Mackay

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

Mackay's population is approximately 4,174 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 148 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,026. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,154 in June 2025 and an additional 23 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,051 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 82.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 and based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. Mackay is expected to grow by 511 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 11.8% over the 16 years, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Mackay has seen limited development activity with an average of two approvals per year over five years (14 approvals). This reflects the rural nature of the area, where development is typically driven by local housing needs rather than broader market demand. Note that due to the small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

Mackay has shown less construction activity compared to the rest of Queensland and nationally. Recent development in Mackay has been entirely medium and high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift is notable given the current 27.0% houses in the area, indicating decreasing developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Mackay's population is forecast to grow by 491 residents by 2041 (AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Population forecasts indicate Mackay will gain 491 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. 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 drivers in Mackay are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Mackay has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 10.4% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.6%.

In December 2025, 2,186 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.4%, above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Mackay was 67.7%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 3.3% of residents worked from home. The key industries for employment among residents were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

Notably, mining had a high concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, education & training had limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to Regional Qld's 9.1%. There were 3.1 workers for every resident in Mackay as of the Census, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 3.6% while labour force grew by 5.0%, resulting in a rise of 1.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. Comparatively, Regional Qld had employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, and an increase of 0.3 percentage points in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Mackay's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Mackay's employment mix.

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 average nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Mackay SA2 is $60,795 and the average income stands at $75,189. These figures compare to those of Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Mackay SA2 would be approximately $67,701 (median) and $83,730 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household incomes in Mackay SA2 sit at the 16th percentile, while personal income performs better at the 56th percentile. Income analysis shows that 27.9% of the population (1,164 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 in Mackay SA2, 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

The dwelling structure in Mackay, as per the latest Census, consisted of 26.9% houses and 73.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Regional Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mackay was at 17.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (15.8%) or rented (67.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mackay was $1,387, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Mackay was $270, compared to Regional Qld's $345 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households account for 45.9 percent of all households, including 13.1 percent couples with children, 20.1 percent couples without children, and 10.5 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 54.1 percent, with lone person households at 48.1 percent and group households comprising 6.2 percent of the total. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

Mackay's educational qualifications trail national benchmarks. As of 2021, 22.6% of Mackay residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. University degree holders lead at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (31.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest data. 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

Mackay has 26 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 11 different routes, offering a total of 1,096 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 173 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars are the primary mode of transport at 83%, with walking at 9% and cycling at 3%. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional norm.

Only 3.3% of residents work from home (2021 Census data). The service frequency averages 156 trips daily across all routes, translating to about 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence for common health conditions were found to be somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover was very high at approximately 57% of the total population, which is around 2,362 people, compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.8 and 7.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 66.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. As of the assessment, 12.9% of residents were aged 65 and over, which is approximately 540 people, lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors in Mackay are above average, with national rankings even 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's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 28.4% born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Mackay, accounting for 47.2%. Hinduism was overrepresented, making up 3.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 0.8%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (25.1%), Australian (22.2%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, Filipino (5.5% vs regional 0.9%), Maori (1.2% vs 0.8%), and Maltese (1.0% vs 0.4%) groups were more prevalent in Mackay than regionally.

Mackay's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mackay's median age is 37 years, significantly below the Regional Queensland average of 41 and closely aligned with Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the regional average, Mackay has a notably higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.5%) and a lower proportion of those aged 5-14 (7.6%). This concentration of young adults is well above the national average of 14.6%. According to the 2021 Census, Mackay's median age has decreased by 1.1 years to 37 due to an increase in younger residents. Specifically, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 18.5% to 21.5%, while those aged 0-4 rose from 3.9% to 5.6%. Conversely, the proportions of residents aged 55-64 and 45-54 decreased from 13.5% to 11.5% and from 13.4% to 11.5%, respectively. Demographic projections suggest that by 2041, Mackay's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is expected to grow by 25%, adding 226 residents to reach a total of 1,126. Conversely, the 65-74 and 15-24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.