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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
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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
West Rockhampton has an estimated population of approximately 1,947 residents as of May 2026, according to analysis of ABS population releases and new addresses verified by AreaSearch post-Census. Compared to the 2021 Census count of 1,848, this represents a gain of 99 individuals, or 5.4%. This updated figure of 1,947 was calculated by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 ERP release alongside 24 new addresses confirmed since the Census. At this level, the population density stands at 307 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density with ample space and capacity for expansion.
The suburb's 5.4% post-Census growth is within 1.6 percentage points of the broader SA3 region's 7.0%, showcasing sound growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of growth, accounting for roughly 81.0% of recent population gains, though all contributors, including natural increase and interstate moves, remained positive. Projections for each SA2 area utilize ABS/Geoscience Australia data published in 2024, using 2022 as the base. For locations missing from this dataset or for years beyond 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 and based on 2021 data are used. Because these state figures omit age breakdowns, AreaSearch scales age cohorts proportionally using the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections, which have a 2022 base. Future trends point toward lower-quartile growth typical of non-metropolitan Australia, with aggregated SA2 projections indicating the area will add 53 residents by 2041, representing a total increase of 2.7% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
With an average of 3 approvals annually and a total of 16 over the last five years, property development in West Rockhampton remains highly restricted. This low rate of construction reflects the rural character of the area, where building activity responds to local demand rather than broader market movements. Given the small number of projects, individual developments can significantly skew yearly statistics and comparisons. Development activity in West Rockhampton is considerably lower than the Rest of Qld average and also sits below national trends. In addition, all recent construction projects have consisted of detached houses, emphasizing family residences that appeal to buyers looking for space and a rural environment.
The ratio of 1292 residents for each dwelling approved highlights the quiet and low-key nature of the local building sector. Demographic projections indicate that West Rockhampton will add 53 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly calculations from AreaSearch. The current rate of construction suggests housing supply will comfortably accommodate this demand, which should benefit buyers and could support growth beyond current projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around West Rockhampton
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| 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
Local infrastructure projects, planning initiatives, and major developments have a significant impact on local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 11 projects expected to influence the community. Prominent developments include the Rockhampton Ring Road, Rocky Stadium at Victoria Park, Rockhampton Showgrounds Precinct Redevelopment, and the Ski Gardens Master Plan Development, with key projects listed below.
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.
993 residents of West Rockhampton are employed, from a labour force of 1,016. Unemployment sits at 2.2%, with participation at 64.6%. 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 1,722, 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
A balanced mix of white-collar and blue-collar workers characterizes the workforce in West Rockhampton, with strong representation in essential services and an unemployment rate of only 2.2%, based on AreaSearch calculations. As of March 2026, employed residents numbered 993, while the unemployment rate was 1.7% lower than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, and participation mirrored the Regional Qld figure of 64.3%. Census data indicates that a minor 3.7% of the workforce worked from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions. The major employment sectors for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.
The local workforce has a notable concentration in health care & social assistance, employing residents at 1.5 times the regional rate. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing is underrepresented at 1.1% compared to the regional benchmark of 4.5%. A comparison between the count of local workers and the resident workforce suggests that local employment opportunities are limited. Analysis of SALM and ABS data, which have been aggregated from larger statistical areas, indicates that during the 12-month period, the labour force declined by 4.8% while employment dropped by 3.7%, leading to a 1.2 percentage point reduction in the unemployment rate. In contrast, the Regional Qld experienced a 0.1% increase in employment, a 0.3% expansion in the labour force, and a 0.1 percentage point rise in unemployment. Forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 provide additional context regarding future demand in West Rockhampton. These projections span five and ten-year intervals and have been overlaid on the local employment profile to estimate growth trends. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though these figures vary considerably across different industry sectors. When applied to West Rockhampton's employment mix, the industry-specific projections suggest a 6.9% increase in local employment over five years and a 14.4% increase over ten years. This calculation represents a basic weighting extrapolation intended for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.
