Chart Color Schemes
This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
Find a Recent Sale
Sales Detail
South Mackay has an estimated 7,251 residents, up from 6,918 at the 2021 Census — a change of 333 people, or 4.8%. Growth has averaged 0.9% a year over five years. That puts 1,052 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis conducted by AreaSearch, the population of South Mackay is approximately 7,251 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 333 people (4.8%) compared to the 2021 Census, which counted 6,918 people. This shift is derived from the ABS June 2025 estimated resident population of 7,251 and subsequent address validation after the Census. Such a population size results in a density of 1,052 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with the average figures observed in other evaluated areas. The 4.8% growth rate since the census is within 2.0 percentage points of the wider SA3 region (6.8%), indicating competitive local growth trends.
The primary driver of this population expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 55.3% of the total population gains in recent times. AreaSearch utilizes ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For SA2 regions lacking this data, and for any years after 2032, projections from the Queensland State Government released in 2023 (based on 2021 data) are used instead. Because the state-level projections do not segment data by age, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings matching the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (based on 2022 data) for each age bracket. Looking at future demographic trends, these projections point to a contraction in the overall population, with the local cohort expected to decrease by 377 persons by 2041. Even so, expansion is expected within particular age brackets, especially the 25 to 34 age range, which is forecasted to increase by 163 people. More details can be found in the age section.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
South Mackay exhibits quiet residential building activity, averaging 2 new dwellings approved per year (representing 10 approvals over five years). This minimal development pace is typical for rural localities where housing requirements are modest and building activity is restricted by local demand and available infrastructure. Given the low volume of approvals, individual projects can exert a major influence on annual statistics and relative trends. South Mackay experiences far less building activity than the Rest of Qld, with levels also falling below national benchmarks. All recent construction has consisted of detached houses, which matches the rural character of the area where larger lots and open space are common.
Developers are focusing on detached housing at a higher rate than the historic proportion (73.0% at Census), showing steady demand for traditional family homes despite broader trends toward higher density. Given that population forecasts indicate stable or contracting numbers, South Mackay is likely to experience less pressure on housing demand, which should benefit prospective buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around South Mackay
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 4 current infrastructure and development projects inside South Mackay, worth an estimated $126 million. A further 69 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $4.73 billion. 27 are already under construction and 28 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, residential development and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Changes to infrastructure, major projects, and urban planning play a key role in local performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are likely to influence the region. Principal developments include the Milton Precinct, Mackay Airport Expansion, Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, and the Great Barrier Reef Arena Redevelopment, with the list below highlighting the most relevant ones.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Mackay Airport Redevelopment
A $60 million major redevelopment program transforming key facilities. Includes a $20 million runway overlay, $3 million terminal enhancement with increased capacity, a 190-space car park expansion, and the $32 million Milton Precinct commercial development.
Milton Precinct
Milton Precinct is a staged business, retail and mixed-use service hub being developed on Mackay Airport land holdings between the Mackay CBD and the emerging Bakers Creek community zone. Stage 1 civil works were completed in November 2025 at a cost of around 9.7 million dollars, activating 25,000 square metres of serviced lots with new roads and services. The first tenancies are scheduled to open in 2026, with further development rolling out through 2027 and 2028 and all commercial operators expected to come online over a 10-year period.The precinct will accommodate retail, food and beverage offerings, short-term worker accommodation, health care and other service providers, and light industrial uses. It is forecast to deliver 134.1 million dollars to the local economy in its first 10 years and support around 280 onsite jobs once operational, with new businesses expected to generate 42.5 million dollars in annual output. Milton Precinct sits within a broader 60 million dollar Mackay Airport infrastructure program that also includes a terminal transformation, a major runway overlay and expanded car parking, with the terminal upgrade starting in January 2026. Local family business Vassallo Constructions delivered the Stage 1 civil works.
Mackay Base Hospital Expansion
A major expansion of Mackay Base Hospital under the Queensland Government Hospital Rescue Plan. The project will deliver 128 additional beds, a new clinical services building, expanded women's health units, and child and adolescent units. Current active works include a temporary 80-space parking facility and the recommissioning of the on-site helipad to improve time-critical patient transfers. A new masterplan for the site is expected to be finalized by mid-2026.
