Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach
Statistical Area - sa2

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach's population was 6,323 as of November 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects a rise from the 2021 Census count of 6,133 people, an increase of 190 individuals (3.1%). The change is inferred from ABS data: an estimated resident population of 6,317 in June 2024 and 77 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 301 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 75.2% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data 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 in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 using 2022 data as the base year. Future population projections indicate a median increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected expansion of 540 persons to 2041 based on latest numbers, representing an 8.4% total increase over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach has seen approximately 21 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 106 homes. In FY-26 so far, 19 approvals have been recorded. On average, between FY-21 and FY-25, only 0.6 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built. This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth.

The average value of new dwellings developed is $294,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. There have been $323,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 53% fewer homes built per person than the regional average. This scarcity typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, the area's construction activity is also below average, suggesting maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction in the area comprises 26% standalone homes and 74% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the current housing pattern of 55% houses suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1076, reflecting its quiet development environment. Looking ahead, Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach is expected to grow by 534 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 36thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely affecting this region. Notable ones are Navigation Drive Road Link, Half Moon Bay Estate, Bluewater Living, Seascape Terraces, and Trinity Park. The following details the most relevant 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.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate as of June 2025 is 3.3%.

There are 3,584 residents employed, which is 0.6% below the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance has particularly high employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 1.1% versus the regional average of 4.5%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 1.6%, and employment decreased by 2.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment grew by 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest potential future demand within Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach. National employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to the local employment mix suggests a potential increase of approximately 6.8%% over five years and 14.0% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released in financial year 2022, Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach had a median income among taxpayers of $51,900 with the average level standing at $62,535. This is slightly lower than national averages which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively for Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $59,161 (median) and $71,284 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census data, personal income ranks at the 47th percentile ($791 weekly), while household income sits at the 22nd percentile. Income analysis reveals that 30.9% of the population, which is 1,953 individuals, fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.6% houses and 45.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 80.8% houses and 19.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach was 27.9%, with the rest either mortgaged (31.3%) or rented (40.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,408, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent was $310, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,408 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 57.3% of all households, including 16.3% couples with children, 26.1% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 42.7%, with lone person households at 37.4% and group households comprising 5.2%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Educational qualifications in Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach show that 24.8% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 17.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 42.5% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (29.7%). Current educational participation is high at 28.1%, with 8.9% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Yorkeys Knob State School and Machans Beach State School serve a total of 474 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 966) indicating balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education only, with secondary options available nearby. There are 7.5 school places per 100 residents in the area, lower than the regional average of 14.5, suggesting some students may attend schools outside Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach.

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

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach has 25 active public transport stops. These are served by buses on four different routes, offering a total of 464 weekly passenger trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 221 meters.

On average, there are 66 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 18 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach shows below-average health indicators, with common conditions slightly more prevalent among both younger and older residents compared to average SA2 areas.

Private health cover is held by approximately 51% of the total population (~3,231 people), which is lower than the average for such regions. Mental health issues affect 8.9% of residents, while arthritis impacts 8.6%. Conversely, 68.3% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 73.1% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.1%, with 1,399 people falling into this category, compared to the state average of 16.7%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in various health metrics.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Yorkeys Knob-Machans Beach had a higher than average cultural diversity, with 9.7% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 24.7% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Yorkeys Knob-Machans Beach, comprising 39.7% of the population. Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation, making up 0.2% compared to the regional average of 0.2%.

The top three ancestry groups were English at 29.2%, Australian at 22.2%, and Irish at 10.1%. There were also notable differences in the representation of French (0.9% vs 0.7%), Scottish (9.1% vs 8.0%), and German (4.5% vs 4.3%) ethnic groups.

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach has a median age of 46 years, which is significantly higher than Rest of Qld's 41 and the national average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (14.2%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (8.7%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 75 to 84 has increased from 4.9% to 6.5%, while the 15 to 24 age group has risen from 8.6% to 9.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 16.4% to 14.7%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 10.3% to 8.7%. By 2041, Yorkeys Knob - Machans Beach is projected to experience notable changes in its age composition. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 27%, reaching 959 from 754. Conversely, the 45 to 54 and 55 to 64 age groups are anticipated to see population declines.