Darwin
NTTier 2Positive
52
Signal score
VS
Rockhampton
QLDTier 2Positive
69
Signal score

Research only. Not financial advice. Data: Q1 2025 indicative estimates from public sources. Verify independently.

Rockhampton: Tighter Rental Market
0.9% vs 2.1% vacancy
Rockhampton: Lower Entry Price
$445k vs $670k
Rockhampton: Lower Investor Awareness
Emerging vs Known
Rockhampton: Higher Signal Score
69 vs 52

Both markets have comparable gross yields (5.5% vs 5.7%). Both markets carry similar cashflow positions under current yield and interest rate assumptions. Vacancy conditions favour Rockhampton (0.9% vs 2.1%), 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
Darwin
NT · #27
Rockhampton
QLD · #6
Gross Yield5.5%5.7%
Vacancy Rate2.1%0.9%
Median Price$670k$445k
Weekly Rent$711/wk$490/wk
Net pre-costs pa+$2,132+$2,340
CashflowPositivePositive
Rent Growth 12m+5.2%+6.5%
Price Growth 12m+4.8%+5%
NG DependenceNoneNone
Discovery StatusKnownEmerging
Population130k82k
Cycle StageStartingEarly-Mid
Policy Impact▲ STRONG UPGRADE▲ UPGRADED
Signal Score52 / Tier 269 / Tier 2
Darwin

Darwin is the NT capital and a significant ADF hub: RAAF Base Darwin and Robertson Barracks in nearby Palmerston. Charles Darwin University and NT government services provide additional employment stability. At $670k and $711/wk rent, Darwin produces the strongest gross yield in this expansion set (5.5%) and is the only Round 2 market achieving positive cashflow at standard LVR. Vacancy at 2.1% is elevated by dataset standards — directional trend matters.

Rockhampton

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.

Darwin: Sources

NT Govt/REINT Dec quarter 2025. Verified against PropTrack May 2026 ($707k direction). Data quality: imported.

Data vintage: 2026

Rockhampton: Sources

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.