Macgregor (Qld)
Statistical Area - sa2

Macgregor has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Macgregor's population was 5,979 as of Aug 2021. By June 2024, it had increased to 6,619, a rise of 640 people (10.7%). This increase is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 2,460 persons per square kilometer as of Aug 2025. Macgregor's growth rate exceeded the national average of 8.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.5% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Based on the latest population numbers and projected demographic shifts, Macgregor is forecast to increase by 2,826 persons to 2041, recording a gain of 42.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Macgregor has recorded approximately 25 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 127 homes approved over the past five financial years from FY-20 to FY-25, and three approvals so far in FY-26. On average, 9.0 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually between FY-20 and FY-25. This high demand outpaces supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition, with new homes being built at an average construction cost of $512,000.

In the current financial year, $5.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macgregor shows significantly reduced construction levels, 79.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also below the national average, suggesting maturity in the market and possible planning constraints. Recent development has been entirely composed of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 690 people per dwelling approval, Macgregor reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections indicate that Macgregor will add approximately 2,826 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 32 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are Mount Gravatt Central Suburban Renewal Precinct, Mode Terraces, Sunnybank Community & Rugby Sports Precinct Renovation ($9.5 million), and Salina Towers. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Macgregor remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Macgregor in Queensland has an educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% as of a year ago, with estimated employment growth at 2.4%.

As of June 2025, 3,522 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is 1.2 percentage points higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Macgregor stands at 59.8%, lower than Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Notably, accommodation & food has a significant share of employment at 2.0 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety has limited presence with 4.6% employment compared to 7.0% regionally. Employment levels increased by 2.4% from June 2024 to June 2025, while labour force grew by 1.9%, resulting in a unemployment rate decrease of 0.5 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4%, labour force growth of 4.0%, and a unemployment rate drop of 0.4 percentage points during the same period. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs) as of Sep-25, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macgregor's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, assuming constant industry-specific growth rates.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Macgregor has a median taxpayer income of $40,094 and an average income of $52,847 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Brisbane having a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $44,789 (median) and $59,035 (average). According to the 2021 Census, individual incomes are at the 16th percentile ($634 weekly), while household incomes are at the 50th percentile. Income analysis shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.1% of residents (2,190 people), similar to regional levels where this cohort also represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Macgregor is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Macgregor's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 74.0% houses and 26.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macgregor stood at 38.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (24.7%) or rented (36.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, below Brisbane metro's average of $2,100. Median weekly rent was $430, slightly higher than Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Macgregor features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 70.8% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 17.9% and group households comprising 11.0%. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Macgregor exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Macgregor is notably higher than regional averages. As of 2021, 40.2% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.3% of residents holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 14.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of 2021. This includes 11.4% in tertiary education, 6.8% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education. Macgregor State High School and Macgregor State School serve a total of 2,413 students. The area has above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1070). Educational provision is conventional, with one primary and one secondary institution. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 36.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 25.0, indicating Macgregor serves as an educational hub for the broader region.

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

Macgregor has 35 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These are all bus stops serviced by 15 different routes. Together, they facilitate 2,018 weekly passenger trips.

The average distance from residents' homes to the nearest stop is 163 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. On average, there are 288 trips per day across all routes, which equals approximately 57 weekly trips per individual stop.

Macgregor's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Macgregor has excellent health outcomes with low prevalence rates for common health conditions across all age groups. As of 2021, approximately 47% (~3,091 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 52.4% and the national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (5.3%) and mental health issues (5.2%).

Around 78.3% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 75.7%. In Macgregor, 14.9% (~983 people) are aged 65 or over. Seniors' health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

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

Macgregor's population is culturally diverse, with 60.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 59.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Macgregor at 38.0%. Buddhism is notably overrepresented at 8.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average of 4.5%.

The top three ancestry groups are Chinese (29.6%), English (14.8%), and Other (13.6%). Korean (2.8% vs regional 2.6%), Russian (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Vietnamese (2.6% vs 1.1%) are also overrepresented.

Macgregor hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Macgregor has a median age of 33 years, which is younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly lower than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macgregor has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (22.5%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, Macgregor's population has shifted towards a younger demographic, with the 25 to 34 age group growing from 20.2% to 22.5%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 8.7% to 7.2%. By 2041, Macgregor's age profile is projected to change significantly, with the 45 to 54 age group showing the strongest growth of 72%, adding 514 residents to reach a total of 1,231 in this cohort.