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

Analysis of ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation indicates that the estimated population of East Mackay as of February 2026 is around 3,830. This figure reflects an increase of 105 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,725. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,824 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024 and eight validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,046 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration primarily drove recent population growth, contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains.

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 adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Future population trends indicate a projected increase just below the median of non-metropolitan areas nationally by 2041. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, East Mackay is expected to expand by 269 persons by this year, reflecting an overall gain of 6.8% over the 17-year period.

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 annually between FY-21 and FY-25. This resulted in an estimated 43 homes approved over the past five financial years, with a further 10 approved so far in FY-26. Each year, around 3.9 new residents arrived per newly constructed dwelling during this period.

Consequently, demand outstrips supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $352,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $9.5 million, indicating moderate levels of commercial development in the area. Compared to the Rest of Qld, East Mackay has roughly two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person. Nationally, it ranks at the 57th percentile for areas assessed, though building activity has accelerated in recent years. East Mackay's new building activity comprises 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 change contrasts with the current housing mix of 73.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. With around 272 people per dwelling approval, East Mackay exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to grow by 260 residents by 2041. Building activity appears to be keeping pace with these growth projections, although buyers may face heightened competition as the population increases.

East Mackay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Six projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. 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 projects likely 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 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, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In September 2025, 2,055 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in East Mackay is similar to that of Rest of Qld at 65.7%. Census responses indicated that only 4.8% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. East Mackay has a notably high concentration in mining, with employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average.

However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence with only 0.7% employment compared to the regional average of 4.5%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.4%, and labour force grew by 4.3%, resulting in a slight decrease in unemployment by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that East Mackay's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

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 the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $63,550 and the average income stood at $79,461, compared to figures for Rest of Qld's of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $69,848 (median) and $87,336 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, personal income ranked at the 69th percentile ($916 weekly), while household income sat at the 48th percentile. The data showed that the predominant cohort spanned 32.1% of locals (1,229 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

East Mackay's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.7% houses and 27.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in East Mackay stood at 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 $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in East Mackay was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, East Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,625 than 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 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 account for the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 32.5% and group households comprising 4.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld 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 held by 41.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.7% and certificates at 31.6%. Educational participation is high, with 28.2% 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 serving buses. These stops are covered by one route collectively offering 118 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 200 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

Only 4.8% of residents work from home (2021 Census). Service frequency averages 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence, with notable prevalence across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 59% of the total population (2,247 people), compared to 52.5% across Rest of Qld.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.1 and 7.9% of residents respectively, while 68.1% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (700 people), lower than the 20.4% in Rest of 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 the 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, accounting for 56.3% of East Mackay's population, compared to 52.2% 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 had higher representations in East Mackay than regionally: Maltese at 1.5% vs 0.4%, German at 4.8% vs 4.7%, and Scottish at 8.8% vs 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 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, East Mackay has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 (14.7%) but fewer aged 75-84 (5.2%). According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 25 to 34 years increased from 12.1% to 14.7%, while the 15 to 24 cohort rose from 11.7% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 14.3% to 11.6%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 12.3% to 10.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in East Mackay's age structure. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 22%, reaching 689 people from 563. Conversely, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.