City of Rockingham profile

Aerial view of City centre

About Rockingham

The City of Rockingham is located in Perth's outer southern suburbs, about 40 kilometres south-west of the Perth CBD. The City of Rockingham is bounded by the City of Kwinana in the north, the Serpentine-Jarrahdale Shire in the east, the Shire of Murray and the City of Mandurah in the south and the Indian Ocean in the west.

The City of Rockingham is a rapidly developing residential area, with substantial industrial and commercial areas. It is the closest local government area to the Royal Australian Navy’s largest base, HMAS Stirling, on nearby Garden Island.

The City encompasses a total land area of approximately 260 square kilometres, including significant areas of coastline and parkland. With 37 km of breathtaking coastline, the area is known for its pristine beaches, nearby Penguin Island, dolphins and seals frequenting the area, and adventure experiences.

Find us

Rockingham

Suburbs in the City of Rockingham

  • Baldivis
  • Cooloongup
  • East Rockingham
  • Garden Island
  • Golden Bay
  • Hillman
  • Karnup
  • Peron
  • Port Kennedy
  • Rockingham
  • Safety Bay
  • Secret Harbour
  • Shoalwater
  • Singleton
  • Waikiki
  • Warnbro

 

History

Rockingham is named after the ship Rockingham which brought settlers to the colony and ran aground on the beach in Cockburn Sound in 1930. Visit our Heritage page to read more about our history and our heritage strategy. 

Originally constituted as a Road Board on 21 May 1897, Rockingham became the Shire of Rockingham on 1 July 1961, and finally achieved City status on 12 November 1988. The criteria for becoming a City included having a population of more than 30,000, and a revenue of $200,000 sustained for three years. The district also had to be clearly distinguishable as a centre of population with sufficient residential, commercial and industrial centres.

As a comparison, the City is now designated as one of Perth's Strategic Metropolitan Centres and has a population of around 136,000 and an operating revenue of more than $156 million. Rockingham and surrounds is becoming an increasingly popular place to live and work, where residents place a high value on the relaxed coastal lifestyle that Rockingham offers.  

Population statistics

  • Profile ID logoThe City of Rockingham Community Profile enables you to analyse the population characteristics of your community, understand how they have changed over time and how they compare to other areas.

    The profile presents data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing in 2021, 2016, 2011, 2006, 2001, 1996 and 1991 for the local government area, and for smaller areas within it (e.g. suburbs). This data is presented in easy to use tables, charts and commentary covering a wide range of Census questions.

    The profile answers the majority of frequently asked socio-demographic questions and assists Council, the general public, students, community groups, organisations, business and investors to become more informed about the community.

    Go to profile.id

  • Atlas ID logoThe City of Rockingham Community Atlas presents key socio-demographic characteristics for the area as interactive maps. Based on data from the 2021, 2016, 2011 and 2006 Census of Population and Housing (Australian Bureau of Statistics), each map is prepared using Census Collector Districts providing the finest level of detail to help identify spatial patterns and trends in the area.

    Go to atlas.id

  • Forecast id logoThe City of Rockingham population forecasts outline the drivers of population change and forecasts how population, age structure and household types will change across the LGA over the period 2016 to 2036.

    This data is presented in easy to use tables, charts and commentary and is designed to inform community groups, Council, investors, business, students and the general public.
     

    Go to forecast.id

  • Economy ID logoThe City of Rockingham economic profile draws on a variety of economic data sources to profile the characteristics of the local economy, how it compares to other areas and how it is changing. It enables users to accurately describe the economy, explore linkages across the economy and promote the region.

    The economic profile answers the majority of frequently asked economic questions and assists Council, the general public, students, community groups, organisations, business and investors to become more informed about the local economy.

    Go to economy.id

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