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, the estimated population of Lake Macdonald as of Nov 2025 is around 1,549. 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 in 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 growth of 14.6% 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.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 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 and based on 2022 data. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 195 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 13.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Lake Macdonald has experienced around 4 dwellings receiving development approval per year over the past 5 financial years. This totals an estimated 21 homes. So far in FY-26, 0 approvals have been recorded.

An average of 7.6 new residents arrives per year per dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. Developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties, as new dwellings are developed at an average value of $859,000. Compared to Rest of Qld, Lake Macdonald has around two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 62nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent development activity is lower than the national average, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

Building activity consists entirely of detached houses, preserving the area'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 the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Lake Macdonald 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project, Noosa Wastewater Treatment Plant Works, Cooroy Woolworths Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, and the 62 Lake Macdonald Drive Social Housing Development. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

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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 prominently represented. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of June 2025673 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.3% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Lake Macdonald is lower at 56.3%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. The area shows strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has lower representation at 2.4% compared to the regional average of 4.3%. Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.9%, alongside a 1.0% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with unemployment rising slightly by 0.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Lake Macdonald. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Lake Macdonald's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Lake Macdonald's median income is $46,913 and average income is $63,781. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $50,780 and average income of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Lake Macdonald would be approximately $53,476 (median) and $72,704 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household income ranks at the 51st percentile ($1,771 weekly), while personal income sits at the 32nd percentile. Income brackets indicate that 37.3% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (577 residents). After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income. 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 structures, as per the latest Census, comprised 97.7% houses and 2.3% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 96.1% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Lake Macdonald was 48.1%, with mortgaged properties at 41.0% and rented ones at 10.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,800. Median weekly rent in Lake Macdonald was $420, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $415. Nationally, Lake Macdonald's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,733 against the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 17.8%, with lone person households at 16.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which aligns with the average in 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

Educational qualifications in Lake Macdonald trail regional benchmarks. 23.7% of residents aged 15+ hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.1%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 45.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 14.1% and certificates at 31.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education. Educational facilities appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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 in Lake Macdonald is approximately 52%, which is higher than the average SA2 area's 49.5%.

This covers around 812 people compared to Rest of Qld's 49.5% coverage. The most common medical conditions are arthritis, impacting 10.4% of residents, and mental health issues, affecting 8.2%. Despite this, 65.0% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Rest of Qld's 68.1%. Lake Macdonald has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.3%, or around 500 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 24.5%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Lake Macdonald are strong and perform 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 found to be 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, however, showed an overrepresentation, making up 1.3% compared to the regional average of 1.3%.

The top three represented 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% vs 0.8%) and Welsh people (0.7% vs 0.7%).

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

Lake Macdonald has a median age of 50 years, which is 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, making up 18.7% of the population, compared to the national average of 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 75-84 age group has grown from 5.7% to 11.3%, while the 65-74 cohort increased from 15.7% to 18.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has declined from 20.4% to 16.8% and the 5-14 age group dropped from 13.2% to 10.3%. Demographic modeling suggests that Lake Macdonald's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to grow steadily, increasing by 47 people (27%) from 175 to 223. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 55% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 15-24 age group is expected to contract by 7 residents.