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 around 6,619 as of Aug 2025. From the 2021 Census, this reflected an increase of 640 people, a 10.7% rise from the previously reported 5,979 inhabitants. This growth is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,619 in June 2024 and three validated new addresses since the Census date. Macgregor's population density was 2,460 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth exceeded the national average of 8.6%, demonstrating its status as a regional growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.5% of Macgregor's population gains recently.

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 from 2023 (based on 2021 data) are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. By 2041, Macgregor's population is projected to increase by 2,826 persons, a total gain of 42.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Macgregor has recorded approximately 9 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY21 to FY25, 45 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY26. On average, around 9 new residents arrived per year for each dwelling constructed during these years.

This supply is significantly lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average value of new dwellings developed is $512,000. In the current financial year, $5.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential. When measured against Greater Brisbane, Macgregor has significantly less development activity, 78.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

This level is also lower than nationally, reflecting a mature market and possible development constraints. All new construction in Macgregor has been comprised of detached houses, preserving its suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 690 people per dwelling approval, Macgregor reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show Macgregor adding 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 29 projects that may affect this region. Notable initiatives include the Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion, Macgregor Gardens Retirement Village Expansion, Mode Terraces, and the $9.5 Million Sunnybank Community & Rugby Sports Precinct Renovation. 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.

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Macgregor has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Macgregor (Qld) has a highly educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. Its unemployment rate in June 2025 was 4.7%, up from the previous year's estimated growth of 2.4%.

The area had 3,522 residents employed while its unemployment rate was 0.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was lower at 59.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food had a particularly high share of employment at 2.0 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety had limited presence with 4.6% employment compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4% while labour force grew by 1.9%, leading to a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced higher growth rates for both employment (4.4%) and labour force (4.0%), with a smaller reduction in unemployment rate (0.4 percentage points). National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May 2025, projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macgregor's employment mix suggested local growth of approximately 6.6%% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Macgregor's median income among taxpayers was $40,094 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $52,847 during the same period. For Greater Brisbane, these figures were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest Macgregor's median income would be approximately $45,703 and average income around $60,240, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data shows individual incomes in Macgregor lag at the 16th percentile ($634 weekly), while household income performs better at the 50th percentile. Income distribution reveals that 33.1% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week, mirroring Greater Brisbane's 33.3%. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income in Macgregor. Despite this, disposable income ranks at the 52nd percentile, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing 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 evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 74.0% houses and 26.0% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in Macgregor was 38.7%, with the rest being either mortgaged (24.7%) or rented (36.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Macgregor was $1,950, below Brisbane metro's average of $2,100, while the median weekly rent figure was $430 compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 comprise 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 high, with 40.2% of residents aged 15 and above holding university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.3% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.1%) and certificates (14.2%). Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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, indicating the area's role as an educational center for the broader region. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1070. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between one primary and one secondary institution, with a school capacity exceeding typical residential needs (36.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 24.9).

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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 15 different routes that together facilitate 2,018 weekly passenger trips. The transport accessibility in Macgregor is rated excellent, with residents on average being located 163 meters from the nearest transport stop.

On average, there are 288 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to 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

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results throughout Macgregor, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,091 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 52.4%. Nationally, this figure is 55.3%.

Asthma and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in Macgregor, affecting 5.3% and 5.2% of residents respectively. A total of 78.3% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 75.7%. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (983 people), with seniors' health outcomes broadly aligning 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 has high cultural diversity, with 60.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 59.9% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 38.0%. Buddhism is overrepresented at 8.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 4.5%.

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

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

Macgregor's median age is 33 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macgregor has a higher proportion 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 data from the 2021 Census, Macgregor's population has seen an increase in the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34, growing from 20.2% to 22.5%, while the proportion of those aged 65 to 74 has declined from 8.7% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling projects significant changes in Macgregor's age profile by 2041, with the strongest projected growth occurring among residents aged 45-54, increasing by 72% and adding 514 residents to reach a total of 1,231.