Rosedale
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Rosedale are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Rosedale's population was approximately 5,066 as of August 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 138 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,928. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,929 in June 2024 and an additional 80 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 5.2 persons per square kilometer. Rosedale's growth rate of 2.8% since the census is within 1.7 percentage points of the SA3 area's growth rate of 4.5%. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch uses the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Rosedale is forecasted to have a population increase of 1,079 persons, representing an 18.5% total gain over the 17-year period.

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

Rosedale has averaged approximately 21 new dwelling approvals annually. The Australian Bureau of Statistics produces development approval data on a financial year basis, with 108 dwellings approved over the past five years from FY-21 to FY-25, and one already approved in FY-26. Over these five years, an average of zero new residents per year per dwelling constructed has been observed. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of these dwellings is $436,000. In the current financial year, $31.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Rosedale has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 59th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

All new construction in Rosedale consists of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With approximately 287 people per dwelling approval, Rosedale exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate that Rosedale will gain 937 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Rosedale has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects that may impact the region. Notable ones include Princes Highway East Duplication Traralgon to Sale (2023), Wurruk Development Plan - Sale Western Growth Area (2025), Frasers Solar Farm (commencing 2026). The following list details those most relevant:.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.4%, Rosedale has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Rosedale has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 3.4%.

As of June 2025, 2105 residents are employed, which is 0.4% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Rosedale is at 47.9%, significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Major employment sectors include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly prominent, with an employment share 3.2 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has a lower representation at 11.9% compared to the regional average of 16.8%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7%, and employment declined by 1.7%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. had a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment despite a smaller employment decline of 0.9%. Statewide in VIC as of Sep-25, employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, slightly higher than the national rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Rosedale's employment mix, local growth is estimated at approximately 5.3% over five years and 11.7% 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 Rosedale's median income among taxpayers is $46,043 and the average is $55,813. This is below the national average. The median income in Rest of Vic is $48,741 with an average of $60,693. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Rosedale would be approximately $50,698 (median) and $61,456 (average) as of March 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Rosedale rank modestly between the 33rd and 35th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that 32.1% of locals (1,626 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region where 30.3% occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.3% retained, but disposable income is below average at the 41st percentile.

Rosedale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Rosedale's dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro Vic. had 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rosedale stood at 43.5%, similar to Non-Metro Vic.'s level, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (41.1%) or rented (15.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,300, matching Non-Metro Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent was $236 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $260. Nationally, Rosedale's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Rosedale has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 73.5% of all households, including 31.0% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households making up 2.4%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Rosedale fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.1%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.4%). Educational participation is high at 41.7%, with 15.9% in primary education, 13.1% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Rosedale's four schools have a combined enrollment of 253 students, serving typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 955) with balanced educational opportunities. These schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby due to limited local capacity (5.0 places per 100 residents vs 14.6 regionally).

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Rosedale has six active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 15 different routes, which together facilitate 189 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is considered limited in the area, with residents on average located 723 meters from their nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 27 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 31 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rosedale is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Rosedale faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 48% of the total population (~2,411 people) have private health cover, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4 and 8.3% of residents respectively. About 66.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.7% across Rest of Vic. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (928 people), which is lower than the 23.5% in Rest of Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Rosedale, as per the census conducted on Tuesday 9 June 2009, exhibited lower than average cultural diversity. The population was predominantly Australian citizens, with 71.4% holding citizenship, and born in Australia, with 86.6% having been born there. English was spoken exclusively at home by 96.6% of the population.

Christianity was the major religion, practiced by 46.4%, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 46.9%. Ancestry-wise, Australian heritage led with 35.6%, followed by English at 32.7% and Scottish at 8.5%. Notably, Dutch ancestry was higher in Rosedale at 2.2%, compared to the regional average of 2.1%. Maltese ancestry was also relatively high, at 0.6% versus 0.4% regionally. Filipino ancestry stood out as well, with 1.4% in Rosedale against a regional average of 0.7%.

Rosedale's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Rosedale is 40 years, which is slightly below the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but above Australia's median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., the 35-44 cohort is notably higher at 17.2% locally, while the 15-24 age group is under-represented at 8.2%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 45-54 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.6%, while the 15-24 cohort declined from 9.6% to 8.2% and the 25-34 group dropped from 16.9% to 15.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Rosedale, with the 45-54 age cohort projected to increase by 357 people (48%), from 741 to 1,099. Conversely, the 15-24 and 65-74 cohorts are expected to decrease in population.