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, as per AreaSearch's analysis, stood at 6,504 by November 2025. This figure represents a rise of 140 individuals, marking a 2.2% increase since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,364. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 6,504 as of June 2024 and address validation from the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,123 persons per square kilometer, roughly aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver for population growth, 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across Australia is expected. By 2041, based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, West Mackay's population is projected to rise by 473 persons, reflecting 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 averaged approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 48 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.2 new residents were added per year for every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating significant demand exceeding supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $292,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms.

In FY-26, $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. Future projections estimate an addition of 473 residents by 2041.

Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to affect the area. Notable ones are Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Milton Precinct, and Mackay Airport Expansion. The following details these key projects.

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 reveals West Mackay significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

West Mackay has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7%.

As of September 2025, 3,499 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training. Mining has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 2.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.1% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. In the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, labour force increased by 4.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. This compares with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.7%, labour force expanded by 2.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within West Mackay. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to West Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, West Mackay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $58,416. The average income stood at $73,042. This was above the national average and compared to levels of $50,780 and $64,844 across Rest of Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for median income are approximately $66,588 as of September 2025. For average income, the estimate is around $83,261 by that date. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in West Mackay were at the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis showed that 32.2% of the population (2,094 individuals) fell within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the region where 31.7% occupied this bracket. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remained for other expenses.

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

In West Mackay, as per the latest Census evaluation, 77.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This differs from Non-Metro Qld's figures of 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 ones at 35.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,587, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in West Mackay was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $340. Nationally, West Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,587 versus Australia's 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 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, 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's educational qualifications trail regional benchmarks; 20.9% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is 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

Transport analysis shows 18 active public transport stops in West Mackay, served by a mix of buses. These stops are covered by two routes, offering 195 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 238 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 27 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 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 substantially higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, particularly among older age cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~3,642 people) of West Mackay's total population has private health cover. The most prevalent 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 69.7% in the rest of Queensland. West Mackay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.5% (1,333 people), compared to 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of 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 had a cultural diversity score below average, with 84.4% citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 63.8%, compared to 56.8% in the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestral groups were English (28.1%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Maltese representation was higher at 3.0% than the regional average of 2.4%, Filipino at 3.6% compared to 1.5%, and German at 4.1% versus 4.7%.

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

The median age in West Mackay is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but slightly higher than Australia's 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, West Mackay has a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (3.8%) but fewer individuals aged 5-14 years (10.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 11.2% to 12.7%, while those aged 25-34 grew 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 fell from 11.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Mackay's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 26% (227 people), reaching 1,107 from 879. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.