Mackay

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Mackay's population is around 4,185 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 159 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,026 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,159 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,054 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 78.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying 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, an above-median population growth for Australian non-metropolitan areas is projected, with the area expected to grow by 531 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 12.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Mackay experiences very limited development activity, averaging 2 approvals per year (14 approvals over five years). These low development levels reflect the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by specific local housing needs rather than broad market demand. Note: given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Mackay shows significantly less construction activity than the Rest of Qld. This activity level is similarly below national patterns. Meanwhile, recent development has been entirely comprised of medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 27.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

Population forecasts indicate Mackay will gain 505 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Mackay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 8 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 drivers in Mackay are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Mackay has a skilled workforce, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 10.4%, and 3.6% estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,186 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 6.4% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 3.3% 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, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Meanwhile, education & training has a limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to 9.1% regionally. With 3.1 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6% and the labour force increased by 5.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.3 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within 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 Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.5% 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 align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

The Mackay SA2's income level is well above the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Mackay SA2's median income among taxpayers is $60,795 and the average income stands at $75,189, compared to figures for Regional Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $66,820 (median) and $82,640 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household incomes sit at the 16th percentile, while personal income performs better at the 56th percentile. Income analysis reveals 27.9% of the population (1,167 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen in the broader area where 31.7% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile.

Mackay displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Mackay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 26.9% houses and 73.2% 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 Mackay lagged that of Regional Qld, at 17.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (15.8%) or rented (67.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,387, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Mackay's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mackay features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 45.9% of all households, comprising 13.1% couples with children, 20.1% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 54.1%, with lone person households at 48.1% and group households comprising 6.2% of the total. The median household size of 1.9 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Mackay trail regional benchmarks, with 22.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (31.4%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 26 active transport stops operating within Mackay comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 1,096 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 173 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 83%, with 9% walking and 3% cycling. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 3.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 156 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Mackay is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Mackay faces significant health challenges, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~2,368 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.8% and 7.5% of residents, respectively, while 66.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (502 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Mackay was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mackay was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 28.4% of its population born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Mackay is Christianity, which makes up 47.2% of people in Mackay. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Hinduism, which comprises 3.5% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Mackay are English, comprising 25.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 22.2% of the population, and Other, comprising 10.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 5.5% of Mackay (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 1.2% (vs 0.8%) and Maltese at 1.0% (vs 0.4%).

Mackay's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 37 years, Mackay's median age is significantly below the Regional Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 25 - 34 cohort is notably over-represented (21.3% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (7.5%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Following the 2021 Census, younger residents have shifted the median age down by 1.1 years to 37. In particular, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.5% to 21.3% of the population, while the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 3.9% to 5.1%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.5% to 11.6% and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 3.7% to 2.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Mackay's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 26%, adding 227 residents to reach 1,119. Conversely, the 65 to 74 and 15 to 24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.