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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, East Mackay's population is around 3,870 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 114 people (3.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,756 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,864 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 8 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 837 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 63.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 272 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.9% in total over the 17 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 around 8 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 42 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 4.1 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $339,000, in line with regional trends. Additionally, $9.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, East Mackay records about 60% of the building activity per person and places within the 55th percentile of areas assessed nationally, though development activity has picked up in recent periods. This activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium and high-density housing. This trend toward denser development provides accessible entry options and appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 73.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The estimated count of 558 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low-activity development environment.

Looking ahead, East Mackay is expected to grow by 266 residents through to 2041 (based on 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 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and 4.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,087 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 4.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and mining. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 0.7% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.7% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.5 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within East Mackay. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to East Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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 FY-23, the East Mackay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $66,838 with the average level standing at $82,663. This is extremely high nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $73,462 (median) and $90,855 (average) as of September 2025. 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 (1,238 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 31.7% similarly 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

Dwelling structure within East Mackay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 72.6% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within East Mackay was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 29.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (37.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,625, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, East Mackay's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below 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 dominate at 62.6% of all households, comprising 23.7% couples with children, 27.0% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 32.6% and group households comprising 4.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (19.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 14.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.2% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (31.4%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within East Mackay, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 1 individual route, collectively providing 118 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 223 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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 well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing East Mackay, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 61% of the total population (2,352 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.2% and 7.9% of residents, respectively, while 68.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (704 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.2% of its population being citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in East Mackay is Christianity, which makes up 56.2% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in East Mackay are English, comprising 30.3% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of East Mackay (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 41-year median age in East Mackay matches Regional Qld's average of 41 while being somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, East Mackay has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (14.9%) but fewer 75 - 84 year-olds (5.2%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.6% to 14.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 14.3% to 11.7% and the 85+ group dropped from 4.6% to 3.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in East Mackay's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 22% (125 people), reaching 701 from 575. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 45 to 54 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.