Mackay State Development Area
907 hectares designated for renewable energy and biofutures industries. Supports regional economic diversification and sustainable aviation fuel production. Leverages Mackay's agricultural strengths for net-zero transition industries. Declared February 2024 with development scheme approved September 2024. The SDA incorporates two distinct areas: Racecourse Mill area (137 hectares) approximately 5km west of Mackay CBD, and Rosella area (770 hectares) located 10km south of Mackay CBD. Designed to become Queensland's home for emerging biocommodity industry.
Great Barrier Reef Arena Redevelopment
Stage 1 of the project will include a new covered grandstand, elite player, match official and broadcast facilities and an expanded capacity for more than 10,000 people.
Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA)
A long-term urban transformation project revitalising Mackay's CBD and waterfront across five precincts. Current active works include the Sydney and River Streets intersection upgrade, Bluewater Trail enhancements, and the redevelopment of the 8 River Street site into a food and beverage destination. The project integrates streetscape improvements, public realm upgrades, and heritage preservation to drive private investment.
Mackay Public Transport Hub
Concept for an integrated public transport interchange in Mackay combining bus services, taxi facilities, active transport connections and future public transport integration. As of the latest publicly available information, no active construction or funded delivery program has been identified and the proposal remains at the planning level.
South Mackay Industrial Estate
Situated in the heart of Mackay's burgeoning bioenergy hub, the South Mackay Industrial Estate offers flat, serviced industrial land with excellent transport links to the Bruce Highway, Mackay Harbour, and the airport. It positions businesses to leverage the region's agricultural industry, R&D expertise, the planned Future Foods Biohub, and bioenergy policies. The estate comprises 11 industrial allotments over 12 hectares, with the final lots available for sale as of 2025.
3,869 residents of South Mackay are employed, from a labour force of 4,039. Unemployment sits at 4.2%, with participation at 67.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 5,881, about 81% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The workforce in South Mackay is diverse, comprising both white-collar and blue-collar workers, with a strong presence in industrial and manufacturing fields, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and a 4.0% rise in estimated employment over the previous year. As of March 2026, 3,869 local residents are employed, which places the unemployment rate 0.3% higher than the Regional Qld rate of 3.9%, while participation in the labour force is standard (67.3% versus 64.3% in Regional Qld). Census records show that a small proportion of residents, 3.8%, worked from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions.
The main industries employing local residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. There is a notable concentration of workers in the mining sector, which is 2.3 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for only 0.8% of the local workforce, compared to 4.5% across Regional Qld. Comparing the count of the working population to the resident population suggests that local employment opportunities are somewhat limited. Based on AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the latest 12-month period saw employment rise by 4.0% while the labour force expanded by 5.9%, resulting in a 1.7 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. This differs from Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.1%, the workforce expanded by 0.3%, and the unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional context regarding future demand in South Mackay. These five-year and ten-year forecasts have been aligned with the local workforce profile to project future trends. Nationally, employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though rates vary by industry. Applying these national projections to the local industry mix suggests South Mackay's employment could grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (this represents a basic weighting extrapolation for illustration and does not incorporate local population forecasts).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in South Mackay is $1,477 a week (about $77,000 a year), with median personal income at $791 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $57,592 a year against an average of $71,227. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The most recent postcode-level ATO data from AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year shows that incomes in the South Mackay SA2 exceed the national benchmarks, with a median of $57,592 and an average of $71,227. This is higher than the Regional Qld figures, which show a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Factoring in a Wage Price Index increase of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $64,134 for the median and $79,318 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in South Mackay rank in the lower-middle range, falling between the 34th and 47th percentiles.
