# Rockingham

Suburb / Locality · Area profile

Located in: Western Australia › Greater Perth › Rockingham › 6168, WA

Area: 13 km²

A far older population than the national average defines Rockingham, where the typical resident is 49. This is a large community with a distinctive mix of retirees and overseas arrivals, as over a third of people were born abroad. The area is very walkable and well-connected, though it faces challenges with lower typical incomes and higher health needs. It is a place where many people live alone in smaller homes compared to the rest of the state.

## Demographics & Identity

Rockingham is much older than most areas, with 27.1% of residents aged 65 and over. This contrasts with a very small population of children under 15, who make up only 12.7% of the community.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total population | 15,312 | +8.1% since 2011 |
| Median age | 49 yrs | +11.4% since 2011 |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander population | 1.9% | +32.1% since 2011 |
| People aged 65 and over | 27.1% | +19.4% since 2011 |
| Children under 15 | 12.7% | -14.8% since 2011 |
| People in a de facto relationship | 11.7% | +14.2% since 2011 |

**Age structure** — Older adults (45–64) 27.9%, Seniors (65+) 27.1%, Young adults (25–44) 21.8%, Children (0–14) 12.7%, Youth (15–24) 10.3%

**Marital status** — Married 40.8%, Never married 33.0%, Divorced 12.8%, Widowed 8.4%, Separated 4.9%

## Ancestry & Birthplace

The area has a high proportion of overseas-born residents at 34.7%, which is well above the national figure. English and Australian are the most common ancestries, followed by Scottish and Irish.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People born overseas | 34.7% | -6.0% since 2011 |

**Country of birth** — Australia 58.2%, England 14.9%, New Zealand 4.1%, Philippines 1.3%, South Africa 0.9%, India 0.9%, China 0.4%, Italy 0.4%, Vietnam 0.4%, Nepal 0.1%

**Ancestry** — English 47.4%, Australian 29.4%, Scottish 11.3%, Irish 10.1%, German 3.5%, Italian 3.1%, Dutch 2.0%, Filipino 1.7%, Chinese 1.2%, Indian 0.8%, Vietnamese 0.4%, Greek 0.3%

## Language

While 9.5% of people use a language other than English at home, this is far below the national average of 22.3%. English remains the dominant language for 83.4% of the population.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People using another language at home | 9.5% | +3.2% since 2011 |
| People who speak little or no English | 1.4% | -1.0% since 2016 |

**Language used at home** — English only 83.4%, Tagalog 0.6%, Mandarin 0.5%, Italian 0.4%, Vietnamese 0.3%, Arabic 0.3%, Punjabi 0.2%, Cantonese 0.2%, Hindi 0.2%, Greek 0.0%

## Religion

People with no religion make up 44.0% of the community, which is higher than both the state and national figures. Christianity is the next most common affiliation at 43.8%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with no religion | 44.0% | +77.2% since 2011 |

**Religious affiliation** — No religion 44.0%, Christianity 43.8%, Not stated 8.8%, Buddhism 1.5%, Islam 0.8%, Other religions 0.7%, Hinduism 0.4%, Judaism 0.1%

## Education & Qualifications

Education levels are lower than in most areas, with only 11.2% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is far below the national figure of 26.3%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completed Year 12 | 42.6% | +18.7% since 2011 |
| Adults with a bachelor degree or higher | 11.2% | +45.8% since 2011 |
| Schools per 1,000 children | 4.63 | — |
| Schools within 3 km | 17 | — |
| Average school size | 521 | — |
| Average school ICSEA | 992 | — |

**Highest year of school** — Year 12 42.6%, Year 10 28.2%, Year 11 11.3%, Year 9 or below 9.0%

**Highest qualification level** — Certificate III / IV 39.0%, Advanced diploma / diploma 15.5%, Bachelor degree 13.7%, Postgraduate degree 3.4%, Certificate I / II 3.1%, Graduate diploma / certificate 2.6%

**Field of qualification** — Engineering & related 19.8%, Management & commerce 14.3%, Society & culture 11.0%, Health 9.1%, Education 7.1%, Food, hospitality & personal services 6.2%, Architecture & building 5.7%, Creative arts 2.2%, Natural & physical sciences 1.8%, Information technology 1.6%, Agriculture & environment 1.6%

## Income

Typical incomes are well below the national figures, with a typical weekly household income of $1,169. Only 12.2% of households earn $3,000 or more per week, which is far below the state average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median personal income (weekly) | $671 | +32.6% since 2011 |
| Median household income (weekly) | $1,169 | +29.7% since 2011 |
| Median family income (weekly) | $1,661 | +28.8% since 2011 |
| People earning $2,000+ a week | 10.2% | — |
| Households earning $3,000+ a week | 12.2% | — |

