Macquarie Fields

An assessment of population growth drivers in Macquarie Fields reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Macquarie Fields' population is 14,646 as of May 2026. This is an increase of 448 people from the 2021 Census figure of 14,198. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 14,551 in June 2025 and 72 validated new addresses since then. The population density is 1,623 persons per square kilometer, higher than the national average according to AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed around 64.3% of recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for SA2 areas released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovered areas, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas from 2032 to 2041. Future trends indicate a population increase just below the median for Australian statistical areas, with an expected growth of 625 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 3.6% over 16 years.

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

Macquarie Fields has received around 42 dwelling approvals per year on average over the past five financial years, totalling 211 homes. In FY-26 so far, 33 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.1 people move to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that supply is meeting or exceeding demand while supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $235,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In FY-26, $69,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Macquarie Fields has significantly less development activity (54.0% below regional average per person), which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New development consists of 71.0% detached houses and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 397 people per dwelling approval, Macquarie Fields shows a developed market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 530 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Macquarie Fields has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that could impact the area's performance due to changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Key projects include Macquarie Fields Station Upgrade, Macquarie Fields Precinct, Macquarie Fields Indoor Sports Centre Floor Replacement, and Atchison, Saywell and Parliament Roads Traffic Light Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Macquarie Fields faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Macquarie Fields has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 9.3% as of December 2021. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 6.4%.

As of December 2025, 6,388 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is 1 percentage point higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Resident workforce participation in Macquarie Fields lagged behind Greater Sydney's at 61.5% compared to 68.8%. Census data from 2021 showed that 26.9% of residents worked from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Manufacturing had a particularly high employment share at 1.8 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services were underrepresented at 6.3%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 6.4% while the labour force grew by 7.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Macquarie Fields' employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Macquarie Fields SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $50,995 and an average of $55,852. These figures are below the national average. In comparison, Greater Sydney had a median income of $60,817 and an average of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $56,258 (median) and $61,616 (average). Census data reveals household income ranks at the 26th percentile ($1,378 weekly), while personal income sits at the 10th percentile. Distribution data shows that 33.3% of individuals in Macquarie Fields earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (4,877 individuals), similar to regional levels where 30.9% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.9% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Macquarie Fields is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Macquarie Fields' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.6% houses and 29.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compared to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie Fields was at 22.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.4% and rented ones at 43.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, below Sydney metro's average of $2,427. Median weekly rent in Macquarie Fields was $340, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less at $375.

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

Family households constitute 75.9% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 16.6% couples without children, and 19.6% single parent families. Non-family households account for 24.1%, with lone person households at 21.8% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, higher than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Macquarie Fields fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 25.7%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 30.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (20.8%). Educational participation is high at 34.2%, comprising primary education (12.6%), secondary education (10.0%), and tertiary education (5.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.6% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Macquarie Fields has 120 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 33 different routes that together facilitate 839 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 139 metres from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport for 75% of residents, while 18% use trains. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, a significant 26.9% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 119 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately six weekly trips per stop. A map accompanies this data, highlighting the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

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

Macquarie Fields faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~6,956 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.0% and 7.7% of residents respectively. 69.9% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents show a higher-than-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,306 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Macquarie Fields is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Macquarie Fields has high cultural diversity, with 43.3% born overseas and 47.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion, at 43.9%. Islam is overrepresented at 17.9%, compared to Greater Sydney's average of 6.8%.

Top ancestry groups are Other (26.9%), Australian (18.0%), and English (15.8%). Samoan, Indian, and Filipino groups are notably higher than regional averages: Samoan at 3.3% vs 0.5%, Indian at 6.7% vs 3.6%, and Filipino at 3.0% vs 2.0%.

Macquarie Fields's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Macquarie Fields's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Macquarie Fields has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.2%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.8%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15-24 increased from 12.8% to 14.2%, while those aged 75-84 rose from 4.3% to 5.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 0-4 decreased from 7.1% to 6.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Macquarie Fields's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 25%, adding 449 residents to reach 2,258. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 62% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 25-34 and 35-44 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.