Rosedale

Population growth drivers in Rosedale are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Rosedale's population is around 5,121 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 193 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,928 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,924 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 85 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 5.3 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilizes the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, a significant population increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 1,079 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 17.2% in total over the 17 years.

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

Rosedale has averaged around 21 new dwelling approvals annually, with 108 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 9 so far in FY-26. Given an average of only 0 new residents per year per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $321,000. Additionally, $31.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, 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 in the 58th percentile of areas assessed nationally. Meanwhile, new construction has consisted entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 287 people per dwelling approval, Rosedale shows characteristics of a low-density area.

Population forecasts indicate Rosedale will gain 882 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Rosedale has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 38thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 14 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Princes Highway East Duplication from Traralgon to Sale, the Wurruk Development Plan - Sale Western Growth Area, Frasers Solar Farm, and the Regional Housing Fund Gippsland, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment performance in Rosedale exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Rosedale features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with diverse sector representation, an unemployment rate of only 3.2%, and 5.4% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,183 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.5% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (53.7% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 18.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 3.2 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 11.9% versus the regional average of 16.8%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 5.4% while labour force increased by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Rosedale. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Rosedale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.3% over five years and 11.7% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Rosedale SA2's median income among taxpayers is $47,861, with an average of $57,859. This is below the national average, and compares to Regional Vic.'s median of $50,954 and average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $51,810 (median) and $62,632 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Rosedale, between the 32nd and 35th percentiles. The earnings profile shows the predominant cohort spans 32.1% of locals (1,643 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the metropolitan region where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are manageable with 89.3% retained, though disposable income sits below average at the 41st percentile.

Rosedale is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Rosedale, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 98.2% houses and 1.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Rosedale was higher than that of Regional Vic., at 43.5%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.1%) or rented (15.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Vic. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $236, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Rosedale's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 73.5% of all households, comprising 31.0% couples with children, 33.2% couples without children, and 8.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 26.5%, with lone person households at 24.0% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is larger than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.1%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 9.3%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.1%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (30.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 41.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 15.9% in primary education, 13.1% in secondary education, and 3.7% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 6 active transport stops operating within Rosedale, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 123 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 723 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 2.1 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 18.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 17 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 20 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Rosedale are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Rosedale, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~2,468 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.4% and 8.3% of residents, respectively, while 66.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 18.5% of residents aged 65 and over (947 people), which is lower than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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

Rosedale was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 71.4% of its population being citizens, 86.6% born in Australia, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Rosedale is Christianity, which makes up 46.4% of the population. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Rosedale are Australian, comprising 35.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 29.6%, English, comprising 32.7% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Rosedale (vs 1.7% regionally), Maltese at 0.6% (vs 0.5%) and Filipino at 1.4% (vs 0.6%).

Rosedale's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The 40-year median age in Rosedale is modestly under Regional Vic.'s average of 43, though slightly above the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 35 - 44 cohort is notably over-represented (17.4% locally), while 15 - 24 year-olds are under-represented (7.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.9% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 16.3% to 17.4%. Conversely, the 15 to 24 cohort has declined from 9.6% to 7.9% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.5% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Rosedale. The 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, increasing by 336 people (44%) from 762 to 1,099. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.