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 4.1%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Rockhampton achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Orange requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even.
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 | Orange NSW · #21 | Rockhampton QLD · #6 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 4.1% | 5.7% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.2% | 0.9% |
| Median Price | $745k | $445k |
| Weekly Rent | $590/wk | $490/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | $-8,060 | +$2,340 |
| Cashflow | Negative | Positive |
| Rent Growth 12m | +5.5% | +6.5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +6.2% | +5% |
| NG Dependence | High | None |
| Discovery Status | Emerging | Emerging |
| Population | 42k | 82k |
| Cycle Stage | Early-Mid | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▼ DOWNGRADED | ▲ UPGRADED |
| Signal Score | 54 / Tier 2 | 69 / Tier 2 |
Orange has moved materially as a lifestyle and sea-change destination for inland NSW. At $745k, the yield of 4.1% no longer supports cashflow-positive investing at standard LVR. The economy is diversified — Orange Base Hospital, Cadia gold and copper mine services, and Charles Sturt University — but the price growth has run ahead of rental income. New builds remain eligible for NG under current policy settings.
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.
2026 median house data. Source: realestate.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
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.