Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.
Rockhampton offers a materially higher gross yield (5.7% vs 4.4%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Rockhampton achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Ballarat requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even. Vacancy conditions favour Rockhampton (0.9% vs 1.5%), indicating tighter rental demand relative to supply.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Ballarat VIC · #23 | Rockhampton QLD · #6 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.4% | 5.7% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.5% | 0.9% |
| Median Price | $580k | $445k |
| Weekly Rent | $490/wk | $490/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-4,680 | +$2,340 |
| Cashflow | Negative | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4.5% | +6.5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5% | +5% |
| NG Dependence | High | None |
| Discovery Status | Known | Emerging |
| Population | 117k | 82k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ◆ NEUTRAL | ▲ UPGRADED |
| Signal Score | 50 / Tier 3 | 69 / Tier 2 |
4.4% yield is below cashflow-positive threshold but offers population scale (117,000), transport links (1hr to Melbourne CBD), and the best asset liquidity in the VIC set. Federation University provides student rental demand. Included as the defensive, lower-risk option.
5.7% yield is cashflow positive. Rocky is one of QLD's largest regional cities with genuine economic diversification: military, agriculture, government services, and retail. Rail upgrade and beef industry investment support medium-term employment stability.
CoreLogic VIC Q1 2025 · REI Victoria Ballarat Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Federation University enrolment data 2024 · Ballarat City Council population projections
Data vintage: Q1 2025
CoreLogic QLD Q1 2025 · REIQ Rockhampton Q4 2024 · SQM Research · Queensland Rail Rocky Upgrade EIS 2024 · ADF Shoalwater Bay Training Area briefing 2024
Data vintage: Q1 2025
The interactive tool lets you add up to 4 suburbs for a full side-by-side breakdown with score components.
Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.