Mackay
Statistical Area - sa2

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 November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 148 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,026. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 4,159 in June 2024 and 15 validated new addresses added post-Census. Mackay's population density is around 1,051 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. The city's population growth rate of 3.7% since the Census places it within 2.9 percentage points of its SA3 area (6.6%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 78.2% of Mackay's overall population gains during recent periods.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Demographic trends project above median population growth for national regional areas like Mackay. Based on the latest numbers, the area is expected to grow by 531 persons by 2041, representing a total gain of 12.4% over the 17-year period.

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

Mackay approved 2 new dwellings annually from 2017 to 2021, totalling 14. This low construction activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited development due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. Low approval numbers can lead to varied yearly growth figures based on individual projects.

Mackay's development levels are substantially lower than the rest of Queensland and below national patterns. Recent development comprised entirely medium and high-density housing, creating affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This shift reflects reduced availability of development sites and changing lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. By 2041, Mackay is projected to add 516 residents. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Future projections show Mackay adding 516 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Mackay has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects expected to impact the region. Key initiatives include the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area, and Mackay Public Transport Hub. The following list details those likely to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment performance in Mackay has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Mackay's workforce is skilled with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently represented. The unemployment rate in Mackay was 7.6% as of June 2025, compared to the Rest of Qld's 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 7.6%. As of June 2025, 2,222 residents were employed with an unemployment rate 3.6% higher than the Rest of Qld's rate. Workforce participation in Mackay was 56.0%, below the Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade.

The mining sector shows notable concentration with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. Education & training has limited presence, with 4.3% employment compared to the regional average of 9.1%. There are 3.1 workers for every resident in Mackay, indicating it functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 7.6% while labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing a significant drop of 6.8 percentage points in the unemployment rate compared to Rest of Qld's increase of 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Mackay's employment could grow approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that median income in Mackay is $57,931 and average income stands at $72,435. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures of a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Mackay would be approximately $66,036 (median) and $82,569 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household incomes in Mackay are at the 16th percentile, while personal income is at the 56th percentile. Income distribution shows that 27.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.3% of income remaining after housing costs, 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 latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Mackay with 26.9% houses and 73.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mackay was at 17.1%, with the rest either mortgaged (15.8%) or rented (67.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mackay was $1,387, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Mackay was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 comprise the remaining 54.1%, with lone person households at 48.1% and group households making up 6.2%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

Mackay's educational qualifications trail national 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 the 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. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education. Mackay's three schools have a combined enrollment reaching 1,672 students as of the latest data point. The area offers varied educational conditions across Mackay, with educational provision following conventional lines split between one primary and two secondary institutions. As an education hub, Mackay functions with 40.1 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 17.1 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis shows 26 active stops operating within Mackay, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 11 routes, offering a total of 1,096 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 173 meters from the nearest stop.

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 with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 55% (~2,308 people) of Mackay's total population has private health cover, a rate higher than the national average. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 10.8 and 7.5% of residents respectively. Sixty-six point four percent of Mackay residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across the rest of Queensland. Twelve point three percent of Mackay's population is aged 65 and over (511 people), which is lower than the 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors in Mackay are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Mackay was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range 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 predominant religion in Mackay, accounting for 47.2% of its population. Hinduism showed significant overrepresentation in Mackay, comprising 3.5% compared to the regional average of 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (25.1%), Australian (22.2%), and Other (10.1%). Notably, Filipino (5.5%) and Maori (1.2%) populations were overrepresented in Mackay compared to regional averages of 1.5% and 0.6%, respectively. Maltese, however, showed underrepresentation at 1.0% compared to the regional average of 2.4%.

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, Mackay has a notably over-represented 25-34 cohort at 20.6%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. This concentration in the 25-34 age group is well above the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, Mackay's population has shifted since the previous census; the 25 to 34 age group grew from 18.5% to 20.6%, and the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 3.9% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.9%, and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 3.7% to 2.6%. Demographic modeling indicates that Mackay's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 25 to 34 cohort at 30%, adding 260 residents to reach 1,119. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.