South Mackay

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, South Mackay's population is around 7,190 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 272 people (3.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,918 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 7,190 from the ABS as of June 2024 and 1 validated new address since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,043 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to shrink by 380 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to grow by 233 people. See the age section for more details.

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

South Mackay experiences very limited development activity, averaging 2 approvals per year (10 dwellings over the five-year period). Such low development levels are characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note: given the small number of approvals, individual development projects can significantly impact annual growth and relativity statistics.

South Mackay shows significantly less construction activity than the Rest of Qld. The development pattern is also well below national averages. Meanwhile, new construction has been completely comprised of detached houses, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties and space are typical. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (73.0% at Census), reflecting persistent strong demand for family homes amid densification trends.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 8 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Milton Precinct, Mackay Airport Expansion, Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, and Great Barrier Reef Arena Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of 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 possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 3.8%, and 4.5% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,853 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Qld's 65.4%. Based on Census responses, a low 3.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 2.3 times the regional average. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.8% of local workers, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 4.5% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Qld, where employment rose by 0.7%, the labour force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within South Mackay. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to South Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account 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 FY-23 reveals that income in the South Mackay SA2 is above the national average, with the median assessed at $57,592 while the average income stands at $71,227. This contrasts with Regional 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 FY-23, 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 all rank modestly in South Mackay, between the 34th and 47th percentiles. The data shows 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

Dwelling structure within South Mackay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 73.4% houses and 26.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within South Mackay lagged that of Regional Qld, at 27.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.9%) or rented (39.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $290, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, South Mackay's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 62.7% of all households, comprising 23.1% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.3%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than 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 area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (13.8%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (34.6%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 25 active transport stops operating within South Mackay, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 222 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 246 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 3.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 31 trips per day across all routes, 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

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in South Mackay, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The level of common health conditions among the general population is somewhat typical, though higher than the national average among older cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,889 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 66.6% declared themselves as 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 19.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,371 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 83.9% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in South Mackay is Christianity, which makes up 59.9% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in South Mackay are Australian, comprising 27.5% of the population, English, comprising 27.3% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Filipino is notably overrepresented at 4.3% of South Mackay (vs 0.9% regionally), Maltese at 1.4% (vs 0.4%), and New Zealand at 0.9% (vs 0.9%).

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

The 38-year median age in South Mackay is marginally below Regional Qld's average of 41 while in line with Australia's 38 years. The 25 - 34 age group shows strong representation at 16.4% compared to Regional Qld, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 10.5%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.7% to 16.4% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 12.4% to 10.5% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.2% to 10.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for South Mackay. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 11% (124 people), reaching 1,304 from 1,179. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.