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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, West Mackay's population is around 6,504 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 140 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,364 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,504 from the ABS as of June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,123 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 overseas migration, which contributed approximately 83.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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 is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to increase by 473 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.3% in total 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 around 9 new dwelling approvals each year, totalling 48 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 4 approvals have been recorded. At an average of 3.2 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand significantly exceeds new supply, which usually results in price growth and increased buyer competition, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $292,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $23.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

Relative to the Rest of Qld, West Mackay has significantly less development activity (60.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is similarly below the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity 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 accessible compact options. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 78.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 1350 people per dwelling approval, West Mackay reflects a highly mature market.

Future projections show West Mackay adding 473 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 20% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Milton Precinct, Mackay State Development Area, and Mackay Airport Expansion, 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 analysis reveals West Mackay significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

West Mackay possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and 5.1% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 3,514 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.2% 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 4.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in mining, 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 for each resident, as at the Census, indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw employment increasing by 5.1% alongside the labour force increasing by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares to Regional Qld, where employment grew by 0.7%, the labour force expanded 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 West 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 West Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised 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 the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the West Mackay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,305 with the average level standing at $75,820. This is well above average nationally and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $67,380 (median) and $83,334 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in West Mackay cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals 32.2% of the population (2,094 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. After housing, 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 within West Mackay, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 77.6% houses and 22.4% 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 West Mackay slightly lagged that of Regional Qld, at 30.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Qld average at $1,587, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, West Mackay's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 62.8% of all households, comprising 25.2% couples with children, 26.8% couples without children, and 10.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in West Mackay trail regional benchmarks, with 20.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 30.4% in Australia. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.6% of residents aged 15+ 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 reveals 19 active transport stops operating within West Mackay, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 4 individual routes, collectively providing 240 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 240 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; 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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing West Mackay, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~3,681 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 66.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 20.8% of residents aged 65 and over (1,349 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 84.4% of its population being citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. The main religion in West Mackay is Christianity, which makes up 63.8% of people in West Mackay, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in West Mackay are English, comprising 28.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 27.4% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 3.0% of West Mackay (vs 0.4% regionally), Filipino at 3.6% (vs 0.9%) and German at 4.1% (vs 4.7%).

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

The 41-year median age in West Mackay matches Regional Qld's average of 41, while being somewhat older than Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional Qld, West Mackay has a higher concentration of 85+ residents (3.9%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (10.0%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 12.4% to 14.0% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.2% to 12.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.3% to 11.3% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 11.7% to 10.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in West Mackay's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 21% (195 people), reaching 1,107 from 911. Conversely, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.