Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
West Rockhampton has an estimated 1,947 residents, up from 1,848 at the 2021 Census — a change of 99 people, or 5.4%. Growth has averaged 1.0% a year over five years. Overseas migration accounts for 81.0% of that increase. That puts 308 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's review of ABS regional population updates along with 23 validated new addresses identified since the Census, the resident population for the suburb of West Rockhampton stands at approximately 1,947 as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 99 people (5.4%) compared to the 1,848 people recorded in the 2021 Census. AreaSearch established this figure following the ABS ERP release from June 2025 and subsequent address verification. With a density of 307 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of West Rockhampton offers substantial physical room and capacity for future expansion.
The suburb of West Rockhampton's 5.4% population gain since the census trails the broader SA3 area (7.5%) by 2.1 percentage points, showing solid demographic momentum. Inbound international migration was the primary contributor, accounting for roughly 81.0% of recent population additions, while interstate arrivals and natural increase also provided positive contributions. Projections generated by ABS/Geoscience Australia (published in 2024 using 2022 baseline figures) are utilised by AreaSearch across SA2 areas. For locations without coverage or for periods beyond 2032, Queensland State Government SA2 projections (released in 2023 based on 2021 numbers) are applied. Because these state figures omit age cohort breakdowns, AreaSearch assigns proportional weightings from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023 using 2022 data) across age groups. Demographic projections place the suburb of West Rockhampton in the lower quartile of regional Australian growth, with an expected gain of 51 persons by 2041 according to aggregated SA2 modelling, representing an overall increase of 2.6% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in West Rockhampton remains subdued, averaging 2 new dwellings approved annually, totaling 10 dwellings over the five-year period. These modest figures align with rural settings characterized by limited housing demand and local infrastructure boundaries. Because annual volumes are so low, year-to-year comparisons and percentage shifts can fluctuate significantly with single builds. Compared to Rest of Qld, residential construction in West Rockhampton proceeds at a considerably quieter pace, trailing nationwide levels as well. Recent development is composed exclusively of detached dwellings designed for family living and rural space.
A metric of 969 people in the area per dwelling approval underscores the calm, subdued building climate. Projections indicate West Rockhampton will add 51 residents by 2041 relative to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current construction levels match this expected pace well, fostering balanced market conditions and preventing sharp upward pricing pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around West Rockhampton
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside West Rockhampton. A further 53 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.65 billion. 17 are already under construction and 12 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and transport & logistics. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Capital investments, planning schemes, and major civic projects heavily shape regional growth and economic performance. AreaSearch has identified 11 significant initiatives expected to influence the community, highlighted by the Rockhampton Ring Road, Rocky Stadium at Victoria Park, Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment, and Ski Gardens Master Plan Development.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo Redevelopment
Multi-stage redevelopment of the heritage-listed Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo including a new visitor hub, upgraded animal exhibits, improved visitor amenities, playground upgrades, enhanced gardens and conservation facilities. Major visitor infrastructure has been completed and additional enclosure and site enhancement works continue as part of the long-term redevelopment program.
PennyCove Gated Villas
Secure gated unit development comprising 14 x 3-bedroom villas, designed for luxury living in West Rockhampton.
Rockhampton Ring Road
The Rockhampton Ring Road is a 17.4 km Bruce Highway bypass connecting the Capricorn Highway at Fairy Bower with the Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road at Parkhurst. The approximately AUD 1.98 billion project includes 18 bridges, including a new 435 m Fitzroy River crossing, flood immunity to the Q100 standard, improved freight efficiency, and removal of through heavy vehicle traffic from the Rockhampton CBD. Main construction commenced in 2025 and major bridge works are progressing, including a temporary Fitzroy River work platform and river exclusion zone through mid-2028.
Rockhampton Hospital Mental Health Unit Expansion
A $92 million expansion to the Mental Health Unit at Rockhampton Hospital, to be completed in 2026. It will include 32 beds, therapy spaces, indoor gardens, administrative support, office space, and new undercover parking.
Rockhampton Hospital Emergency Department Expansion
The Rockhampton Hospital Emergency Department expansion was completed in July 2025, significantly increasing clinical capacity. The project delivered nine new acute treatment spaces, including seven beds and two recliner chairs, alongside a dedicated consultation and treatment room. By relocating the Orthopaedic Clinic to a new purpose-built facility on Canning Street, the hospital created a specialized 'Fast Track' area with 12 additional treatment spaces designed for non-complex cases like minor injuries and respiratory infections. This upgrade improves patient flow, reduces ambulance ramping, and supports more complex case management across Central Queensland.
Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment
Master planning and long-term redevelopment of the Showgrounds and Victoria Park precinct to create a high-quality multi-purpose venue for exhibitions, events, community activities, and sporting facilities. The master planning process is to guide the staged development of the precinct over time and address constraints like parking and flooding.
Rockhampton Large Format Retail Centre (Anaconda anchor)
A large format retail development on the corner of Yaamba Road (Bruce Highway) and Moores Creek Road in Park Avenue, anchored by a 2,500 square metre Anaconda showroom. Following an approved change application in March 2025, the project now comprises six showroom tenancies plus advertising signage, with the previously proposed shopping centre, smaller shops and 24-hour service station components removed. The site provides 258 car parking spaces and is owned by the Spotlight Retail Group through SPG Developments.The development brings additional outdoor, lifestyle and homewares retail to the northern Rockhampton retail strip on the Bruce Highway.
Rockhampton Flatwater Facility (Ski Gardens Precinct)
The Ski Gardens Precinct on the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton is proposed to be upgraded into the Rockhampton Flatwater Facility, earmarked to host rowing, Para rowing, canoe sprint and Para canoe events at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. The project is being advanced by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council, which remains the venue owner. GIICA is assessing two preferred Field of Play options on the river, including a full 2-kilometre competition course with a southern finish line toward the Barrage, with support from World Rowing and the International Canoe Federation.Planned upgrades may include enhanced permanent infrastructure, amenities, a judging tower and improved river access, with a proposed venue capacity of 14,000. The facility is funded within the broader $7.1 billion Games Venues Infrastructure Program jointly provided by the Australian and Queensland Governments, though Commonwealth funding remains contingent on international accreditation approvals, and an alternative rowing venue proposal for Lawnton in Moreton Bay continues to be advocated by some rowing stakeholders. The Planning and Approvals phase is expected to continue through 2026 and into 2027, ahead of design and construction phases.
1,003 residents of West Rockhampton are employed, from a labour force of 1,025. Unemployment sits at 2.1%, with participation at 65.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 1,718, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in West Rockhampton features an even distribution across white-collar and blue-collar occupations, supported by a strong presence in essential services and an unemployment rate of 2.1% based on statistical aggregation by AreaSearch. In March 2026, 1,003 residents were employed, maintaining a jobless rate 1.8% below the 3.9% observed across Regional Qld, while labour force engagement closely tracked Regional Qld's 64.2%. Census figures indicated that 3.7% of local workers performed their duties from home, an estimate potentially shaped by Covid-19 lockdown conditions. The primary sectors employing local residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.
The workforce displays a clear concentration in health care & social assistance, capturing an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing represents 1.1% of employment compared to the regional benchmark of 4.5%. Comparing Census working population counts against resident totals suggests local job availability within the immediate boundary is relatively constrained. AreaSearch's evaluation of ABS and SALM figures across broader statistical areas indicates that over the twelve months to March 2026, the local workforce contracted by 4.6% as employment fell by 3.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. Conversely, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.1%, labour supply grow by 0.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. Looking forward, Jobs and Skills Australia national forecasts from Mar-26 provide context on employment trajectory. Across the nation, employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying widely across industries. Applying these sector-level expectations to West Rockhampton's industrial profile indicates potential employment growth of 6.9% over five years and 14.4% over ten years (note this is an illustrative weighting model that does not incorporate local demographic forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in West Rockhampton is $1,350 a week (about $70,000 a year), with median personal income at $724 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,536 a year against an average of $69,421. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO taxation statistics for financial year 2023 compiled at the postcode level by AreaSearch show that taxpayers in the suburb of West Rockhampton generated a median income of $53,536 and an average income of $69,421. These outcomes sit marginally above nationwide averages and compare with $53,146 (median) and $66,593 (average) throughout Regional Qld. Factoring in an 11.36% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates as of March 2026 reach approximately $59,618 for median income and $77,307 for average income. In the 2021 Census, individual, family, and household earnings placed in lower-middle ranges between the 24th and 33rd percentiles nationally.
