East Mackay
Statistical Area - sa2

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

As of Aug 2025, East Mackay's population is approximately 3,864, reflecting a growth of 108 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,756. This increase, representing a 2.9% change, is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2024 and the Census date. The population density ratio stands at 836 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages observed across similar locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 63.8% of overall population gains during recent periods in East Mackay. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 with a base year of 2021. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using data from 2022. Considering projected demographic shifts, East Mackay is expected to experience population growth just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041. Based on the latest population numbers, the area is projected to increase by 272 persons between Aug 2025 and 2041, representing a total increase of 7.0% over this 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 approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 42 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. On average, around 4.1 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically drives up prices and intensifies competition among buyers.

New homes are being constructed at an average expected cost of $352,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $9.5 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally, East Mackay records about 60% of building activity per person, placing it among the 56th percentile of areas assessed. However, recent periods have shown an increase in development activity. New developments consist of 38.0% detached houses and 62.0% medium to high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently 73.0% houses. This trend reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse, affordable housing options.

East Mackay has an estimated 558 people per dwelling approval, indicating its quiet development environment. By 2041, the area is projected to grow by 272 residents. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but buyers may face increased competition as the population grows.

East Mackay has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely influencing the region. Key projects include Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area, and Great Barrier Reef Arena Redevelopment. The following list details those 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 performance in East Mackay ranks among the strongest 15% of areas evaluated nationally

East Mackay has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 1.8% as of June 2025.

This rate is below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in East Mackay is similar to Rest of Qld at 59.1%. Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and mining. Mining shows notable concentration with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 0.7% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over a 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.7% while labour force decreased by 0.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8% and labour force expand by 2.0%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, issued May 2025, project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to East Mackay's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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 aggregated latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2022. East Mackay 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 $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth from June 2022 to September 2025 (an estimated increase of 13.99%), current estimates for East Mackay would be approximately $72,599 (median) and $90,776 (average). According to the Census conducted in August 2021, personal income ranks at the 70th percentile ($918 weekly), while household income sits at the 48th percentile. Income distribution shows 32.0% of the population falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to regional levels (31.7%). After housing costs, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. East Mackay'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 structures, as per the latest Census, were 72.6% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Mackay stood at 29.1%, similar to Non-Metro Qld, with the rest being mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (37.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, East Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 account for 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 constitute 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 Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

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

Educational participation is high at 28.4%, including primary education (10.5%), secondary education (9.7%), and tertiary education (3.2%). Victoria Park State School, established in East Mackay on 1st January 1965, serves the local community with an enrollment of 637 students as of 2021. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas since the late 1980s.

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

The analysis of public transport in East Mackay shows that there are currently 15 active transport stops operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with one individual route providing service to all stops. This results in a total of 118 weekly passenger trips across the area.

The accessibility of these transport services is rated as good, with residents typically located just 223 meters from their nearest stop. On average, there are 16 trips per day across all routes, which equates to around seven 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. Approximately 59% of its total population (2,295 people) have private health cover, compared to 57.0% across the rest of Queensland.

The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.2% and 7.9% of residents respectively. Conversely, 68.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across the rest of Queensland. East Mackay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 18.2% (702 people) compared to 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present 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 cultural diversity below average, with 84.2% citizens, 85.0% born in Australia, and 92.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 56.2% of East Mackay's population, compared to 56.8% in 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%, German was equally represented at 4.7%, and Scottish were slightly overrepresented at 8.8% compared to regional figures of 2.4%, 4.7%, and 7.8% respectively.

East Mackay hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 concentration 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. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 701 people from 563 currently. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.