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
According to the latest ATO postcode statistics for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of West Rockhampton recorded a median income of $53,536 and an average income of $69,421. This is slightly above the national benchmark and compares to a median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 in Regional Qld. Adjusted for the 11.36% Wage Price Index increase since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures as of March 2026 would be roughly $59,618 for the median and $77,307 for the average. Census data places household, family, and individual incomes in the lower-middle range, sitting between the 24th and 33rd percentiles.
The primary income group is the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, accounting for 29.3% of the population (570 people), similar to the regional average of 31.7%. Discretionary income after housing expenses stands at 86.1%, which ranks in the 27th percentile nationally.
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
At the time of the latest Census, residential properties in West Rockhampton consisted of 88.8% detached houses and 11.2% alternative housing types, such as apartments and semi-detached dwellings, compared to Regional Qld where houses make up 76.4% and other dwellings comprise 23.6%. Home ownership rates in the area were slightly lower than the regional average, standing at 30.5%, while the remaining homes were mortgaged (35.5%) or occupied by tenants (34.0%). The median mortgage payment of $1,215 per month was considerably lower than the Regional Qld average of $1,655, and the median weekly rent was $258 compared to the regional figure of $345.
On a national level, mortgage repayments are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also much lower than the national median of $375.
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 represent the majority of local households at 65.9%, which includes couples with children at 23.0%, couples without children at 24.1%, and single parents at 17.7%. The remaining 34.1% of households are non-family arrangements, consisting of single-person households at 30.5% and group living situations at 3.3%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
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
The local population exhibits lower rates of tertiary education, with university qualification levels at 16.7% compared to the national average of 30.4%. This highlight represents both a developmental challenge and an opportunity for educational programs. Among degree holders, bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduates at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational training is prominent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 6.3% and certificates at 31.2%. A high proportion of the community is engaged in study, with 28.4% of residents enrolled in an educational institution.
This group comprises 11.6% in primary school, 8.7% in high school, and 3.1% in higher education.
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
Analysis of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic illnesses by AreaSearch highlights significant health difficulties in West Rockhampton, affecting both youth and elderly cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively high at approximately 55% (~1,065 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 52.5% across Regional Qld. Mental health conditions and asthma are the most prevalent health issues locally, affecting 11.0% and 9.3% of the population, respectively, while 61.6% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Chronic health issues are particularly notable among the working-age cohort.
Residents aged 65 and older represent 17.7% of the local population (344 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Seniors in the area face health challenges, with national rankings aligning closely with general population 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 in West Rockhampton is below average, with citizenship at 90.9%, Australian-born residents making up 92.7%, and monolingual English speakers accounting for 95.1% of the population. Christianity is the predominant religion, practiced by 55.6% of local residents, compared to 52.2% in Regional Qld. The top parental ancestries represented in West Rockhampton are Australian at 30.7%, English at 30.4%, and Irish at 8.1%. Notable variations in other ancestries include a high representation of Australian Aboriginal residents at 7.4% (compared to 3.9% regionally), German ancestry at 4.4% (compared to 4.7% regionally), and Samoan ancestry at 0.1% (compared to 0.2% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of West Rockhampton is 36. 28.5% 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 median age in West Rockhampton is 36, which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 41 and slightly younger than the national median of 38. The 25 - 34 age bracket is highly represented locally at 14.8% compared to Regional Qld, while the 65 - 74 age group is underrepresented at 8.8%. Since 2021, residents aged 35 to 44 have increased from 9.9% to 12.6% of the population, whereas the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.5% to 10.2%. Long-term modeling suggests significant shifts by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 52 people (18%) from 288 to 341, while the 65 to 74 and 5 to 14 demographics are projected to shrink.
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 Aug 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) | May 2026 3 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 May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| 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 Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 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) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 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 — 24 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 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 May 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.