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 was around 3,856 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 100 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,756. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 3,820 in June 2025 and 19 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 834 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 70.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, East Mackay is expected to increase by just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area's population is projected to increase by 230 persons, reflecting a total increase of 5.0% over the 16 years.

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 recorded approximately 8 residential properties granted approval annually over the past five financial years, totalling 42 homes. In FY-26 so far, 16 approvals have been recorded. On average, 4.1 people have moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average value of new homes being constructed is $339,000, aligning with regional trends.

$9.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, reflecting moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, East Mackay records about 60% of building activity per person and ranks among the 55th percentile of areas assessed nationally. However, recent periods have seen an increase in development activity. New development consists of 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 73.0% houses). This trend offers accessible entry options appealing to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. The estimated count of 558 people per dwelling approval reflects East Mackay's quiet, low activity development environment.

East Mackay is projected to grow by 194 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Assuming current development patterns continue, new housing supply should readily meet demand, presenting good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

East Mackay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. Nine projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

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

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.

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

East Mackay has a skilled workforce with strong manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.5% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%. As of December 2025, 2,087 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 67.8%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 4.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and mining, with a notable concentration in mining at 2.5 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 0.7%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data. Over the past year, employment increased by 4.7% while labour force grew by 5.2%, raising unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. Regional Qld saw employment grow by 0.7%, labour force expand by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand in East Mackay, with national employment expected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Mackay's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows East Mackay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $66,838 and an average level of $82,663. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Regional Qld's levels of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $74,431 (median) and $92,054 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranks at the 69th percentile ($918 weekly), while household income sits at the 48th percentile. Distribution data shows 32.0% of the population (1,233 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to regional levels where 31.7% occupy this range. After housing, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it 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 Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. East Mackay had a home ownership level of 29.1%, with the rest mortgaged at 33.4% or rented at 37.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was $320, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, East Mackay's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,625 versus 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 account for the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 28.4%, with 10.5% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by a single route that collectively facilitates 118 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents living an average of 223 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential region, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 4.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 16 trips per day, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

East Mackay faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notably high across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (2,344 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2% and 7.9% of residents respectively. However, 68.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 67.6% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are broadly typical. The area has 17.4% of residents aged 65 and over (669 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. However, health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 cultural diversity index below the average, with 84.2% citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.2%, compared to 52.2% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.3%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 1.5% (vs 0.4% regionally), German at 4.7% (vs 4.7%), and Scottish at 8.8% (vs 7.8%).

East Mackay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in East Mackay is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, East Mackay has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (14.7%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age in East Mackay decreased by 1 year from 42 years to 41 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. The percentage of residents aged 25-34 increased from 12.6% to 14.7%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 11.7% to 13.5%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 14.3% to 11.6%, and those aged 85 and above dropped from 4.6% to 2.9%. Demographic projections suggest significant changes in East Mackay's age profile by 2041. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase by 112 people (20%) from 565 to 678, while the populations aged 45-54 and 5-14 are projected to decline.