Macquarie

Population growth drivers in Macquarie are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Macquarie's population was around 3,172 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 68 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,104 people. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,154 in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,865 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Macquarie has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outperforming the SA3 area. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 84.6% 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, using 2022 as a base. Considering projected demographic shifts, Macquarie is expected to grow by just below the median rate for national areas, with an increase of 357 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 10.7% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Macquarie according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Macquarie has averaged approximately 12 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 64 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 4 approvals have been recorded. Each year, an average of 3 new residents per dwelling built have been gained between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new homes is $145,000, which is below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers.

In FY-26, $443,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited commercial development activity compared to previous years. When compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macquarie shows around 75% of the construction activity per person and ranks among the 22nd percentile nationally, resulting in relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing homes. New developments consist of 80.0% detached dwellings and 20.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space.

This pattern favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (61.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures. With around 708 people per approval, Macquarie is considered a mature, established area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Macquarie is expected to grow by 339 residents through to 2041. Current construction rates appear balanced with future demand, fostering steady market conditions without excessive price pressure.

Macquarie has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 21stth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified a single project likely to affect this region: Bruce Precinct (Section 15). Other notable projects include the Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan & District Strategy, Bruce Residential Development Zone, and Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon (Stage 2), with the following list highlighting those most relevant.

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

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Employment performance in Macquarie has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Macquarie has a highly educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.8% over the past year as of September 2025. Residents' unemployment rate is 1.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation lags at 66.9%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. Census responses indicate that only 11.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Macquarie specializes in education & training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety employs only 28.4% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, while labour force grew by 1.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.4% and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macquarie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Macquarie SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $63,822 with an average level of $78,510. This was high nationally compared to levels of $72,206 and $85,981 in the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, estimated median income as of September 2025 would be approximately $69,732 and average income $85,780. Census data showed individual earnings at the 84th percentile nationally were $1,078 weekly. Distribution data indicated that the predominant cohort was 33.1% of locals (1,049 people) in the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the broader area where this cohort represented 34.3%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remained for other expenses. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

Macquarie displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Macquarie, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 61.3% houses and 38.7% other dwellings. In comparison, Australian Capital Territory had 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie was 32.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented dwellings at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,150. Median weekly rent in Macquarie was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $460. Nationally, Macquarie's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,987 and rents were $385.

Macquarie features high concentrations of group households and lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 61.3% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 5.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5 people.

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

Educational attainment in Macquarie is notably high, with 51.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications as of the latest data. This compares to national figures of 30.4% and 43.8% for the broader SA3 area. University graduates make up 27.8%, postgraduate qualifications account for 18.0%, and graduate diplomas are held by 5.9%. Vocational pathways comprise 21.8% of qualifications, including advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 13.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.4% currently enrolled in formal education, including 9.3% in tertiary, 9.1% in primary, and 6.2% in secondary education.

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

Macquarie has 22 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 54 different routes that facilitate 3,490 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest transport stop for residents is 179 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 81%, while buses account for 9%. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 498 trips per day, equating to approximately 158 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Macquarie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Macquarie faces significant health challenges as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across all age groups, with a slightly higher degree among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (around 1,839 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively. 66.5% of residents declare themselves 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 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (579 people), higher than the 14.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking lower nationally than the broader population.

Macquarie was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Macquarie's population, born overseas, was 31.9%, higher than most local markets. At home, 26.2% spoke a language other than English. Christianity dominated Macquarie with 36.9%.

Buddhism was slightly overrepresented at 3.6%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 3.0%. Ancestry-wise, English (23.2%) and Australian (23.1%) were the top groups, followed by Other (13.1%). Vietnamese (1.8%), French (0.7%), and Welsh (0.7%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 1.0%, 0.5%, and 0.6% respectively.

Macquarie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Macquarie's median age in 2021 was 37 years, slightly older than the Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with the national average of 38 years. The population aged 75-84 stood at 7.4%, higher than in the Australian Capital Territory, while those aged 35-44 were less prevalent at 13.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.3% to 19.4% of Macquarie's population, whereas the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.6%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Macquarie. The 45 to 54 age group is projected to increase by 81 people (21%), from 385 to 467. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 25 to 34 cohorts.