North Mackay

North Mackay is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, North Mackay's population is around 6,420 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 137 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,283 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,414 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 663 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 76.6% 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. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 432 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 6.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

North Mackay has recorded around 9 residential properties granted approval each year, totalling 47 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 6.6 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $341,000, in line with regional trends. There have also been $2.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating minimal commercial development activity.

Compared to the rest of Qld, North Mackay shows substantially reduced construction (59.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. This activity is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% attached dwellings. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 76.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The estimated count of 712 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate North Mackay will gain 426 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.

North 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 13 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include The Dunes Harbour Beach, The Market Andergrove Lakes, Mackay Port Access Bruce Highway to Mackay Slade Point Road Stage 1, and Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, 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.

North Mackay has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

North Mackay possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and 4.7% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,316 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.4% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 4.2% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and mining. The area has particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 2.5 times the regional level. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.7% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 4.7% while labour force increased by 5.2%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within North 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 North Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the North Mackay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $57,155 with the average level standing at $70,687. This is higher than average nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $62,819 (median) and $77,692 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals personal income ranks at the 46th percentile ($785 weekly), while household income sits at the 25th percentile. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.3% of the community (1,945 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 26th percentile.

North Mackay is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within North Mackay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 75.9% houses and 24.1% 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 North Mackay was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 28.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (31.6%) or rented (39.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,452, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $300, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, North Mackay's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 61.9% of all households, comprising 21.4% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.1%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.4%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials: advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (33.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 25 active transport stops operating within North Mackay, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 346 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 252 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in North Mackay is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing North Mackay, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,473 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.6% and 9.2% of residents, respectively, while 63.0% 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 20.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,290 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

North Mackay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Mackay was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 86.6% of its population being citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in North Mackay is Christianity, which makes up 55.9% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in North Mackay are English, comprising 29.8% of the population, Australian, comprising 26.2% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 1.8% of North Mackay (vs 0.4% regionally), German at 4.6% (vs 4.7%), and Filipino at 1.9% (vs 0.9%).

North Mackay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

With a median age of 40, North Mackay is close to the Regional Qld figure of 41 but modestly exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 17.5% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 5 - 14 cohort is less prevalent at 8.9%. Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 14.4% to 17.5% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 8.9% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.5%. Demographic modeling suggests North Mackay's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 22% (251 people), reaching 1,376 from 1,124. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.