Income distribution shows 29.3% of residents (570 individuals) earning between $1,500 - 2,999, mirroring the broader metropolitan region where 31.7% fall into this bracket. Residual income following housing costs stands at 86.1%, placing it at the 27th percentile nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
West Rockhampton had 731 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 4% apartments. 36% are owned with a mortgage, 34% rented and 31% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $258 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,215 a month. Rent absorbs 19.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, separate houses made up 88.8% of the housing stock in West Rockhampton, while semi-detached dwellings, apartments, and 'other' dwellings accounted for 11.2%, differing from Regional Qld where houses comprised 76.4% and other dwellings 23.6%. Outright home ownership stood at 30.5%, slightly behind the regional benchmark, while mortgaged properties represented 35.5% and rental housing made up 34.0%. Housing expenses remained notably affordable: median monthly mortgage commitments were $1,215 and weekly rents were $258, compared to Regional Qld benchmarks of $1,655 and $345 respectively. Relative to broader national averages of $1,863 for monthly mortgages and $375 for weekly rents, local shelter costs are substantially lower.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
West Rockhampton counted 731 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 770 today, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 77% of areas nationally, against 24% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute the majority of local living arrangements at 65.9%, consisting of couples without children (24.1%), couples with children (23.0%), and single parent families (17.7%). Non-family setups make up the remaining 34.1%, dominated by lone person households at 30.5% alongside group households at 3.3%. Average household occupancy is 2.3 people, compared to 2.5 across Regional Qld.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
16.7% of adults in West Rockhampton hold a university qualification, including 11.9% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 86% of areas nationally. A further 31.2% hold a vocational qualification. 1 school serves the area, with 427 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 921 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Tertiary educational attainment in the locality is lower than typical benchmarks, with 16.7% holding university degrees compared to the 30.4% national average, highlighting an area for educational development. Attainment is led by bachelor degrees at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational education is strongly represented, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ possessing trade credentials, comprising certificates (31.2%) and advanced diplomas (6.3%). Formal study engagement is substantial, with 28.4% of the population attending an educational institution. This proportion includes 11.6% enrolled in primary education, 8.7% attending secondary schools, and 3.1% engaged in tertiary studies.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around West Rockhampton means driving: households keep an average of 1.2 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
61.6% of residents in West Rockhampton report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 95% of areas nationally. 8.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and illness rates highlights health difficulties across both younger and older cohorts in West Rockhampton, alongside a private health insurance coverage rate of approximately 55% (~1,065 people). This compares with a 52.5% coverage rate across Regional Qld. Mental health conditions (11.0%) and asthma (9.3%) represent the most prevalent diagnosed ailments among residents, while 61.6% reported having no medical ailments whatsoever, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic conditions are elevated within the working-age cohort. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 17.8% of the population (346 people), below the 20.3% observed in Regional Qld, with senior health indicators broadly tracking national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
West Rockhampton is largely Australian-born, at 92.7% of residents, with 4.9% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (30.7%) and English (30.4%). 7.4% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in West Rockhampton sit below national averages: 90.9% of residents hold Australian citizenship, 92.7% were born in Australia, and 95.1% speak only English in domestic settings. Christianity is the dominant religious faith, practiced by 55.6% of residents, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Regarding reported parental heritage, Australian ancestry is highest at 30.7%, followed by English at 30.4% and Irish at 8.1%. Other cultural representations include Australian Aboriginal ancestry at 7.4% (above the 3.9% regional rate), German ancestry at 4.4% (versus 4.7% regionally), and Samoan background at 0.1% (compared to 0.2% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of West Rockhampton is 36. 28.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The demographic profile in West Rockhampton leans younger, with updated estimates to August 2026 indicating that children and young adults (0 - 24) represent 33.8% of the population, compared to 29.6% across Regional Qld, while middle aged and young retiree cohorts (45 - 64) account for 21.8% against 24.6% regionally. The median age is estimated at 36 as at August 2026, identical to the 2021 Census and 5 years younger than the 41 recorded regionally at that time. Since the Census, the middle aged and young retiree cohort has decreased from 23.8% to an estimated 21.8%.
Looking to 2041, young to middle aged adults (25 - 44) will lead demographic expansion, gaining 68 residents (13%) to reach 592, while younger cohorts and older working-age groups are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for West Rockhampton
8 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 8 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 3 sections | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2025 about a year ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2025. | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 23 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (1,848 at the 2021 Census → 1,947 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL33041). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.