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 of May 2026, is approximately 6,447 people. This figure represents an increase of 83 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,364. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 6,443 in June 2025 and the addition of 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 1,113 persons per square kilometer, which aligns with averages observed across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are adopted. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, using 2022 data for each age cohort. Based on projected demographic shifts, West Mackay is expected to experience a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally by 2041. The latest annual ERP population numbers project an increase of approximately 407 persons by that year, reflecting a total increase of around 6.2% over the 16-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 nine new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling 48 homes. In the current financial year FY-26, five approvals have been recorded to date. On average, 3.2 new residents per year have been associated with every home built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating that demand significantly exceeds supply. This imbalance typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition while 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 activity. Compared to the rest of Queensland, West Mackay has significantly less development activity, with 59.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens 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 that approximately 57.0% are standalone homes and 43.0% are attached dwellings. This represents an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across various price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options compared to the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 78.0% houses.

With around 1350 people per dwelling approval, West Mackay reflects a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, West Mackay is projected to add approximately 403 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Milton Precinct, Mackay State Development Area, and Mackay Airport Expansion. The following details those most relevant:.

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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.8% as of December 2025. This rate is 1.2% lower than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 5.1%. As of the Census, 3,514 residents are employed and workforce participation stands at 66.9%, slightly higher than Regional Qld's 64.5%. Only 4.6% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training.

Mining shows particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 2.8 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.1% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers for each resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. In the 12-month period ending in December 2025, employment increased by 5.1% while labour force grew by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. This compares with Regional Qld where employment grew by 0.7%, labour force expanded by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

The latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows West Mackay SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $61,305 and an average income of $75,820. These figures are higher than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 in Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for West Mackay's median income would be approximately $68,269 and average income $84,433 as of March 2026. According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in West Mackay cluster around the 51st percentile nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.2% of West Mackay's population (2,075 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, similar to the regional figure of 31.7%. After accounting for housing costs, 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

In West Mackay, as per the latest Census, 77.6% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 22.4% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. In comparison, Regional Queensland had 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 was $1,587, lower than Regional Queensland's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in West Mackay was $320, compared to Regional Queensland's $345. Nationally, West Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,587 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $320 compared to 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 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 is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland 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 and above have a university degree attainment rate of 20.9%, compared to 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: 10.4% in primary, 8.2% in secondary, and 4.6% in tertiary education.

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 shows 19 active transport stops operating in West Mackay. These comprise a mix of buses serving 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. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute 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 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, according to AreaSearch's assessment completed on 07/04/2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were notably high across both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover was found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 3,649 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Queensland. The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 8.4% of residents respectively, while 66.9% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across Regional Queensland. Health outcomes among the working-age population were broadly typical. The area had 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,282 people). Health outcomes among seniors presented 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, surveyed in 2016, showed low cultural diversity with 84.4% citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion at 63.8%, compared to 52.2% regionally. Top ancestry groups were English (28.1%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.9%).

Maltese were notably higher at 3.0% (vs regional 0.4%), Filipino at 3.6% (vs regional 0.9%), and German at 4.1% (vs regional 4.7%).

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

The median age in West Mackay is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, West Mackay has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (14.1%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (10.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 25-34 increased from 12.4% to 14.1%, while the 65-74 age group increased from 9.7% to 11.1%. Conversely, the 85+ age group declined from 4.6% to 3.2%, and the 45-54 age group decreased from 13.3% to 12.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Mackay's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 20%, reaching 1,093 people from the current 907. Conversely, the 55-64 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.