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

The population of South West Rocks is estimated at around 5,232 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,058 people, a change inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5,137 residents following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 382 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, South West Rocks has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed around 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024, using 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a 2021 base year.

Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, non-metropolitan areas are projected to have above median population growth, with South West Rocks expected to increase by 1,123 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 19.6% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows South West Rocks had around 68 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling approximately 342 homes. As of FY-26, 8 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed has accommodated about 1.4 new residents yearly. The average construction value per dwelling is around $429,000.

In comparison to the rest of NSW, South West Rocks has seen 142.0% more building activity per person. This year, $92,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating minimal commercial development activity. New developments consist mainly of detached dwellings (85.0%) and townhouses/apartments (15.0%), maintaining the area's low-density character with an average of around 55 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate South West Rocks to add about 1,028 residents by 2041, suggesting that current housing supply should meet demand favourably for buyers while potentially allowing for growth exceeding current forecasts.

Future projections show South West Rocks adding 1,028 residents by 2041 (from 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.

South West Rocks has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. Eight projects identified by AreaSearch may impact the region. Notable projects are Broadlands South West Rocks, Maxus Gardens Estate, Seascape Grove Estate, and Seabreeze Estate. The following details projects likely 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 reveals South West Rocks recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

South West Rocks has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs well represented in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, there are 1,938 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is 0.1% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in South West Rocks is lower at 45.0%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, only 12.8% of residents work from home. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, the area has a high concentration in accommodation & food services with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.5% compared to Regional NSW's average of 5.3%. The local job market appears limited based on the comparison between Census working population and resident population. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, labour force decreased by 1.2%, while employment declined by 1.3%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 0.1 percentage points in South West Rocks. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 indicate that national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, although these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not consider localized population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released on 30 June 2023 for financial year 2023, South West Rocks had a median taxpayer income of $39,917 and an average income of $51,277. These figures are below the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively in Regional NSW. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for median and average incomes in South West Rocks would be approximately $43,454 and $55,820 by September 2025. The 2021 Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in South West Rocks fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that the predominant cohort is 32.1% of locals (1,679 people) with incomes between $400 and $799, differing from the broader area where incomes predominantly fall within the $1,500 to $2,999 category at 29.9%. Economic circumstances suggest widespread financial pressure, with 40.2% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. 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' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.1% houses and 18.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in South West Rocks was 54.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.3% and rented at 24.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in South West Rocks was $323, compared to Regional NSW's $330. 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 compose 66.3% of all households, including 16.1% couples with children, 39.8% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.7%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 3.0%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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 the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are 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 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (33.0%). A total of 20.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 8.0% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 20.4% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.0% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

South West Rocks has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 268 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is high, with residents on average located 177 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily, predominantly using cars (90%), while 7% walk. The area has an average of 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, only 12.8% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency across all routes averages 38 trips per day, resulting in approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

South West Rocks faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,473 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.7%) and mental health issues (9.0%), while 55.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 40.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,118 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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, as per the census conducted on 29 June 2016, exhibited below-average cultural diversity. The majority of its population, 89.6%, was born in Australia, with 91.3% being Australian citizens and 97.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in South West Rocks, practiced by 57.5% of the population, slightly higher than the regional average of 55.9%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.8%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal people are proportionally represented at 4.6%, matching the regional figure, while Scottish (8.1%) and French (0.4%) ancestry are also similarly represented compared to the regional averages of 8.0% and 0.4%, respectively.

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

South West Rocks has a median age of 58, which is higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's median age of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 20.3% of South West Rocks' population, compared to Regional NSW's figure, while the 25-34 cohort comprises only 6.9%. This concentration of people aged 65-74 is significantly higher than the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 12.6% to 15.3%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 8.0% to 10.2%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 9.6% to 7.6%, and the 65-74 group has dropped from 22.0% to 20.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests South West Rocks' age profile will change significantly, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 77%, reaching 454 people from its current figure of 256.