East Mackay

East 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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the East Mackay statistical area (Lv2) is around 3,830. This figure reflects an increase of 105 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,725. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on ERP data released by the ABS in June 2024 and validated new addresses, is 3,824. This results in a population density ratio of 1,046 persons per square kilometer, comparable to averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 64.0% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections lack age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Examining future population trends, the East Mackay (SA2) is expected to expand by 267 persons to reach a total of 4,105 by 2041. This reflects an overall gain of 6.8% over the 17-year period, aligning with projections for non-metropolitan areas nationally.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within East Mackay when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, East Mackay averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 43 homes were approved, with a further 10 approved in FY-26 to date. This results in around 3.9 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually over the past five financial years.

Consequently, demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $352,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $9.5 million, indicating moderate levels of commercial development. Comparatively, East Mackay has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person when measured against the Rest of Qld. Nationally, it places among the 57th percentile of areas assessed. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years.

This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and potential planning constraints. New building activity in East Mackay shows 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This marks a considerable change from the current housing mix of 73.0% houses, likely due to reduced availability of development sites and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. East Mackay has around 272 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts suggest East Mackay will gain approximately 259 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with growth projections, though buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

East Mackay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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

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

East Mackay has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year.

There are 2,055 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.5% lower than the Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to the regional average at 61.4%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence at 0.7% compared to 4.5% regionally.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, labour force grew by 4.3%, resulting in a slight decrease in unemployment of 0.1 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment increased by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows QLD employment contracted slightly by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary between industry sectors. Applying these projections to East Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

East Mackay's median income among taxpayers was $63,550 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $79,461 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,848 for median income and $87,336 for average income. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 69th percentile ($916 weekly) while household income was at the 48th percentile. In East Mackay, 32.1% of locals (1,229 people) fell into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remained for other expenses. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 4th decile.

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

East Mackay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 72.7% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Mackay was at 29.2%, aligning with Non-Metro Qld. Mortgaged dwellings constituted 33.5%, while rented dwellings made up 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, below the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, East Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

East 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 23.8% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 4.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

East Mackay faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 19.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high at 28.2%, with 10.4% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

East Mackay has 15 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by one route collectively providing 118 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good with residents typically located 200 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 16 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 7 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in East Mackay is lower than average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

East Mackay faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2,247 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.9% of residents respectively. A total of 68.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across the Rest of Qld. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (700 people), which is higher than the 16.2% in the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

East Mackay ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

East Mackay's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia, and speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 56.3% of East Mackay's population compared to 56.8% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.4%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Maltese representation was higher at 1.5% in East Mackay compared to 2.4% regionally, German at 4.8% versus 4.7%, and Scottish at 8.8% versus 7.8%.

East Mackay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in East Mackay is 41 years, matching Rest of Qld's average but somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, East Mackay has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (14.5%) but fewer residents aged 35-44 (11.0%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group 25-34 grew from 12.1% to 14.5%, while the age group 15-24 increased from 11.7% to 13.5%. Conversely, the age group 45-54 declined from 14.3% to 12.3%, and the age group 85+ dropped from 4.6% to 3.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in East Mackay's age structure. The age group 25-34 is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 688 people from 555. Conversely, the age groups 5-14 and 55-64 are projected to experience population declines.