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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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Sales Activity
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Population
Macksville - Scotts Head has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
Macksville - Scotts Head's population is approximately 5,387 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 198 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 5,189. The increase is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 5,383 in June 2025 and an additional 166 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 64 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, ending in May 2026, Macksville - Scotts Head has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing its SA3 area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.1% to 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Macksville - Scotts Head is expected to increase by just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally, with a projected expansion of 354 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 6.5% over the 16-year period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Macksville - Scotts Head recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide
Macksville - Scotts Head has averaged approximately 50 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 250 homes have been approved, with another 14 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.9 new residents per year have arrived for each new home over these five years, suggesting that the supply of new dwellings is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.
The average construction cost value of these homes has been $322,000. This financial year has seen $79.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of NSW, Macksville - Scotts Head shows 71.0% higher building activity per person. Recent construction comprises 73.0% detached dwellings and 27.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. This represents a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which are currently 90.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.
The location has approximately 198 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Future projections estimate Macksville - Scotts Head adding 350 residents by 2041, with current development rates comfortably meeting demand and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Macksville - Scotts Head
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Macksville - Scotts Head has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally
No local infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area. Key projects include Valla Urban Growth Area, TAFE NSW Nambucca Heads Connected Learning Centre, Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, and Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Enabling Digital Health Services for Regional and Remote Australia
A national digital infrastructure program under the Digital Health Blueprint 2023-2033 designed to provide equitable healthcare access for regional and remote Australians. The initiative is currently rolling out the 'Share by Default' legislative framework, which mandates the uploading of pathology and diagnostic imaging reports to My Health Record starting July 2026. Current 2026 milestones include the launch of the Digital Health Implementer Hub to accelerate software conformance and the implementation of the National Allied Health Digital Uplift Plan to integrate allied health practitioners into the national digital ecosystem.
Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy
Comprehensive NSW state planning reforms designed to increase housing density in well-located areas. The policy mandates mid-rise apartment buildings (3-6 storeys) and low-rise multi-dwelling housing (terraces, townhouses, and dual occupancies) within 800m of 171 high-frequency transport hubs and town centres. As of May 2026, the policy is fully operational following the phased rollout of dual occupancy provisions in July 2024 and mid-rise apartment provisions in early 2025. Recent updates include refined floor space ratios (FSR) and non-refusal standards to streamline local council assessments.
Enabling Infrastructure for Hydrogen Production
A national program to coordinate and deploy the enabling infrastructure required to support large-scale renewable hydrogen production across Australia. Building on the 2024 National Hydrogen Strategy and the National Hydrogen Infrastructure Assessment (NHIA), the program aligns electricity transmission, water supply, transport corridors, port and storage infrastructure with Renewable Energy Zones and prospective hydrogen hubs (Bell Bay, Darwin, Eyre Peninsula, Gladstone, Latrobe Valley, Hunter Valley, Pilbara). Two key federal mechanisms underpin delivery. The Hydrogen Headstart program provides up to 4 billion AUD in long-term revenue support via production credits, with Round 2 (2 billion AUD administered by ARENA) opening for Expressions of Interest in October 2025 with EOIs closing 8 December 2025. The Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive (HPTI), legislated through the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credits and Other Measures) Act 2025 which received Royal Assent on 14 February 2025, provides an uncapped refundable tax offset of 2 AUD per kilogram of eligible renewable hydrogen for up to 10 years between 1 July 2027 and 30 June 2040 for projects reaching final investment decision by 2030. The HPTI is jointly administered by the ATO and Clean Energy Regulator and requires certification under the Guarantee of Origin scheme. Round 1 of Hydrogen Headstart shortlisted six projects representing more than 3.5 GW of electrolyser capacity, with 814 million AUD ultimately awarded.
Valla Urban Growth Area
The Valla Urban Growth Area is a long-planned mixed-use precinct near the Pacific Highway at Valla, intended to address residential and industrial land shortages on the NSW Mid North Coast. Stage One is under construction and will deliver 14 fully serviced industrial lots, with 13 lots expected to be released from mid to late 2026. Current works include the first internal road, water, sewer, stormwater, electrical, lighting and communications infrastructure. Future stages are planned to include about 700 homes, a town centre, further industrial land, schools, open space and public amenities. Council expects the completed precinct to support up to 2800 jobs and add about AUD 380 million per year to the local economy.
