South Mackay

South Mackay has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

South Mackay's population was approximately 7,251 as of May 2026, reflecting a 4.8% increase from its 2021 Census count of 6,918 people. This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population in June 2025 and address validation since the census date. The population density was around 1,052 persons per square kilometer, similar to averages across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. South Mackay's 4.8% growth since the census mirrors the SA3 area's growth of 6.8%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 55.3% of 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. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied for each age cohort. Projections indicate a decline in overall population by 377 persons by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 163 people.

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

South Mackay averaged two dwelling approvals per year between 2016 and 2020, totalling ten dwellings over the five-year period. This low development activity is typical of rural areas with modest housing needs and limited construction due to local demand and infrastructure capacity. The small number of approvals can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

South Mackay has shown less construction activity than the rest of Queensland and below national averages. All new constructions in South Mackay during this period were detached houses, reflecting its rural character where larger properties are common. However, developers constructed more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (73.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends. With stable or declining population forecasts, South Mackay may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, South Mackay may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

South Mackay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects expected to impact the region, notable ones being Milton Precinct, Mackay Airport Expansion, Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, and Great Barrier Reef Arena Redevelopment. The following details these projects, focusing on those likely to have the 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions South Mackay ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

South Mackay has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Over the past year, employment growth was estimated at 4.5%. As of December 2025, there were 3,853 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, slightly below Regional Qld's 4.0%.

Workforce participation stood at 66.7%, comparable to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census data indicated that only 3.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Mining is particularly notable, with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.8% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%.

Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts. Over a 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 4.5%, while labour force grew by 5.4%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population 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 2023 shows that South Mackay SA2 has incomes above the national average. The median income is $57,592 and the average income stands at $71,227. In contrast, Regional Qld's median income is $53,146 with an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for South Mackay are approximately $64,134 (median) and $79,318 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in South Mackay rank modestly between the 34th and 47th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.1% of residents (2,472 people), similar to regional trends at 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South Mackay, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile.

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

In South Mackay, as per the latest Census, 73.4% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 26.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other dwellings. This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Mackay stood at 27.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent in South Mackay was $290, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, South Mackay's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 62.7% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.3%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households making up 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in South Mackay fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 13.8%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (34.6%). Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.6% in primary, 8.1% in secondary, and 3.5% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in South Mackay shows that there are 25 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 4 individual routes providing service to the area. Collectively, these routes offer 222 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in this region is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 246 meters from their nearest transport stop. As South Mackay is primarily a residential area, most residents commute outward for work or other purposes. Despite this, the car remains the dominant mode of transportation, used by 92% of residents.

The average vehicle ownership per dwelling in the area is 1.3, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low percentage of residents, at 3.8%, work from home, which may reflect the impact of COVID-19 conditions on work patterns. The service frequency across all routes averages 31 trips per day, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in South Mackay are marginally below the national average with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

South Mackay's health indicators show below-average outcomes based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

Common health conditions among its general population are somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population, which totals around 3,922 people. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 66.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling around 1,380 people, which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than those of the broader population.

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

South Mackay showed cultural diversity levels below average, with 85.0% being citizens, 83.9% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 59.9%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.5%), English (27.3%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Filipino representation was higher at 4.3% in South Mackay than the regional average of 0.9%, Maltese at 1.4% versus 0.4%, and New Zealand at 0.9%.

South Mackay's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in South Mackay is 39 years, which is lower than Regional Queensland's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 make up a significant portion at 15.5%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 10.6% compared to Regional Queensland. Between 2021 and present, the percentage of people aged 25-34 has increased from 13.7% to 15.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group has decreased from 12.4% to 10.6%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 12.2% to 11.1%. By 2041, projections show significant changes in South Mackay's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to increase by 121 people (11%) from 1,126 to 1,248. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 35-44 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.