Rockingham

Population growth drivers in Rockingham are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Rockingham's population is 18,597 as of November 2025. This figure shows an increase of 2,186 people (13.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 16,411. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 18,463 in June 2024 and an additional 146 validated new addresses post-Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 520 persons per square kilometer. Rockingham's growth rate exceeded the national average (8.9%) since the 2021 Census, indicating it as a region leader in population growth. Interstate migration contributed approximately 61.7% to overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilises ABS's Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for the area, with an expected increase of 3,881 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.1% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Rockingham among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Rockingham has seen approximately 46 dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 232 homes. As of FY-26, there have been 24 recorded approvals. On average, each home built between FY-21 and FY-25 attracted around 9 new residents. This high demand coupled with limited supply typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $329,000. In the current financial year, Rockingham has seen commercial approvals totalling $830.2 million, indicating significant local commercial activity. However, compared to Greater Perth, Rockingham has significantly less development activity, being 70.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The majority of new developments in Rockingham consist of detached dwellings (82.0%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remainder (18.0%).

This preserves the area's low-density nature, attracting space-seeking buyers who prefer detached housing. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests at Census, indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. With around 270 people per dwelling approval, Rockingham is experiencing a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Rockingham is projected to add approximately 3,747 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially leading to heightened buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Rockingham has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 37 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones include Rockingham General Hospital Expansion Stage 2, Seaside Estate Madora Bay, Waikiki Hotel Site Redevelopment, and Secret Harbour Beachfront Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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Employment drivers in Rockingham are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Rockingham has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 8.5%, and estimated employment growth of 3.2% over the past year. As of September 2025, 9,060 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.5%, higher than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Rockingham lags at 51.7% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents include public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and construction. Public administration & safety has notably high concentration with employment levels at 2.7 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical shows lower representation at 3.3% versus the regional average of 8.2%.

The worker-to-resident ratio is 1.0, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, Rockingham's employment increased by 3.2%, while labour force grew by 4.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 1 percentage point. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9% and unemployment increase marginally. State-wide data from 25-Nov-2025 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Rockingham's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Rockingham SA2's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $56,146. The average income stood at $67,869 during this period. These figures compare to Greater Perth's median and average incomes of $58,380 and $78,020 respectively. Based on a 14.2% increase as per the Wage Price Index since financial year 2022, estimated current incomes are approximately $64,119 (median) and $77,506 (average) by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 26th percentile ($692 weekly), while household income sits at the 9th percentile. In Rockingham SA2, 27.2% of locals (5,058 people) fall into the $400 - $799 income category. This contrasts with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket is most prevalent at 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Rockingham SA2, with only 82.0% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 10th percentile.

Rockingham displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Rockingham's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 64.0% houses and 36.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 90.5% houses and 9.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Rockingham was at 35.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.5% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Perth metro's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Rockingham was $300, compared to Perth metro's $330. Nationally, Rockingham's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,517 vs Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were lower at $300 vs the national figure of $375.

Rockingham features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 56.2% of all households, including 17.2% couples with children, 27.6% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 43.8%, with lone person households at 40.8% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.0 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (33.1%). Educational participation is high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 8.3% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.3% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Rockingham has 145 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 10 different routes that together facilitate 2,592 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents on average living 227 meters away from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 370 trips across all routes, which amounts to about 17 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Rockingham is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Rockingham faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions. Approximately 53% (~9,930 people) of Rockingham's total population has private health cover, which is quite high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 11.0% and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 61.2% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 68.5% across Greater Perth. Rockingham has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 27.8% (5,160 people), than Greater Perth's 15.6%. The health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall population's health profile.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Rockingham was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Rockingham's population was found to be diverse, with 10.1% speaking a language other than English at home as of the 2016 Census. This figure is higher than most local markets in Australia. Additionally, 36.8% of Rockingham residents were born overseas.

Christianity was the predominant religion in Rockingham, making up 48.1% of its population. However, the 'Other' religious category showed an overrepresentation in Rockingham compared to Greater Perth, with 0.8% versus 0.7%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (36.3%), Australian (22.7%), and Scottish (8.6%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) and Serbian (0.8%) populations were overrepresented in Rockingham compared to regional averages of 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively. Maori population was also notably different, with 1.3% in Rockingham versus the regional average of 2.0%.

Rockingham hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Rockingham's median age is 47 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age group of 65-74 makes up 14.0% of Rockingham's population, compared to Greater Perth's percentage. The 35-44 age group comprises 10.3%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75-84 age group has grown from 9.0% to 9.9%, while the 45-54 cohort has decreased from 12.3% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Rockingham's age profile, with the 75-84 cohort expected to grow by 69%, adding 1,271 residents to reach 3,111. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 78% of population growth. Meanwhile, declines are projected for the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups.