South West Rocks

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of South West Rocks is around 5,334, reflecting a growth of 276 people since the 2021 Census. The population was reported as 5,058 in the 2021 Census. This increase can be inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,200 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 217 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 389 persons per square kilometer for South West Rocks. The suburb's population growth rate of 5.5% since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA3 area (4.5%) and SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for South West Rocks.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts and aggregated SA2-level projections, South West Rocks is expected to increase its population by 1,154 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 22.2% over the 17-year period. This projection indicates an above median growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions South West Rocks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

South West Rocks recorded approximately 66 residential properties granted approval annually, with around 334 homes approved between FY-21 and FY-25. In FY-26, up to the present date, 8 homes have been approved. The average number of new residents per year arriving per new home over the past five financial years was approximately 1.4.

This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions. The average construction cost value for new dwellings in South West Rocks is around $429,000, which aligns with regional trends. In FY-26, $925,000 worth of commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, South West Rocks shows 135% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. This level is above the national average, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area.

New developments consist of approximately 82% standalone homes and 18% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. South West Rocks has around 73 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South West Rocks is projected to add approximately 1,183 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

South West Rocks has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 8 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones are Broadlands South West Rocks, Maxus Gardens Estate, Seascape Grove Estate, and Seabreeze Estate. The following details these projects, focusing on 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.

Employment performance in South West Rocks has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

South West Rocks has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 4.2% and there's been an estimated employment growth of 0.8% in the past year.

As of June 2025, 1938 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation is significantly lower at 40.0%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a particular specialization in accommodation & food with an employment share 1.8 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 2.5%, compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data comparison. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.8% while labour force grew by 0.8%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within South West Rocks. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to South West Rocks' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

South West Rocks had a median income among taxpayers of $39,917 in financial year 2022. The average income was $51,277 during the same period. These figures are lower than national averages, which stood at $49,459 and $62,998 for Rest of NSW respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes in South West Rocks would be approximately $44,951 and $57,743, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in South West Rocks fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket spans 32.1% of locals (1,712 people), with incomes between $400 and $799 weekly. This is unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 range. Lower income households are prevalent in South West Rocks, with 40.2% earning below $800 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

South West Rocks is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

South West Rocks' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in South West Rocks stood at 54.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.3% and rented ones at 24.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,330. Median weekly rent in South West Rocks was $323, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $300. Nationally, South West Rocks' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

South West Rocks features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 66.3% of all households, including 16.1% couples with children, 39.8% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. The remaining 33.7% are non-family households, consisting of 30.9% lone person households and 3.0% group households. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

South West Rocks faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 33.0%. A total of 20.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

South West Rocks Public School serves the local area with an enrollment of 329 students. The school focuses on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 6.2 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 13.1, resulting in many families traveling for schooling.

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

Transport analysis indicates 26 active public transport stops in South West Rocks, operated by a mix of buses. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, offering a total of 273 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 176 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 39 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 10 weekly trips per stop.

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

South West Rocks faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (about 2,521 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 14.7% and 9.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 55.5% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 58.0% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 39.8% (2,122 people), compared to 28.1% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

South West Rocks is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

South West Rocks, surveyed in terms of cultural diversity, showed that 89.6% of its population was born in Australia, with 91.3% being citizens and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was found to be the dominant religion, comprising 57.5% of South West Rocks' population, compared to 54.2% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.8%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (10.0%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 4.6%, Scottish at 8.1%, and French at 0.4%.

South West Rocks ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

South West Rocks has a median age of 58, which is significantly higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 20.6% of South West Rocks' population, compared to the Rest of NSW figure, while the 25-34 cohort makes up only 6.6%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between January 2021 and December 2021, the population aged 75 to 84 grew from 12.6% to 14.7%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.0% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 9.6% to 8.0%, and the 65 to 74 group decreased from 22.0% to 20.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in South West Rocks' age profile. The 85+ population is expected to grow by 89%, adding 212 people and reaching a total of 453 residents from the previous figure of 240. The 55-64 group will experience more modest growth, with an increase of 7% equating to 56 additional residents.