**Household income distribution** — $650–$1,499 30.2%, Under $650 24.7%, $1,500–$2,999 23.9%, $3,000–$3,999 6.6%, $4,000 or more 5.6%

**Personal income distribution** — Under $650 44.8%, $650–$1,499 27.6%, $1,500–$2,999 15.8%, $3,000 or more 3.4%

## Health & Disability

Health needs are much higher here than in most areas, with 35.5% of people living with a long-term health condition. This is reflected in the 8.0% of residents who need help with daily activities.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People with a long-term health condition | 35.5% | — |
| People with a mental health condition | 11.2% | — |
| People needing help with daily activities | 8.0% | +31.0% since 2011 |

**Long-term health conditions reported** — Arthritis 13.1%, Mental health 11.2%, Other condition 9.7%, Asthma 8.0%, Diabetes 6.9%, Heart disease 6.3%, Cancer 4.3%, Lung condition 3.5%, Stroke 1.4%, Dementia 1.2%

**Number of long-term health conditions** — None 55.1%, One condition 22.2%, Two conditions 8.0%, Three or more 5.3%

## Community Participation

A striking 7.9% of residents have served in the Defence Force, which is well above the national average. However, volunteer rates are much lower than most areas at 11.8%.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Volunteers | 11.8% | -6.5% since 2011 |
| People providing unpaid care | 11.3% | +16.3% since 2011 |
| People caring for children unpaid | 21.8% | -4.4% since 2011 |
| People who served in the Defence Force | 7.9% | — |
| People doing 15+ hours of unpaid housework | 18.9% | -15.1% since 2011 |

## First Nations

There are 297 First Nations people in the area. Their typical personal income is $619, which is well above the Western Australian figure of $481.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 297 | — |
| First Nations median age | 27 yrs | — |
| First Nations Year 12 completion | 33.0% | — |
| First Nations unemployment rate | 13.3% | — |
| First Nations median personal income | $619 | — |
| First Nations household income | $1,279 | — |
| Speaks a First Nations language | 6.4% | — |

## Family & Households

Living arrangements are unusual for the region, as 40.1% of people live alone. This contributes to a much lower density of just 2.0 people per home.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Average household size | 2.0 | -4.8% since 2011 |
| One-parent families | 17.2% | +9.0% since 2011 |
| People living alone | 40.1% | +10.3% since 2011 |

**Family composition** — Couples with children 43.9%, Couples without children 37.6%, One-parent families 17.2%, Other families 1.3%

**Household size** — 1 person 40.1%, 2 people 35.9%, 3 people 11.5%, 4 people 7.7%, 5 people 3.3%, 6 or more 1.6%

## Housing & Dwellings

Renters are much more common here than in most areas, making up 36.8% of households. Detached houses are also less frequent, at 65.5%, which is far below the state average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Median rent (weekly) | $300 | +20.0% since 2011 |
| Median mortgage repayment (monthly) | $1,517 | -12.5% since 2011 |
| Average people per bedroom | 0.70 | -30.0% since 2011 |
| Households renting | 36.8% | -0.2% since 2011 |
| Homes owned outright | 33.5% | -1.1% since 2011 |
| Separate (detached) houses | 65.5% | +6.9% since 2011 |
| Homes with three or more bedrooms | 71.4% | -0.2% since 2011 |

**How homes are owned or rented** — Rented 36.8%, Owned outright 33.5%, Owned with a mortgage 26.1%, Not stated 1.9%, Other tenure 1.7%

**Types of homes** — Separate house 65.5%, Townhouse / semi-detached 20.1%, Flat or apartment 14.1%, Other dwelling 0.0%

**Bedrooms per home** — 3 bedrooms 41.3%, 4 bedrooms 26.8%, 2 bedrooms 22.2%, 1 bedroom 4.3%, 5 or more 3.3%, Studio / none 0.2%

**Weekly rent distribution** — $200–$349 56.3%, $350–$549 27.6%, Under $200 12.1%, $550–$749 0.9%

**Monthly mortgage distribution** — $1,000–$1,799 38.4%, $1,800–$2,999 25.8%, Under $1,000 20.5%, $3,000 or more 9.1%

## Transport & Vehicles

The area is well-served by transit, with 132 public transport stops and a very short walk to the nearest one. However, 9.1% of homes have no motor vehicle, which is well above the state average.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Homes with no motor vehicle | 9.1% | -25.1% since 2011 |
| People working from home | 5.1% | +111.7% since 2011 |
| Commuting by public transport | 3.9% | -25.5% since 2011 |
| Public transport stops | 132 | — |
| PT stops per 1,000 people | 8.62 | — |
| Weekly PT departures per 1,000 people | 2,832.0 | — |
| Public transport routes | 12 | — |
| Walk to nearest stop (min) | 2 | — |
| Drive time to the city (min) | 34 | — |
| People reachable in 30 min by transit | 16,411 | — |
| People reachable in 45 min by transit | 49,492 | — |
| Transit time to the city (min) | 67 | — |

