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 August 2025, reflecting an increase of 140 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 6,364. This increase is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 6,504 in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. The population density was around 1,123 persons per square kilometer, relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 83.2% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopted 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 were used, applying proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas nationally is expected by 2041, with an increase of 473 persons and 7.3% overall 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 per year. Development approval data is produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, with 48 dwellings approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. As of FY26, three dwellings have been recorded so far. On average, 3.2 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed annually over these five financial years.

This results in demand significantly exceeding new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost value of $244,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have been $23.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development compared to the rest of Queensland. West Mackay records markedly lower building activity, at 60.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New development in West Mackay consists of 57.0% detached dwellings and 43.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges.

This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, which currently consist of 78.0% houses, suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. With around 1350 people per dwelling approval, West Mackay reflects a highly mature market. Future projections show West Mackay adding 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 14 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Milton Precinct, and QUT Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant Expansion. The following list details those most relevant.

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

West Mackay ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

West Mackay has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 2.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, there were 3,459 residents employed, and the unemployment rate was 1.9% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training. Mining shows notable concentration with employment levels at 2.8 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has 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 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force decreased by 0.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 2.0 percentage points compared to Rest of Qld's figures. State-level data from Sep-25 shows QLD employment contracted by 0.23% (losing 8,070 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. National unemployment was 4.5%, with national employment growth at 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest that national employment will 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 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 ATO data released for the financial year ending June 2022 shows West Mackay had a median taxpayer income of $58,416 and an average income of $73,042. Nationally, the median was $50,780 and the average was $64,844. By March 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71%, estimated incomes in West Mackay would be approximately $65,257 (median) and $81,595 (average). The 2021 Census indicates that incomes in West Mackay cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. In this region, 32.2% of individuals have incomes between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the national figure 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

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. In contrast, Non-Metro Qld had 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Mackay stood at 30.4%, similar to Non-Metro Qld's level, with mortgaged dwellings 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 $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 comprise the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 32.8% and group households making up 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 university degree holder rate of 20.9% among residents aged 15+, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 3.0% and graduate diplomas at 1.8%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.0%). Educational participation is high in West Mackay, 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. The three schools in West Mackay have a combined enrollment of 1,706 students, with the area having typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1008) and balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. West Mackay 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 currently operating. These stops service a mix of bus routes, with two individual routes running in total. This results in 195 weekly passenger trips being provided collectively by these routes.

The report rates the transport accessibility as good, with residents typically located approximately 238 meters away from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 27 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 notably higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average, particularly amongst older age groups.

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. Conversely, 66.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across the rest of Queensland. West Mackay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (20.5%, or 1,333 people), compared to the rest of Queensland at 16.2%. Health outcomes among seniors require particular attention due to these challenges.

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 has below average cultural diversity, with 84.4% of its population being citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 63.8% of West Mackay's population, compared to 56.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.1%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.9%).

Notably, Maltese (3.0%) is overrepresented in West Mackay compared to regionally (2.4%), as are Filipino (3.6% vs 1.5%) and German (4.1% vs 4.7%).

West Mackay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in West Mackay is 41 years, matching Rest of Queensland's average but slightly higher than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Queensland, West Mackay has a higher proportion of residents aged 85 and above (3.8%) but fewer residents aged 5 to 14 years (10.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15 to 24 years grew from 11.2% to 12.7%, while the 25 to 34 age group increased from 12.4% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group decreased from 13.3% to 11.6%, and the 5 to 14 age group dropped from 11.7% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in West Mackay's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 26%, reaching 1,107 people from 879. However, the 55 to 64 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.