NSW Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) Program
NSW is delivering five Renewable Energy Zones (Central-West Orana, New England, South West, Hunter-Central Coast, and Illawarra) to coordinate wind and solar generation, storage, and high-voltage transmission. Led by EnergyCo NSW under the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, the program targets at least 12 GW of new renewable generation and 2 GW of long-duration storage by 2030. Major construction of the first REZ (Central-West Orana) transmission project began in June 2025, involving 90km of 500kV and 150km of 330kV lines. As of February 2026, the project reached a milestone with the Australian Energy Regulator's final decision on network revenue determinations, and significant progress has been made on temporary worker accommodation and road upgrades between the Port of Newcastle and the Central-West Orana region.
Bulk Water Supply Security
Nationwide program led by the National Water Grid Authority to improve bulk water security and reliability for non-potable and productive uses. Activities include strategic planning, science and business cases, and funding of state and territory projects such as storages, pipelines, dam upgrades, recycled water and efficiency upgrades to build drought resilience and support regional communities, industry and the environment.
TAFE NSW Nambucca Heads Connected Learning Centre
State-of-the-art facility providing greater access to skills training and employment outcomes through a mix of online, face-to-face, and blended learning options. The CLC offers digital technologies like simulations and virtual learning experiences, and a range of courses including education support, business, visitor information services, and hospitality. Features include collaboration pods, computer hub, connected learning classrooms, maker space, media lounge, mobile training units, print shop, tech bar, virtual learner support space, workbooth, free parking, bike racks, digital library services, guest Wi-Fi, student kitchenette, vending machines, student lounge, laptop borrowing, and an outdoor learning area.
Queensland New South Wales Interconnector
The proposed Queensland New South Wales Interconnector (QNI Connect) aims to link New England's power to Queensland over approx. 600km, enhancing network capacity by up to 1,700 MW, with anticipated completion by FY2030-31.
Employment
Macksville - Scotts Head shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia
Macksville - Scotts Head has a balanced workforce with 2,072 residents employed as of December 2025. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is 0.8% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation stands at 49.0%, significantly lower than Regional NSW's 60.5%.
Census data shows that only 10.9% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Notably, employment in health care & social assistance is at 1.3 times the regional average, while mining is under-represented with only 0.6% of the workforce compared to Regional NSW's 2.5%. Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.3%, and employment declined by 1.4%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points.
National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macksville - Scotts Head's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis
AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Macksville - Scotts Head SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $41,598 and an average of $50,470. This is below the national average. Regional NSW's median income was $52,390 with an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $45,891 (median) and $55,679 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Macksville - Scotts Head fall between the 3rd and 5th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 29.7% of the community (1,599 individuals), unlike surrounding regions where 29.9% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 5th percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Macksville - Scotts Head is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership
Dwelling structure in Macksville - Scotts Head, as per the latest Census, comprised 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macksville - Scotts Head was 49.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.9% and rented ones at 23.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,382, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Macksville - Scotts Head was $330, matching Regional NSW's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Macksville - Scotts Head has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households constitute 67.5% of all households, including 22.0% couples with children, 31.0% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 32.5%, with lone person households at 29.7% and group households comprising 2.8%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
Macksville - Scotts Head faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally
The area's university qualification rate is 15.8%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 41.2% of residents aged 15 and above, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 31.3%. Educational participation is high, with 25.7% currently enrolled in formal education.
This includes 9.9% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Public transport analysis shows 56 active transport stops operating within Macksville - Scotts Head area. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 50 individual routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 644 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 282 meters from the nearest stop. As it's primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, with 6% walking.
Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 92 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
Health performance in Macksville - Scotts Head is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts
Macksville - Scotts Head faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,472 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and a national average of 55.7%.
The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.4%) and mental health issues (9.1%), while 58.9% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,585 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Macksville - Scotts Head is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Macksville-Scotts Head, as per the 2016 Census, had a low cultural diversity with 91.4% of its residents being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.7%), and speaking English only at home (95.9%). Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 55.7% of the population. Judaism was overrepresented compared to Regional NSW, making up 0.3% versus 0.1%.
The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.6%), English (32.6%), and Irish (8.7%). Notable differences included Australian Aboriginal at 5.8% (regional average: 4.6%), Scottish at 7.7% (vs 8.0%), and Samoan at 0.1% (similar to regional figure).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Macksville - Scotts Head ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide
Macksville-Scotts Head's median age is 50, surpassing Regional NSW's figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group makes up 16.0% of its population, higher than Regional NSW's percentage, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 7.8%. This 65-74 concentration is notably above the national figure of 9.4%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.8%, while the 55 to 64 cohort decreased from 16.1% to 14.0%, and the 25 to 34 group fell from 9.3% to 7.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Macksville-Scotts Head's age profile. The 45 to 54 cohort is expected to grow by 157 people (28%), reaching 721 from its current 563. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 15 to 24 and 55 to 64 cohorts.