the average income is $55,149. This is below Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $55,377 (median) and $62,864 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that Rothwell's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 19th and 20th percentiles nationally. The predominant income cohort in Rothwell spans 30.1% of locals (2,305 people) earning $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the metropolitan region at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rothwell, with only 79.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 17th percentile nationally.

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

In Rothwell, as per the latest Census evaluation, 69.5% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 30.5% consisting of other types such as semi-detached and apartments. In contrast, Brisbane metro had 0% houses and 0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rothwell stood at 31.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 27.5% and rented ones at 41.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,676, aligning with Brisbane metro's average, while the median weekly rent was $380, compared to Brisbane metro's $0 for both figures. Nationally, Rothwell's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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 prevalent at 11.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.9%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.5% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.8% and certificates at 28.7%. Educational participation is high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 10.6% in primary, 9.0% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

The area has two schools, Grace Lutheran College and Mueller College, serving a total of 3,401 students. It demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1078) and has strong educational infrastructure with 44.4 school places per 100 residents, serving both local and surrounding communities.

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. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 30 different routes operating in total, providing 2,678 weekly passenger trips combined.

Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 304 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 382 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 116 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. Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 49% of the total population, which amounts to around 3,757 people.

This figure is lower than the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.1% and 9.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 58.4% of residents claim to be free from any medical ailments, compared to 0% across Greater Brisbane. Rothwell has a considerable elderly population, with 27.3% of its residents being aged 65 and over, totalling approximately 2,090 people. The health outcomes among seniors largely align with the overall population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Rothwell was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rothwell, found to have cultural diversity above the average, had 9.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 23.0% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Rothwell, with 57.2%. This contrasts with the regional figure for None%.

The top three ancestry groups were English at 31.1%, Australian at 26.6%, and Scottish at 8.1%. Notably, Samoan ethnicity was overrepresented at 1.7% compared to None% regionally, Maori at 1.6% (None% regionally), and New Zealand at 1.1% (None% regionally).

Rothwell hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Rothwell is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and also older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 75-84 age group comprises 12.0% of Rothwell's population, compared to the national figure of 6.0%. Post-2021 Census data shows this age group has grown from 10.5% to 12.0%, while the 25-34 cohort has declined from 10.7% to 9.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Rothwell, with the 75-84 group expected to grow by 36% (adding 327 people), reaching a total of 1,247 from 919 previously. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 87% of Rothwell's total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 15-24 and 0-4 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.