Macgregor (ACT)

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

Macgregor's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 6937 people. This figure represents a decrease of 112 individuals compared to the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7049 people. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 6942 in June 2024 and 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1624 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 60.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also using 2022 as a base year. By 2041, population projections indicate an overall decline of 317 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, notably the 45-54 age group, projected to increase 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 approximately 12 new homes approved per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 61 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline in the area, development activity has been adequate relative to other regions.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $230,000. This financial year, there have been $1.5 million worth of commercial approvals, indicating the residential nature of Macgregor. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 70.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Recent construction comprises 55.0% detached dwellings and 45.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 91.0% houses. This change suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 584 people per approval, Macgregor is a mature, established area with an expected stable or declining population, potentially creating opportunities for buyers due to reduced pressure on housing.

Macgregor has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 13thth percentile nationally

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance: The Valley Ponds Stage 3 and Future Stages, Macgregor Primary School Expansion and Modernisation, Ginninderry Estate Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn and future Macnamara), and Kippax Fair Expansion and Upgrade. These are considered most relevant to the area's development.

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

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

Macgregor has an educated workforce with key sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate was 4.8% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 1.1%.

As of September 2025, 3,820 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) rate of 3.6%. Workforce participation was 73.4% in Macgregor versus ACT's 69.6%. Employment is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with public administration & safety at 27.5%, below the regional average of 30.4%.

Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data. Over September 2024 to September 2025, Macgregor's employment increased by 1.1% and labour force by 0.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, ACT saw employment rise by 1.4%, labour force grow by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.5%. National forecasts from May-25 project total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macgregor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, assuming constant 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 had a median taxpayer income of $68,780 and an average income of $77,746 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is notably high compared to national figures, with the Australian Capital Territory's median income being $68,678 and average income being $83,634. As of September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $78,134 (median) and $88,319 (average), based on a 13.6% growth in wages since the financial year 2022. Incomes in Macgregor ranked highly nationally according to 2021 Census figures, with household, family, and personal incomes all between the 85th and 89th percentiles. The largest income segment comprised 41.9% of residents earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, mirroring the metropolitan region where 34.3% fell into this bracket. Notably, 33.2% of Macgregor's population earned over $3,000 per week, indicating significant affluence and supporting premium retail and service offerings. High housing costs consumed 15.6% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 84th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

Macgregor's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macgregor was at 20.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.3% and rented ones at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average. However, the median weekly rent figure was $464, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's $430. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863. Rents in Macgregor were substantially higher at $464 compared to Australia's national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 77.0% of all households, including 39.1% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households at 2.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, 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's university qualification rate is 35.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are held by 33.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 20.7%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% 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 moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis in Macgregor shows 29 operational public transport stops. All are bus stops, served by 12 routes offering 1,436 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 235 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 205 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Macgregor's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Macgregor residents' health data shows relatively positive outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, but higher than national averages for older and at-risk cohorts.

Approximately 59% (4,078 people) have private health cover, which is exceptionally high. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (10.1%) and asthma (9.7%), while 69.0% report no medical ailments compared to 68.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. The area has 10.4% of residents aged 65 and over (722 people), lower than the Australian Capital Territory's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for 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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.1% born overseas and 25.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Macgregor, comprising 41.0% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category made up 3.1%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory's average of 1.3%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (25.6%), English (23.0%), and Other (13.4%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Filipino was overrepresented at 2.2% compared to the regional average of 1.2%, Sri Lankan at 0.5% versus 0.3%, and Indian at 3.9% against a regional average of 2.5%.

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

Macgregor's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but slightly lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (19.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.9%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 45 to 54 age group has increased from 11.8% to 13.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 9.9% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 16.4% to 14.9%, and the 25 to 34 group decreased from 16.0% to 14.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic shifts in Macgregor. The 55 to 64 age group is projected to grow by 19%, adding 108 residents to reach 684. Meanwhile, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to decrease in number.