West Mackay
Statistical Area - sa2

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 November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects an increase of 140 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,364. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,504 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,123 persons per square kilometer, roughly in line with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Recent population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 83.2% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. 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 from the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, West Mackay is expected to increase by 473 persons to 2041, with an overall increase of 7.3% over the 17-year period.

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 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 48 homes. In Financial Year 2026 so far, there have been 3 approvals recorded. On average, for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, West Mackay has seen an increase of 3.2 new residents per year. This demand significantly exceeds the supply of new homes, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected construction cost value of $292,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. In the current financial year, West Mackay has registered $23.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Compared to the Rest of Qld, West Mackay has significantly less development activity, with 60.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings tends to strengthen demand and prices for existing properties, which is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. New building activity in West Mackay shows 57.0% standalone homes and 43.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 78.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With approximately 1350 people per dwelling approval, West Mackay reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show West Mackay adding 473 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

West Mackay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Area infrastructure significantly impacts local performance. AreaSearch identified 12 projects likely affecting the area. Key projects include Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, QUT Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant Expansion, and Mackay Airport Expansion. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

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 notable representation in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, its unemployment rate is 2.1%.

Over the past year, it experienced an employment growth of 1.7%. In June 2025, 3,459 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.9%, lower than Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training.

Mining shows particularly high concentration, at 2.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation, at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates above-average local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing a 2.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.8%, labour force expand by 2.0%, and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across sectors. Applying these projections to West Mackay's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows West Mackay had a median income among taxpayers of $58,416 and an average level of $73,042. These figures are above the national averages of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively across Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for West Mackay would be approximately $66,588 (median) and $83,261 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in West Mackay cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 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

Dwelling structure in West Mackay, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, comprised 77.6% houses and 22.4% other dwellings including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Mackay stood at 30.4%, with mortgaged properties at 34.1% and rented dwellings at 35.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,587, below the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in West Mackay was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, West Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

West Mackay has a higher proportion of university graduates among residents aged 15 and above compared to Australia as a whole, with 20.9% versus 30.4%. However, this indicates potential for further educational development in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification held by West Mackay residents at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.5% of residents holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 8.5% while certificates make up 31.0%.

Educational participation is high in West Mackay, with 28.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary (10.4%), secondary (8.2%), and tertiary (4.6%) education. There are three schools in West Mackay with a combined enrollment of 1,706 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1008) to provide balanced educational opportunities. The area functions as an education hub with 26.2 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 17.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

The analysis of public transport in West Mackay shows that there are 18 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of bus services. There are 2 individual routes servicing these stops, providing a total of 195 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 238 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 27 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Mackay is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

West Mackay faces significant health challenges with a notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average figures, particularly among older age groups.

As of approximately mid-2021, around 56% (~3,642 people) of West Mackay's total population had private health cover. The most prevalent medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively, while 66.9% reported being completely free from medical ailments compared to the Rest of Queensland's figure of 69.7%. As of mid-2021, West Mackay had a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.5% (1,333 people) than the Rest of Queensland's 16.2%. Health outcomes among seniors in West Mackay require more attention than those for the broader 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 below average, with 84.4% being Australian citizens and 84.2% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 90.0%. Christianity was the predominant religion at 63.8%, compared to 56.8% across the rest of Queensland.

Top ancestry groups were English (28.1%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.9%). Notably, Maltese (3.0%) and Filipino (3.6%) populations exceeded regional averages of 2.4% and 1.5%, respectively, while German was slightly lower at 4.1% versus the regional average of 4.7%.

West Mackay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in West Mackay is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, West Mackay has a higher percentage of residents aged 85 and above (3.8%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 years (10.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.2% to 12.7%, while the 25-34 age group rose from 12.4% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group decreased from 13.3% to 11.6%, and the 5-14 age group dropped from 11.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in West Mackay's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 26%, reaching 1,107 people from the current 879. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to decrease in population.