West Rockhampton

West Rockhampton is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, the West Rockhampton statistical area's population was estimated at around 1,933 as of Nov 2025. This reflected an increase of 85 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,848 people. The change was inferred from the resident population of 1,933, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equated to a density ratio of 305 persons per square kilometer. West Rockhampton's 4.6% growth since census positioned it within 2.1 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.7%). Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections were adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections did not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. As future population trends were examined, lower quartile growth of Australian non-metropolitan areas was anticipated. The West Rockhampton (SA2) was expected to grow by 69 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 2.4% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in West Rockhampton, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for West Rockhampton shows approximately 4 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 21 dwellings. As of FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. Over these 5 years, the average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed is 1.9. However, this figure has increased to 9.6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, suggesting growing demand and tightening supply. The average construction value for development projects in West Rockhampton is $347,000, aligning with regional trends.

This year, there have been $2.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development focus. Compared to Rest of Qld, West Rockhampton has around 58% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 21st percentile nationally, suggesting somewhat limited buyer options while strengthening demand for established dwellings. This can be attributed to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new constructions in West Rockhampton have been detached houses, preserving its low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

The estimated population per dwelling approval is 759 people. AreaSearch forecasts indicate West Rockhampton will gain 47 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Rockhampton Ring Road, Rocky Stadium at Victoria Park, Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment, and Ski Gardens Master Plan Development. 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.

The labour market in West Rockhampton demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

West Rockhampton's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in the past year, showing a 0.9% employment growth.

As of September 2025, 1,008 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.6% below Queensland's average of 4.1%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.5 times the regional level) but lower representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing (1.1% vs regional average of 4.5%). Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data.

Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 1.6%, raising unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth varies between industries. Applying these projections to West Rockhampton's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Income data from AreaSearch's postcode level ATO figures for financial year 2023 shows median income in West Rockhampton was $53,536 and average income was $69,421. This is higher than Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $58,841 (median) and $76,301 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in West Rockhampton ranked modestly, between the 24th and 33rd percentiles. Income brackets showed that 29.3% of residents (566 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, consistent with broader regional trends where 31.7% were in the same category. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remained, ranking at the 27th percentile nationally.

West Rockhampton is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

In West Rockhampton, as per the latest Census evaluation, 88.8% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 11.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in West Rockhampton was 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.5% and rented ones at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,215, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent in West Rockhampton was $258, compared to $300 in Non-Metro Qld. Nationally, West Rockhampton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,215 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 65.9% of all households, including 23.0% couples with children, 24.1% couples without children, and 17.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households at 3.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 16.7%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (6.3%) and certificates (31.2%).

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

West Rockhampton faces significant health challenges, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Approximately 55% (~1,057 individuals) have private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are prevalent, impacting 11.0% and 9.3% of residents respectively. 61.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% in the rest of Queensland. The area has a senior population (aged 65 and over) of 17.7% (~342 people). Health outcomes among seniors largely align with those of the general population.

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

West Rockhampton showed below average cultural diversity, with 90.9% citizens, 92.7% born in Australia, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 55.6%. This compares to 56.3% across Rest of Qld.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (30.7%), English (30.4%), and Irish (8.1%). Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 7.4% compared to the regional average of 5.1%. German representation was 4.4%, slightly below the regional average of 4.9%. Samoan representation was similar to the region at 0.1%.

West Rockhampton's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

West Rockhampton's median age in 2021 was 36 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld figure of 41 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 15-24 in West Rockhampton was notably higher at 14.2%, compared to the Rest of Qld average. Conversely, those aged 65-74 were under-represented at 8.7%. Between 2021 and the present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 9.9% to 12.1%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 13.0% to 14.2%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.5% to 10.6% and the 25-34 group dropped from 15.7% to 14.6%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in West Rockhampton's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 58 people (21%), from 282 to 341. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.