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

As of November 2025, West Rockhampton's population is estimated at around 1,942 people. This reflects an increase of 94 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,848 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,941 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 306 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 5.1% since census positions it within 1.5 percentage points of the SA4 region (6.6%). Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 81.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts. Future population trends anticipate lower quartile growth in Australian non-metropolitan areas, with West Rockhampton expected to grow by 69 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 2.0% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in West Rockhampton according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

West Rockhampton has had minimal residential development activity with an average of 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 13. This low level of development reflects its rural nature where housing needs drive development rather than broad market demand. Note that yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably due to the low approval numbers.

West Rockhampton has substantially lower development levels compared to Rest of Qld and national averages. All new construction in the area consists of standalone homes, aligning with rural living preferences for space and privacy. With an estimated 632 people per dwelling approval, it maintains a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Rockhampton is expected to grow by 38 residents by 2041.

Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

West Rockhampton has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects include: Rockhampton Ring Road, Rocky Stadium at Victoria Park, Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment, and Ski Gardens Master Plan Development. Below is a list detailing those likely to be 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 indicates West Rockhampton maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

West Rockhampton has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 3.7%.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 4.8%. As of June 2025, 1,029 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which is 0.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 59.1%, similar to Rest of Qld's level. Key industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area has a strong specialization in health care & social assistance, employing 20% of its workforce compared to the regional average of 13%. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.1%, significantly lower than Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally as indicated by Census data showing fewer working residents than total population. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 4.8% while the labour force grew by 5.5%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.8%, labour force grew by 2.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. According to Jobs and Skills Australia's Sep-22 national employment forecasts, total employment is projected to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Rockhampton's current employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that West Rockhampton has incomes above the national average. The median income is $53,536 and the average income stands at $69,421. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures of a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $61,026 (median) and $79,133 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in West Rockhampton rank modestly, between the 24th and 33rd percentiles. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 29.3% of residents (569 people), mirroring regional levels where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing expenses, 86.1% of income remains, 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

West Rockhampton's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Non-Metro Qld's composition of 88.5% houses and 11.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Rockhampton was at 30.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 35.5% and rented ones at 34.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,215, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $258, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $300. Nationally, West Rockhampton's mortgage repayments were significantly lower 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 compose 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 account for the remaining 34.1%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 3.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 16.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, 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. Crescent Lagoon State School serves the local educational needs within West Rockhampton, with an enrollment of 427 students as of a recent report (ICSEA: 921). The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs (22.0 places per 100 residents vs 17.6 regionally), indicating the area serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is high, with approximately 55% of the total population (~1,062 people) having it. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 11.0% and 9.3% of residents respectively. A higher percentage of residents (61.6%) report being completely clear of medical ailments compared to the rest of Queensland (64.7%). The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 17.8% (345 people) than the general population. Health outcomes among seniors present similar challenges as those in the broader 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 had a cultural diversity below average, with 90.9% citizens, 92.7% born in Australia, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant 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 stood at 4.4%, slightly lower than the regional average of 4.9%. Samoan representation was similar to the regional average, at 0.1%.

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

West Rockhampton's median age in 2021 was 36 years, lower than the Rest of Queensland figure of 41 years, and marginally lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 15-24 age cohort was notably over-represented at 14.2% locally compared to the Rest of Queensland average. Conversely, the 65-74 year-olds were under-represented at 8.8%. Between 2021 and the present day, the 35-44 age group grew from 9.9% to 12.1% of West Rockhampton's population, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 13.0% to 14.2%. Meanwhile, the 45-54 age group declined from 12.5% to 10.6%, and the 25-34 group dropped from 15.7% to 14.6%. Demographic modeling suggests that West Rockhampton's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand notably, increasing by 59 people (21%) from 283 to 343. Conversely, both the 45-54 and 65-74 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.