Rocklea (Qld)

Detail

Based on evaluation of ABS population updates for the wider region, and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Rocklea (Qld) is estimated to be approximately 1,715 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 43 people (2.6%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 1,672 people. The shift is calculated from the resident population of 1,709, estimated by Districts after analyzing the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 2 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 186 persons per square kilometer, offering considerable space per individual and potential scope for subsequent development. Population growth for the locality was chiefly driven by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 66.0% of total population gains during recent periods.

Detail

Rocklea features a highly educated workforce, with significant representation in essential services industries, an unemployment rate of 12.3%, and 6.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026920 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 8.0% above the rate of 4.3% in Greater Brisbane, indicating potential for job creation, and workforce participation is generally close to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%. Based on Census answers, a moderate 16.5% of residents worked from home, though the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Detail

According to the latest postcode level ATO data from Districts released for financial year 2023, the median income among taxpayers in Rocklea is $62,657, with an average of $70,628. This exceeds the national average, and compares to Greater Brisbane's median of $58,236 and average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,775 (median) and $78,651 (average) as of March 2026. Based on 2021 Census data, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Rocklea, falling between the 35th and 48th percentiles. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 34.5% of residents (591 people), which aligns with the metropolitan area where this cohort also accounts for . Housing affordability pressures are severe, leaving only of income remaining, which ranks in the st percentile, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

Detail

The mix of housing in Rocklea, as measured at the latest Census, consisted of 88.0% houses and 12.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the home ownership rate in Rocklea was lower than the Brisbane metro average at 17.7%, with the remaining properties either mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (48.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was significantly below the Brisbane metro average at $1,635, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $335, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Rocklea's mortgage payments are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Detail

Family households make up the majority at 53.1% of all households, consisting of 20.4% couples with children, 20.7% couples without children, and 9.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 46.9%, with lone person households at 37.8% and group households making up 8.8% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Detail

Educational attainment in Rocklea is lower than regional averages, with 33.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 42.1% in the SA4 region. This difference points to opportunities for educational growth and skill development. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.1%, followed by postgraduate credentials (7.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.5%). Vocational and technical training is prominent, with 31.1% of residents aged 15+ holding trade qualifications – advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (21.8%).

Detail

Public transport data shows 11 active passenger stops operating within Rocklea, consisting of both trains and buses. These stops are served by 24 unique routes, which together provide 3,223 weekly passenger journeys. Transport access is classified as good, with residents on average living 257 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential community, most workers commute out of the area - private vehicles remain the main mode of travel at 78%, with 9% using trains. Car ownership averages 1.2 per household, which is below the regional average. Some 16.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; potentially reflecting COVID-19 rules).

Detail

Health indicators highlight significant challenges facing Rocklea, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with a variety of medical issues having notable impacts on both younger and older cohorts, while the rate of private health insurance is very high at approximately 55% of the total population (~946 people).

Detail

Rocklea shows high levels of cultural diversity, with 29.7% of the population speaking a non-English language at home and 36.8% born overseas. The most common religion in Rocklea was Christianity, representing 39.8% of local residents. However, the most pronounced overrepresentation was in Buddhism, which accounts for 4.5% of the population, compared to 2.0% across Greater Brisbane.

Detail

With a median age of 34, Rocklea is slightly younger than the Greater Brisbane figure of 36 and is substantially below the Australian average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Rocklea has a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (21.8%) but fewer children aged 5 - 14 (9.6%). This concentration of 25 - 34 year-olds is well above the national level of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age cohort has increased from 16.9% to 18.2% of the population. Population forecasts for 2041 point to significant demographic shifts for Rocklea. The 85+ cohort shows the most rapid projected growth at 60%, adding 37 residents to total . Structural aging is evident, as residents aged and older represent of predicted growth. Conversely, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

Detail

Rocklea currently has an estimated 89 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 68 children aged 0-2 and 44 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 19% by 2041 (to approximately 72 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 176. Birth rates in the area have averaged 15.8 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.