Macgregor (ACT)

Macgregor has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Macgregor's population is around 6,944 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 105 people (1.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,049 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,942 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,626 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 60.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 317 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is projected to grow by 133 people.

The level of residential development activity in Macgregor is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Macgregor has seen around 12 new homes approved per year, with 61 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 3 so far in FY-26. As the area has experienced population decline, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $230,000. There have also been $1.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature.

Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor shows substantially reduced construction (70.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This level is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 55.0% detached dwellings and 45.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 91.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. At around 584 people per approval, Macgregor shows a mature, established area.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Macgregor should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Macgregor has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 16thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 5 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

The employment landscape in Macgregor shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Macgregor features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.7%, and 1.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,829 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%. Based on Census responses, a low 10.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 27.5% versus the regional average of 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.3% while the labour force increased by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Macgregor. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Macgregor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

The Macgregor SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $72,465 and an average of $79,969 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is extremely high nationally, contrasting with the Australian Capital Territory's median income of $72,206 and average income of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $79,175 (median) and $87,374 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Macgregor, between the 85th and 89th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the largest segment comprises 41.9% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (2,909 residents), mirroring the metropolitan region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. The locality demonstrates considerable affluence with 33.2% earning over $3,000 per week, supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 84th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Macgregor is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Macgregor, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Macgregor was lagging that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 20.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (58.3%) or rented (20.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $464, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Macgregor has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 77.0% of all households, comprising 39.1% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 2.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.7 people is larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Macgregor shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (35.3%) substantially below the SA4 region average of 46.8%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (20.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 28 active transport stops operating within Macgregor, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 59 individual routes, collectively providing 4,011 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 235 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 5% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 10.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 573 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 143 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Macgregor are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Macgregor, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (4,131 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.1% and 9.7% of residents, respectively, while 69.0% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 10.7% of residents aged 65 and over (740 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Macgregor was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Macgregor was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 27.1% of its population born overseas and 25.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Macgregor is Christianity, which makes up 41.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Other, which comprises 3.1% of the population, compared to 1.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Macgregor are Australian, comprising 25.6% of the population, English, comprising 23.0% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Macgregor (vs 1.2% regionally), Sri Lankan at 0.5% (vs 0.4%) and Indian at 3.9% (vs 3.3%).

Macgregor hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

With a median age of 35, Macgregor is equal to the Australian Capital Territory figure of 35 but is modestly under Australia's 38 years. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor has a higher concentration of 35 - 44 residents (18.8%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (14.5%). Since the 2021 Census, the 45 to 54 age group has grown from 11.8% to 13.7% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 9.9% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 16.4% to 14.5% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 16.0% to 14.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Macgregor. The 55 to 64 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 16%, adding 93 residents to reach 684. On the other hand, both 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups will see reduced numbers.