South Mackay

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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%).

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

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.