West Mackay

West Mackay is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

West Mackay's population was around 6,504 as of February 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 140 people, representing a 2.2% rise since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,364 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,504 as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 1,123 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration contributing approximately 83.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected by 2041, with West Mackay projected to increase by 473 persons, reflecting a total increase of 7.3% over the 17 years.

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

West Mackay has averaged approximately nine new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 48 homes. As of FY26, four approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.2 new residents per year are associated with each home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $292,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In the current financial year, $23.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development. Relative to the rest of Queensland, West Mackay has significantly less development activity, with 60.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. New building activity comprises 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% attached dwellings, indicating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 78.0% houses. With around 1350 people per dwelling approval, West Mackay reflects a highly mature market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, West Mackay is projected to add 473 residents by 2041.

If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

West 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 12 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects are Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Milton Precinct, Mackay State Development Area, and Mackay Airport Expansion. The following details projects expected to have the most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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AreaSearch analysis reveals West Mackay significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

West Mackay has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of September 2025. This rate is 1.3 percentage points lower than the Rest of Queensland's rate of 4.1%.

The area experienced an estimated employment growth of 4.7% over the past year. As of September 2025, there were 3,499 residents employed in West Mackay, with a workforce participation rate of 65.7%, similar to the Rest of Queensland's rate. According to Census responses, only 4.6% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training sectors.

Notably, mining employment levels are at 2.8 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.1%. The worker-to-resident ratio is 0.7, indicating a higher level of local employment opportunities compared to the norm. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.7% alongside labour force growth of 4.3%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Queensland saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase in national employment over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to West Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for the financial year ended June 2023, West Mackay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,305 and an average level of $75,820. This is higher than national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 for Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from July 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $67,380 and average income around $83,334 during this period. As per the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in West Mackay are at the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis shows that 32.2% of the population (2,094 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses.

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

The latest Census in West Mackay showed that 77.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.4% being semi-detached homes, apartments, or other types. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Mackay was at 30.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 35.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,587, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in West Mackay was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, West Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,587 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 62.8% of all households, including 25.2% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households making up 4.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

West Mackay shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

West Mackay's residents aged 15+ have a university degree attainment rate of 20.9%, lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are held by 39.5% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 8.5% and certificates at 31.0%. Educational participation is high, with 28.6% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.4%), secondary (8.2%), and tertiary (4.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.2% in secondary education, and 4.6% 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 indicates 19 active transport stops operating within West Mackay. These are served by a mix of buses on four individual routes, collectively providing 240 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 240 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 12 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Mackay is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

West Mackay faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, which is notable across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 57% of the total population (~3,681 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively. However, 66.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,349 people), with health outcomes among seniors presenting some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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

West Mackay's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.4% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (84.2%), predominantly speaking English at home (90.0%). Christianity is the dominant religion in West Mackay, comprising 63.8%, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.1%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Maltese representation is higher than average at 3.0% in West Mackay (regional average: 0.4%), as is Filipino at 3.6% (regional average: 0.9%) and German at 4.1% (regional average: 4.7%).

West Mackay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in West Mackay is 41 years, which matches Rest of Qld's average but is somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, West Mackay has a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (3.9%) but fewer residents aged 5 to 14 years (10.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 25 to 34 increased from 12.4% to 14.0%, while the 15 to 24 age group grew from 11.2% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group declined from 13.3% to 11.3%, and the 5 to 14 age group decreased from 11.7% to 10.0%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Mackay's age structure. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 21%, reaching 1,107 people from the current 911. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.