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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, East Mackay's population is estimated at around 3,816 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 91 people (2.4%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,725 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,780 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,042 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Examining future population trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 229 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 5.1% in total over the 16 years.

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

East Mackay averaged approximately 8 new dwelling approvals annually from statistical area data. Between financial years FY21 and FY25, around 43 homes were approved, with an additional 16 approved in FY26 to date. This results in about 3.7 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

The demand significantly exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average cost of $352,000. In FY26, $9.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, 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.

The area's mature status and possible planning constraints contribute to its below-average national building activity levels. New building activity shows a composition of 40.0% detached dwellings and 60.0% townhouses or apartments. This shift from the current housing mix (73.0% houses) reflects reduced availability of development sites and addresses shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 272 people per dwelling approval, East Mackay exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate East Mackay will gain approximately 193 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Given current development patterns, new housing supply is expected to readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely affecting the region. Key initiatives include the Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. The following list details those projects expected to be 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 labor force with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.5% as of December 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7% over the past year. This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of that same month, 1,689 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.6% lower than Regional Queensland's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in East Mackay was 67.6%, slightly higher than Regional Queensland's 64.5%. According to Census responses, only 4.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Notably, mining had a significant concentration with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing had limited presence with only 0.7% employment compared to Regional Queensland's 4.5%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. In the year up to December 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7%, and labor force increased by 5.2%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional Queensland where employment rose by 0.7%, the labor force grew by 1.0%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can provide further insight into potential future demand within East Mackay. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest that national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to East Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

The suburb of East Mackay had an extremely high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Its median income among taxpayers was $63,550 and the average income stood at $79,461, compared to Regional Qld's figures of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,769 (median) and $88,488 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranked at the 69th percentile ($916 weekly), while household income sat at the 48th percentile. The predominant income cohort spanned 32.1% of locals (1,224 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, reflecting patterns seen in the surrounding region where 31.7% similarly occupied this range. After housing, 85.7% of income remained for other expenses and the area'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

In East Mackay, as per the latest Census evaluation, 72.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 27.4% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Mackay stood at 29.2%, with mortgaged properties making up 33.5% and rented dwellings accounting for 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in East Mackay was $320, compared to Regional Qld's $345. 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households making up 4.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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 - advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 31.6%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 10.4% in primary, 9.7% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 15 operational public transport stops in East Mackay, offering mixed bus services. These stops are served by one route collectively facilitating 118 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is rated good, with residents typically located 200 meters from the nearest stop. As primarily residential, most commute outward; cars dominate at 94%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, below regional average. In 2021 Census data (possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions), 4.8% of residents work from home.

Service frequency averages 16 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly 7 weekly trips per 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2,239 people), compared to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.9% of residents respectively. 68.1% of residents declare themselves 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 17.5% of residents aged 65 and over (667 people), lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 had a cultural diversity index below average, with 84.5% of its population being citizens, 85.3% born in Australia, and 92.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in East Mackay, comprising 56.3% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (30.4%), Australian (24.2%), and Irish (9.9%).

Notably, Maltese had a higher representation at 1.5%, compared to the regional average of 0.4%. German also showed a slightly higher representation at 4.8% versus 4.7% regionally, while Scottish had a notable difference with 8.8% in East Mackay compared to 7.8% regionally.

East Mackay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in East Mackay is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average of 41 years but somewhat older than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, East Mackay has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (14.6%) but fewer residents aged 75-84 (5.1%). According to the 2021 Census, the median age in East Mackay decreased by 1.1 years from 42 years to 41 years, indicating a shift towards a younger demographic. Key changes between censuses show that the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 12.1% to 14.6%, while those aged 15-24 increased from 11.7% to 13.6%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 45-54 decreased from 14.3% to 11.6%, and the proportion of residents aged 85 and above dropped from 4.6% to 2.9%. Demographic modeling suggests that East Mackay's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The number of residents aged 25-34 is projected to increase by 110 people (20%) from 557 to 668, while population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 age cohorts.