The data indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common, accounting for 34.1% of residents (2,472 people), which is similar to the regional average of 31.7% in this bracket. Affordability is a significant issue, with residents retaining only 84.6% of their income, placing the area in the 35th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
South Mackay had 2,808 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 73% detached houses and 2% apartments. 33% are owned with a mortgage, 39% rented and 28% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $290 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,500 a month. Rent absorbs 19.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.4%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census, the housing stock in South Mackay consists of 73.4% separate houses and 26.6% alternative housing options (such as townhouses, apartments, and other dwellings), compared to 76.4% separate houses and 23.6% other dwellings in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates in South Mackay were lower than Regional Qld averages at 27.7%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (39.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was $1,500, which is below the Regional Qld average of $1,655, while the median weekly rent was $290, compared to $345 regionally.
On a national level, mortgage payments in South Mackay are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
South Mackay counted 2,808 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 23% are couples with children, fewer than in 77% of areas nationally, against 25% couples without children. 34% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 62.7%, consisting of 23.1% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 13.4% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 37.3%, with single-person households at 34.0% and group housing making up 3.4%. The median household size of 2.3 individuals is slightly below the Regional Qld average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
13.8% of adults in South Mackay hold a university qualification, including 10.7% with a bachelor degree and 1.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 34.6% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,574 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 992 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
The region shows lower rates of higher education, with university graduation rates at 13.8%, which is below the national average of 30.4%. This gap indicates both a challenge and an opening for targeted educational programs. Among university degrees, bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.6% and graduate diplomas at 1.5%. Vocational and technical qualifications are common, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (34.6%). Participation in education is high in the area, with 27.9% of residents enrolled in study.
This group includes 10.6% in primary school, 8.1% in high school, and 3.5% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in South Mackay reaches 25 stops on 4 routes, timetabled for about 220 services a week. The typical home sits about 250 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport analysis identifies 25 active stops operating in South Mackay, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 4 distinct routes, which provide a combined total of 222 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated as good, with residents living an average of 246 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily residential, and 92% of commuting residents travel by car. Vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.3 cars per household, which is below the regional average. A small proportion of residents, 3.8%, worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.
Service frequency averages 31 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 8 weekly trips per active stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.6% of residents in South Mackay report no long-term health condition. 5.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 54.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 5.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes in South Mackay are below average based on AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality and chronic disease rates. While common health conditions are typical for the general population, they are higher than national averages among older residents. Private health insurance coverage is relatively high, held by approximately 54% of the population (~3,922 people). Arthritis and mental health issues represent the most prevalent medical conditions locally, each affecting 8.5% of residents, while 66.6% of the population reported no chronic health conditions, compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Residents of working age experience higher-than-average rates of chronic conditions.
The area has 19.0% of its population aged 65 and over (1,380 people), which is lower than the Regional Qld average of 20.4%. Health profiles for seniors present some difficulties, though they rank lower nationally than the overall population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
South Mackay is largely Australian-born, at 83.9% of residents, with 10.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (27.5%) and English (27.3%). 4.3% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in South Mackay is below average, with citizens making up 85.0% of the population, 83.9% of residents born in Australia, and 90.0% of households speaking only English. Christianity is the predominant religion, followed by 59.9% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. Looking at ancestral backgrounds, the three largest groups in South Mackay are Australian at 27.5% of the population, English at 27.3%, and Irish at 8.4%. There are also notable differences in other ethnic communities, with Filipinos representing 4.3% of the local population (compared to 0.9% regionally), Maltese at 1.4% (compared to 0.4%), and New Zealanders at 0.9% (matching the regional 0.9%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of South Mackay is 39. 28.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age of 39 in South Mackay is slightly lower than the Regional Qld average of 41, but very close to the national average of 38. The age distribution reveals that the 25 - 34 cohort is prominent at 15.5%, while the 45 - 54 cohort is relatively small at 10.6% compared to Regional Qld. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 13.7% to 15.5% of the population, while the 45 to 54 group has declined from 12.4% to 10.6%, and the 5 to 14 group has decreased from 12.2% to 11.1%.
Looking ahead to 2041, projections suggest notable shifts in the age profile. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow steadily, rising by 121 people (11%) from 1,126 to 1,248. The combined 65+ age groups will account for 58% of the total population growth, pointing to an aging local profile, while the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 groups are projected to contract.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for South Mackay
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 4 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (6,918 at the 2021 Census → 7,251 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (312021356). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.