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 3,828 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 103 people (2.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,725 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,822 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 10 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,045 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 is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally is expected, with the suburb expected to expand by 267 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 6.8% in total over the 17 years.

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 around 7 new dwelling approvals per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 39 homes were approved, with a further 3 approved in FY-26. This results in approximately 4.3 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly exceeds supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $352,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, $9.5 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, East Mackay has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it places among the 55th percentile of areas assessed. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years.

This activity is below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 33.0% detached dwellings and 67.0% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing mix of 73.0% houses. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. East Mackay has around 282 people per dwelling approval, indicating characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts show East Mackay will gain 261 residents by 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, but buyers may experience heightened competition as the population grows.

East Mackay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. The following list 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 of employment trends sees East Mackay performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

East Mackay has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.7% in June 2025, compared to the Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.7%, based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. There were 2,029 residents employed with a workforce participation rate of 61.4%, close to the Rest of Qld's rate of 59.1%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has notable concentration in mining, with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing have limited presence, with only 0.7% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.7%, while the labour force decreased by 0.3%, resulting in a unemployment fall of 1.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% with an increase in labour force growth by 2.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, although this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

East Mackay's median income among taxpayers was $63,550 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $79,461 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Qld which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $72,441 (median) and $90,578 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranked at the 69th percentile ($916 weekly), while household income sat at the 48th percentile. The predominant cohort in East Mackay spanned 32.1% of locals (1,228 people) with incomes between $1,500 and $2,999. This pattern was similar to surrounding regions where 31.7% occupied this income range. After housing costs, 85.7% of income remained for other expenses. East Mackay'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 dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 72.7% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Mackay was 29.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.5% and rented ones at 37.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,625, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, East Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,625 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 comprise 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 account for 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 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 41.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is high at 28.2%, including primary education (10.4%), secondary education (9.7%), and tertiary education (3.2%). Victoria Park State School, located in East Mackay, has an enrollment of 637 students and caters to primary education only, with ICSEA score of 931. Secondary educational options are available in surrounding areas.

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. There is one route operating across these stops, offering a total of 118 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 199 meters to the nearest stop.

The service frequency is 16 trips per day across all routes, resulting in 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 notable prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 59% of its total population (2,246 people) have private health cover, a rate found to be exceptionally high. The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.9% of residents respectively. However, 68.1% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across the Rest of Qld. As of 2021, 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 (85.3%), and speaking English only at home (92.6%). Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 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, German, and Scottish ethnicities showed higher representation in East Mackay than regionally: Maltese at 1.5% vs 2.4%, German at 4.8% vs 4.7%, and Scottish at 8.8% vs 7.8%.

East Mackay hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in East Mackay is 41 years, which matches Rest of Qld's average but is somewhat older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, East Mackay has a higher concentration 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 15-24 cohort increased from 11.7% to 13.5%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.3% to 12.3%, and the 85+ group dropped from 4.6% to 3.5%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in East Mackay's age structure. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 24% (132 people), reaching 688 from 555. Conversely, the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.