Macgregor (Qld)

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Macgregor's population is around 6,622 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 643 people (10.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,979 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,619 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 3 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,461 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Macgregor's 10.8% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.8%) and the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 94.5% 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 significant population increase in the top quartile of national areas is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 2,826 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 42.6% 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 around 9 residential properties granted approval annually, with 45 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 5 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 9 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new dwellings are developed at an average value of $434,000, revealing that developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. Additionally, $5.0 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, suggesting the area's residential character.

Relative to Greater Brisbane, Macgregor shows substantially reduced construction (78.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties. This level is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 690 people per dwelling approval, Macgregor reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show Macgregor adding 2,823 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Macgregor 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, 29 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion, Macgregor Gardens Retirement Village Expansion, Salina Towers, and Archer Street Residential Developments, 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 Macgregor remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Macgregor possesses a highly educated workforce, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominently featured, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and 2.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,617 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.4% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has particular employment specialization in accommodation & food, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Meanwhile, public administration & safety has a limited presence with 4.6% employment compared to 7.0% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.7% and the labour force increased by 2.7%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Macgregor. 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 Macgregor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Macgregor SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $41,080 and an average of $53,292 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $45,151 (median) and $58,573 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, individual incomes lag at the 16th percentile ($634 weekly), while household income performs better at the 50th percentile. Income analysis reveals the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 33.1% of residents (2,191 people), aligning with regional levels where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, though strong earnings still 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

Dwelling structure within Macgregor, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.7% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Macgregor was well beyond that of Brisbane metro, at 38.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (24.7%) or rented (36.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was above the Brisbane metro average at $1,950, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $430, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.8% of all households, comprising 30.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 17.9% and group households comprising 11.0% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

Educational attainment in Macgregor significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 25.7% in QLD and 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 25.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (14.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in tertiary education, 6.8% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 35 active transport stops operating within Macgregor, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 14 individual routes, collectively providing 2,123 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 77%, with 15% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. Some 14.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 303 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 60 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

Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Macgregor, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups, although the rate of private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,065 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.3% and 5.2% of residents, respectively, while 78.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 15.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,000 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country, with 60.0% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 59.9% born overseas. The main religion in Macgregor is Christianity, which makes up 38.0% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 8.9% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Macgregor are Chinese, comprising 29.6% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 3.4%, English, comprising 14.8% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, and Other, comprising 13.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Korean is notably overrepresented at 2.8% of Macgregor (vs 0.5% regionally), Russian at 0.7% (vs 0.3%) and Vietnamese at 2.6% (vs 0.8%).

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

At 33 years, Macgregor's median age is slightly younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and significantly lower than the 38-year national average. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Macgregor has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (22.1%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (9.2%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 20.2% to 22.1% of the population. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 8.7% to 7.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Macgregor's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 45 to 54 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 67%, adding 493 residents to reach 1,231.