East Mackay

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

East Mackay's population is approximately 3,870 as of November 2025. This represents an increase of 114 people, a rise of 3.0% from the 2021 Census figure of 3,756 people. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,864 in June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 837 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.8% 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, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. These state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected by 2041. The latest annual ERP population numbers suggest an increase of 272 persons to reach that year, reflecting a total rise of 6.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees East Mackay recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

East Mackay has granted approximately 8 residential property approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 42 homes. As of FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 people moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies buyer competition. The average construction cost value of new homes is $339,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $9.5 million in commercial approvals, reflecting moderate commercial development levels. Compared to the Rest of Qld, East Mackay records around 60% of building activity per person and ranks among the 55th percentile nationally, suggesting market maturity and potential development constraints. New developments consist of 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing 73.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 558 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. East Mackay is projected to grow by 266 residents by 2041, with building activity keeping pace with growth projections, potentially intensifying buyer competition as the population increases.

Looking ahead, East Mackay is expected to grow by 266 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

East Mackay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact this region. Notable initiatives include the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in East Mackay demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

East Mackay had an unemployment rate of 2.6% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year. This is compared to Rest of Qld's unemployment rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in East Mackay was similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Key industries for residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and mining, with mining employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data analysis.

Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, labour force by 4.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Statewide in Queensland as of 25-Nov-25, employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia for May-25 projected national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Mackay's industry mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022, East Mackay SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $63,689 and an average income of $79,635. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's median of $50,780 and average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $72,599 and average income is $90,776. In the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 69th percentile ($918 weekly) and household income at the 48th percentile. Income distribution shows 32.0% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 per week. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. East Mackay SA2's SEIFA income ranking is in the 4th decile.

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

East Mackay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.6% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Mackay was 29.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented ones at 37.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,625, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure for East Mackay was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, East Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,625 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $320 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.6% of all households, including 23.7% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households making up 4.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6 people.

East Mackay faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 19.5%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 31.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.5% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Mackay has 15 active public transport stops operating. These are mixed bus services. There is 1 route serving these stops, providing a total of 118 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility in East Mackay is rated as good, with residents typically located 223 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in East Mackay is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

East Mackay faces significant health challenges, with notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover rate is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2,298 people), compared to 57.0% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.2 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 68.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (703 people), which is higher than the 16.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

East Mackay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

East Mackay had a lower level of cultural diversity, with 84.2% being Australian citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in East Mackay, comprising 56.2%, compared to 56.8% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.3%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 1.5% in East Mackay compared to 2.4% regionally, while German representation was equal at 4.7%, and Scottish slightly higher at 8.8% versus 7.8%.

East Mackay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in East Mackay is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, East Mackay has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 25-34 grew from 12.6% to 14.6%, while the 15-24 cohort increased from 11.7% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.3% to 12.3%, and the 85+ group dropped from 4.6% to 3.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in East Mackay's age structure. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 701 people from 564. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.