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 Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of South West Rocks is around 5,232. This represents an increase of 174 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,058. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 5,137 in June 2024, following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 233 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 382 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, South West Rocks has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outperforming the SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to have an above median population growth among Australian non-metropolitan areas, with a projected increase of 1,164 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 24.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

South West Rocks recorded approximately 67 residential properties granted approval annually, with around 339 homes approved between financial years FY21 and FY25, and another 7 approved in FY26. On average, about 1.4 new residents arrive per year for each new home over the past five financial years. This indicates a balanced supply and demand market, supporting stable conditions.

The average value of new dwellings developed is approximately $429,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY26, there have been $92,000 in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the Rest of NSW, South West Rocks shows 138.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice and reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of approximately 86.0% standalone homes and 14.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. There are roughly 55 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, South West Rocks is projected to add approximately 1,296 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 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Broadlands South West Rocks, Maxus Gardens Estate, Seascape Grove Estate, and Seabreeze Estate. The following 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.

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, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and stable employment over the past year (AreaSearch). As of September 2025, 1,966 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 4.1% compared to Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation is lower at 46.2%.

Home-based work is low at 12.8%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area specializes in accommodation & food (1.8 times regional level), while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence (2.5% vs regional 5.3%). Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data.

Over September 2024 to September 2025, employment increased by 0.3%, labour force by 0.5%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.5% and labour force decline by 0.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 in financial year 2023, South West Rocks had a median taxpayer income of $39,917 and an average income of $51,277. These figures are lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $43,454 (median) and $55,820 (average), based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census shows that South West Rocks' household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. The predominant income bracket in South West Rocks is $400 - $799, with 32.1% of locals (1,679 people) earning within this range, unlike regional trends where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket. A significant proportion, 40.2%, earn below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures for many residents. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.5% of income remaining, 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, were 81.1% houses and 18.9% other types (semi-detached, apartments, etc.). Non-Metro 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 ones at 24.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in South West Rocks was $323, compared to Non-Metro 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 account for 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 constitute 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, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 43.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (33.0%).

A substantial 20.4% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.0% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 1.9% in 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. The accessibility of public transport in the area is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 177 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 90% of residents, while walking accounts for 7%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 38 trips per day across all routes, equating to 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 very low at approximately 47% of the total population (~2,473 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.7%) and mental health issues (9.0%). Conversely, 55.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 39.9%, or 2,087 people, compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with national rankings for 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 in June 2016, had a cultural diversity index of below average. The population was predominantly born in Australia, with 89.6%. citizenship stood at 91.3%, and English was spoken exclusively at home by 97.0% of residents.

Christianity was the dominant religion, practised by 57.5% of people, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.8%), Australian (30.3%), and Irish (10.0%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher than the regional average at 4.6%, as were Scottish (8.1%) and French (0.4%) populations.

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

South West Rocks has a median age of 58, which is higher than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 makes up 20.2% of South West Rocks' population, compared to 9.5% nationally and 15.7% in the Rest of NSW. In contrast, the 25-34 age group is less prevalent at 6.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 12.6% to 15.0%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 8.0% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 22.0% to 20.2%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 9.6% to 7.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in South West Rocks' age profile, with the 85+ group expected to grow by 83% (from 245 to 451 people).