**How people get to work** — Car (driver) 63.6%, Worked at home 5.1%, Car (passenger) 4.9%, Train 2.1%, Walked 1.9%, Bus 1.8%, Bicycle 0.5%

**Motor vehicles per home** — 1 vehicle 47.6%, 2 vehicles 30.3%, No vehicle 9.1%, 3 vehicles 8.5%, 4 or more 4.4%

## Migration & Movement

The community has seen significant movement, with 40.9% of people moving house in the last five years. This is slightly above the state and national averages.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| People who moved in the last 5 years | 40.9% | -5.1% since 2011 |
| Recent arrivals from overseas | 5.4% | -67.7% since 2011 |

## Jobs & Industry

While full-time employment is slightly above the national average, the unemployment rate is much higher at 8.1%. Fewer adults are working or looking for work compared to most areas.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unemployment rate | 8.1% | +14.1% since 2011 |
| Labour-force participation | 52.4% | +0.0% since 2011 |
| Employed full-time | 59.9% | -7.3% since 2011 |

**Industries people work in** — Health care & social assistance 12.7%, Public administration & safety 11.8%, Construction 9.9%, Retail trade 8.8%, Manufacturing 8.1%, Education & training 7.5%, Mining 6.5%, Accommodation & food 6.2%, Transport & warehousing 4.4%, Other services 3.7%, Administrative & support 3.6%, Professional & technical 3.3%, Wholesale trade 2.1%, Electricity, gas & water 1.5%, Rental & real estate 1.3%, Finance & insurance 1.2%, Arts & recreation 1.1%, Agriculture, forestry & fishing 0.7%, Media & telecommunications 0.5%

**Occupations people work in** — Technicians & trades 18.4%, Community & personal service 15.6%, Professionals 13.0%, Labourers 12.5%, Clerical & administrative 12.1%, Managers 9.9%, Machinery operators & drivers 8.9%, Sales workers 7.8%

## Walkability

The area is very walkable, with 98.6% of homes within a 10-minute walk of public transport. Most residents can also easily reach parks and schools on foot.

| Statistic | Value | Change since |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Walkability score | 6.1 | — |
| Amenity types within a 15-minute walk | 5.9 | — |
| Homes with a 15-minute-city walkshed | 72.5% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of groceries | 67.3% | — |
| Homes within 10 min walk of public transport | 98.6% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a school | 83.8% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of a park | 94.6% | — |
| Homes within 15 min walk of health services | 29.3% | — |
| Walkable amenities per 1,000 residents | 17.6 | — |
| Street connectivity (intersections/km²) | 243 | — |
| Mean terrain slope | 4.1% | — |

## Schools serving Rockingham

17 schools, 8,862 students, average ICSEA 992.

By sector: Government 12, Independent 3, Catholic 2

By type: Primary 10, Secondary 5, Combined 2

Nearest 10 shown:

| School | Sector | Type | Distance | Students |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Rockingham Montessori School | Independent | Primary | 0.8 km | 272 |
| Rockingham Senior High School | Government | Secondary | 0.8 km | 1,035 |
| Rockingham Senior High School Education Support Centre | Government | Secondary | 0.8 km | 76 |
| Kolbe Catholic College | Catholic | Secondary | 0.9 km | 1,270 |
| Star of the Sea Primary School | Catholic | Primary | 1.2 km | 638 |
| SMYL Community College | Independent | Secondary | 1.2 km | 252 |
| Bungaree Primary School | Government | Primary | 1.3 km | 233 |
| Hillman Primary School | Government | Primary | 1.9 km | 256 |
| Rockingham Beach Primary School | Government | Primary | 2.0 km | 406 |
| Rockingham Beach Education Support Centre | Government | Primary | 2.0 km | 67 |

## Nearby areas

[Safety Bay](https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL51319/safety-bay) · [Hillman](https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL50639/hillman) · [Shoalwater](https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL51348/shoalwater) · [Peron](https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL51229/peron) · [East Rockingham](https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL50467/east-rockingham) · [Waikiki](https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL51502/waikiki) · [Cooloongup](https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL50329/cooloongup) · [Leda](https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL50838/leda)

Interactive profile: https://censusatlas.au/region/sal/SAL51301/rockingham