Mackay

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

Mackay's population, as of February 2026, is approximately 4,185 people. This figure represents an increase of 159 individuals since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,026 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 4,159 in June 2024 and an additional 22 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,054 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively consistent with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth in the area.

AreaSearch adopts 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 used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; therefore, 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 expected for Australian non-metropolitan areas. Mackay's area is projected to grow by 531 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.1% over the 17 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 had limited development activity, averaging two approvals per year over five years (14 approvals). This low level reflects the rural nature of the area, with development typically driven by local housing needs rather than broad market demand. The small number of approvals means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Mackay shows less construction activity than the Rest of Qld and is below national patterns. Recent development has been medium to high-density housing, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift differs from the area's existing housing (27.0% houses), indicating decreasing developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. Mackay is forecasted to gain 505 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 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. The following list details those projects considered 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's workforce is skilled with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 10.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%.

As of September 2025, 2,168 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 6.8%, above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses showed that 3.3% of residents worked from home. Key industries of employment among residents were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

Mackay demonstrated notable concentration in mining with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Education & training had limited presence with 4.3% employment compared to 9.1% regionally. There were 3.1 workers for every resident as at the Census, indicating Mackay functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 5.1% and labour force increased by 4.1%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, suggest 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 Mackay SA2's median income among taxpayers is $60,795 and the average income stands at $75,189. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which are $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, 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, which is 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

Mackay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 26.9% houses and 73.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mackay stood at 17.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (15.8%) or rented (67.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Mackay was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 45.9% of all households, including 13.1% couples with children, 20.1% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 54.1%, with lone person households at 48.1% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 Australian benchmarks, with 22.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (31.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.4% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, 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 routes, offering a total of 1,096 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest stop. In this residential area, most commutes are outward-bound. Cars dominate at 83%, while walking accounts for 9% and cycling 3%. On average, there are 0.8 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 3.3% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 156 trips per day, equating to approximately 42 weekly trips per 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 were found to be high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover was very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~2,368 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld. The most common medical conditions were mental health issues impacting 10.8% of residents and arthritis impacting 7.5%. Conversely, 66.4% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 12.0% of residents aged 65 and over (502 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 28.4% born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the main religion in Mackay as of 2016, comprising 47.2% of its population. Hinduism, however, showed significant overrepresentation at 3.5%, compared to 0.8% across the rest of Queensland.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.1%), Australian (22.2%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, Filipino (5.5%) was overrepresented in Mackay compared to regionally (0.9%), as were Maori (1.2% vs 0.8%) and Maltese (1.0% vs 0.4%).

Mackay's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Mackay's median age is 37 years, which is significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 25-34 cohort is notably over-represented at 21.3% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.4%. Following the Census conducted on 28 August 2021, younger residents have shifted Mackay's median age down by 1.1 years to 37. Specifically, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 18.5% to 21.3%, 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.