Lake Macdonald

An assessment of population growth drivers in Lake Macdonald reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering 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, Lake Macdonald's population is estimated at around 1,549 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 197 people (14.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,352 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,543, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 57 persons per square kilometer. Lake Macdonald's 14.6% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (7.7%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth were positive factors.

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, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. 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 (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 195 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 13.3% in total over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Lake Macdonald when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Lake Macdonald averaged around 4 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 21 homes. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, there was an average of 7.6 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed.

This indicates demand significantly exceeds new supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $859,000, suggesting a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Relative to Rest of Qld, Lake Macdonald shows approximately 60% of construction activity per person, placing it among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years.

This is under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of standalone homes, preserving Lake Macdonald's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 239 people per dwelling approval, Lake Macdonald shows a developing market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is expected to grow by 206 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Lake Macdonald has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that may affect this region. Notable ones are the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project, Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant Works, Cooroy Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Social Housing Development. 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 reveals Lake Macdonald recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Lake Macdonald has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being notably represented. Its unemployment rate is 5.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025664 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Lake Macdonald stands at 56.3%, lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area has a high specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented, at 2.4% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.3%. Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Lake Macdonald's labour force decreased by 3.0%, while employment fell by 1.8%, leading to a drop in unemployment rate of 1.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and an increase in labour force of 2.1%, with unemployment rising by 0.3%. State-wide, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs) as of 25-Nov, with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Lake Macdonald's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows median income in Lake Macdonald suburb was $46,913 and average income was $63,781. This is lower than Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $53,476 and average income $72,704, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year ending June 2022. Census data indicates household income ranks at the 51st percentile ($1,771 weekly) and personal income at the 32nd percentile. Income distribution shows that 37.3% (577 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, similar to the region's pattern of 31.7%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of income, indicating strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Lake Macdonald is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Lake Macdonald's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Macdonald was 48.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (41.0%) or rented (10.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,800 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure was $420, higher than Non-Metro Qld's $415 and substantially above the national figure of $375.

Lake Macdonald features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 82.2% of all households, including 30.7% couples with children, 43.4% couples without children, and 7.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 17.8%, with lone person households at 16.4% and group households comprising 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of Qld.

Educational achievement in Lake Macdonald places it within the top 10% nationally, reflecting strong academic performance and high qualification levels across the community

Lake Macdonald's educational qualifications trail Australian benchmarks; 23.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap suggests potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (14.1%) and certificates (31.0%).

Educational participation is high; 25.1% of residents are currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Lake Macdonald is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Lake Macdonald faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52%, higher than the average SA2 area's 49.5%.

This compares to a state-wide figure of 49.5% for Rest of Qld, which has a population of around 812 people. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 10.4% and 8.2% of residents respectively. Conversely, 65.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.1% across Rest of Qld. Lake Macdonald has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.3%, with around 500 people in this age group, compared to the state average of 24.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

Lake Macdonald is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Lake Macdonald's cultural diversity was below average, with 82.1% of its population born in Australia, 89.2% being citizens, and 96.6% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 40.7% of Lake Macdonald's population. Buddhism appeared overrepresented compared to regional figures, making up 1.3% versus 1.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (36.0%), Australian (26.8%), and Scottish (10.5%). Notably, French (0.8%) was slightly overrepresented compared to the regional figure of 0.7%, as were New Zealanders (1.0% versus 0.8%) and Welsh people (0.7%).

Lake Macdonald hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Lake Macdonald's median age is 50 years, significantly older than Rest of Qld's 41 and higher than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 18.7%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 5.2%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 75 to 84 age group grew from 5.7% to 11.3%, and the 65 to 74 cohort increased from 15.7% to 18.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 20.4% to 16.8%, and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 13.2% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Lake Macdonald's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow by 47 people (27%) from 175 to 223, driven mainly by senior residents aged 65 and above. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 group is expected to contract by 7 residents.