South Mackay

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

South Mackay's population was approximately 7,190 as of February 2026, reflecting a growth of 272 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,918. This increase is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 7,190 in June 2024 and one validated new address post-Census. The population density was around 1,043 persons per square kilometer, roughly inline with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.2% to overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, applying proportional growth weightings for age cohorts as per ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Projections indicate a population decline of 380 persons by 2041, with the 25 to 34 age group expected to grow by 233 people.

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

South Mackay had an average of two dwelling approvals per year between 2016 and 2020, totaling ten dwellings over the five-year period. This low development level is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity driven by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It is important to note that with such a small number of approvals, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

South Mackay had considerably less construction activity compared to the rest of Queensland during this period, and its development pattern was also below national averages. All new constructions in South Mackay were detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are common. However, developers constructed more detached housing than the existing pattern suggested (73.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. Given stable or declining population forecasts, South Mackay may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favorable 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Milton Precinct, Mackay Airport Expansion, Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, and Great Barrier Reef Arena Redevelopment, with the following list highlighting the most relevant ones.

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 analysis indicates South Mackay maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

South Mackay has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Over the year ending September 2025, employment grew by 4.1%. As of that month, 3,835 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Rest of Qld's 4.1%, and workforce participation similar at 65.7%.

Census data shows 3.8% worked from home. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Mining employment is notably high at 2.3 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.8%, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The area may have limited local employment opportunities.

In the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.1% and labour force by 4.5%, raising unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%, labour force grew by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between sectors. Applying these projections to South Mackay's employment mix suggests local growth could be 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's figures of a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $63,299 (median) and $78,286 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in South Mackay rank modestly between the 34th and 47th percentiles. The data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.1% of residents (2,451 people), consistent with broader trends across regional levels showing 31.7% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, 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

South Mackay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.4% houses and 26.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Mackay was at 27.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. Weekly rent in South Mackay was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, South Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 vs Australia's $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $290 vs 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 account for the remaining 37.3%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 34.6%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% currently enrolled in formal education: 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

South Mackay has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together offer 222 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 246 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode of transport at 92%. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, only 3.8% of residents work from home, a figure that may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 31 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately eight 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence.

The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,889 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 8.5% of residents respectively. 66.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,371 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.0% of its population being Australian citizens, 83.9% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in South Mackay, comprising 59.9% of people, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. 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 regionally at 0.9%, Maltese at 1.4% compared to 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 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but matches Australia's median age of 38. The 25-34 age group comprises 16.4% of South Mackay's population, higher than Rest of Qld, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 10.5%, lower than Rest of Qld. According to post-2021 Census data, the 25-34 age group grew from 13.7% to 16.4% between censuses. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 12.4% to 10.5%, and the 5-14 group decreased from 12.2% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for South Mackay in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 11% (124 people), reaching 1,304 from 1,179. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting South Mackay's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0-4 and 35-44 cohorts are predicted to experience population declines.