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

North Mackay's population was around 6,440 as of May 2026, reflecting an increase of 157 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,283. This change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,418 in June 2025 and an additional 21 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 665 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 73.8% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's regional areas is expected. The area is expected to expand by 429 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 6.3% in total over the 16 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

North Mackay has granted approximately 9 residential property approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 47 homes. In FY26 so far, 9 approvals have been recorded. Each year since FY21 to FY25, around 6.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built, indicating demand significantly outstrips supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $341,000, aligning with regional trends.

This financial year has seen $2.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity compared to the rest of Queensland. North Mackay shows reduced construction activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person, which typically supports stronger demand and values for established properties. New development consists equally of detached houses (50.0%) and attached dwellings (50.0%), marking a shift from existing housing patterns (currently 76.0% houses). This could indicate diminishing developable land availability and respond to evolving lifestyle preferences and affordability needs. The area has an estimated 712 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population forecasts suggest North Mackay will gain 407 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Population forecasts indicate North Mackay will gain 407 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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects potentially impacting the area. Notable ones are The Dunes Harbour Beach development, The Market Andergrove Lakes project, the Mackay Port Access Bruce Highway to Mackay Slade Point Road Stage 1 upgrade, and the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion. Relevant projects are listed below for further detail.

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 has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.4%, and estimated employment growth of 4.7% in the past year (as of December 2025). There are 3,316 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 0.4% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Regional Qld at 64.5%.

Census responses show that only 4.2% work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and mining, with a particular specialization in mining (2.5 times the regional level). Agriculture, forestry & fishing employ just 0.7%, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 4.7% while labour force grew by 5.2%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to North Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.0% over five years and 12.9% over ten years (for illustrative purposes only).

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows North Mackay SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $57,155 and an average income of $70,687. Nationally, the median was $53,146 and the average was $66,593. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $63,648 (median) and $78,717 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. Census data indicates personal income ranks at the 46th percentile ($785 weekly) and household income at the 25th percentile. The $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 30.3% (1,951 individuals). 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

In North Mackay, as per the latest Census evaluation, 75.9% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 24.1% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. This is similar to Regional Queensland's distribution, which had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Mackay stood at 28.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.6% and rented ones at 39.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,452, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in North Mackay was $300, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, North Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 61.9% of all households, including 21.4% couples with children, 25.3% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 38.1%, with lone person households at 34.2% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 33.5%. Educational participation is high, with 27.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.1% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

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 shows 25 active stops operating within North Mackay, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by five individual routes, collectively offering 346 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 252 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to the area's primarily residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with vehicle ownership averaging 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. Only 4.2% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

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

North Mackay faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately 54% of North Mackay's total population (~3,484 people) has private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are arthritis (9.6%) and mental health issues (9.2%). Conversely, 63.0% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. North Mackay has 20.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,322 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for 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, surveyed in June 2016, exhibited low cultural diversity with 86.6% citizens, 86.7% born in Australia, and 93.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 55.9%, compared to Regional Qld's 52.2%. Top ancestry groups were English (29.8%), Australian (26.2%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 1.8% (vs regional 0.4%), 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

North Mackay has a median age of 40, which is close to Regional Queensland's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 17.3% of North Mackay's population, higher than Regional Queensland's figure. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort comprises 9.6%, which is lower compared to Regional Queensland. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 14.4% to 17.3% of North Mackay's population. The 5-14 cohort declined from 11.4% to 9.6%, and the 45-54 group decreased from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests significant changes in North Mackay's age profile. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 22%, reaching 1,356 people from the current 1,111. Meanwhile, population declines are expected for the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts.