Rocherlea

TAS 7248 • Rest of TAS

1,033
Population (2021)
$24,336
Median Income
18.73 km²
Area
$220/wk
Median Rent
AffordableWorking-ClassSuburbanFamily-FriendlyCommuter Belt

About Rocherlea

Rocherlea is a working-class urban locality on the northern outskirts of Launceston in Tasmania's Launceston City Council area, approximately 7 kilometres from the Launceston CBD. With a population of 1,033 spread across 18.7 square kilometres, the suburb has a notably young demographic profile with a median age of just 32. Rocherlea has a significant proportion of social and community housing — nearly half of all dwellings — which reflects its role as an affordable residential area serving Launceston's lower-income households.

The suburb has a strong community spirit, with a sizeable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population representing around 12 per cent of residents. Rocherlea Primary School serves local families, and the suburb is connected to Launceston by bus services. Everyday necessities can be found at nearby Newnham and Mowbray, while Launceston's city centre offers a full range of retail, dining, and cultural attractions. The area is affordable by Tasmanian standards, with median weekly rents of $220, making it accessible for families and young people.

Rocherlea falls under postcode 7248 and is governed by Launceston Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Bass (Windermere) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
7248
Urban Area
Launceston
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.38°, 147.16°
Statistical Area
Rest of TAS
Area
18.73 km²
Elevation
132m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Metro Tasmania Route 50, 51 — Launceston CBD 20-30 min

Commute to Launceston CBD

Distance
7 km
By Train
No rail service in Tasmania
By Car (Peak)
12-20 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
10-15 min

🛣️ Bus services connect to Launceston CBD; car travel is straightforward via Westbury Road

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most errands require a car, though bus connections to Launceston CBD are available for basic needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$220
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$867
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
32 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
49.2%

94 state housing + 102 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,081
Census 2021
1,033
4.4% decline

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$21,320
Income 2021
$24,336
14.1% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 883
Born Overseas 39

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. South Korea 6
  • 2. England 5
  • 3. Philippines 5
  • 4. Sri Lanka 3

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 480
Australian 454
Australian Aboriginal 102
Scottish 73
Irish 57
German 25
Italian 14
Dutch 12
French 7
Korean 6

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

833
Both parents born in Australia
46
Both parents born overseas
54
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
59.5%
Christianity
28.4%
Islam
0.8%
Buddhism
0.4%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
78 (7.6%)
5-14 years
175 (16.9%)
15-19 years
73 (7.1%)
20-24 years
76 (7.4%)
25-34 years
148 (14.3%)
35-44 years
117 (11.3%)
45-54 years
133 (12.9%)
55-64 years
131 (12.7%)
65-74 years
74 (7.2%)
75-84 years
24 (2.3%)
85+ years
3 (0.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rocherlea known for? +

Rocherlea is known as one of Launceston's more affordable residential suburbs, with a young population and a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community presence. It is a predominantly housing commission area with a close-knit neighbourhood character.

How far is Rocherlea from Launceston CBD? +

Rocherlea is approximately 7 kilometres north of the Launceston CBD, a drive of around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.

Does Rocherlea have public transport? +

Rocherlea is served by Metro Tasmania bus routes connecting it to Launceston's city centre, with a travel time of around 20–30 minutes. There is no passenger rail in Tasmania.

What is the population of Rocherlea? +

According to the 2021 Census, Rocherlea has a population of 1,033, slightly down from 1,081 in 2016. The suburb has a notably young median age of 32 and a significant proportion of social housing.

Is Rocherlea a good place to live? +

Rocherlea offers very affordable housing within commuting distance of Launceston, making it suitable for families and individuals on modest incomes. While amenities are limited locally, the suburb is well-connected to Launceston's broader services.

What is the postcode for Rocherlea? +

Rocherlea's postcode is 7248.