Macedon

Population growth drivers in Macedon are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Macedon is around 2,113. This reflects an increase of 40 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,073. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 2,111 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 5 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 54 persons per square kilometer. The primary driver for this growth was natural increase, contributing approximately 57% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, making adjustments using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, significant population growth is forecast for the suburb of Macedon. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the area is expected to grow by 443 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of approximately 21% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Macedon according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Macedon has had virtually no dwelling approvals in recent years, totalling an estimated 4 homes over the past five financial years. As of FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. This results in an average of 6.5 new residents per year arriving for each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $1,104,000, demonstrating a developer focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Macedon has significantly less development activity, which usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, though it remains lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 1410 people, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment.

Macedon has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the region. Notable ones include Hanging Rock to Daylesford Shared Trail, Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, Hamilton Road Reconstruction New Gisborne to Riddells Creek, and Gisborne Business Park 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Macedon places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Macedon has a well-educated workforce with strong professional services representation and an unemployment rate of 1.3%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 1,173 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.4% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%.

A high 39.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Employment is concentrated in education & training, construction, and professional & technical sectors. The area specializes in education & training with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, but has lower accommodation & food representation at 3.6% versus the regional average of 6.4%. Limited local employment opportunities are suggested by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7%, alongside a 0.7% employment decline, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 3.9%. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment growth of 2.4% and labour force growth of 2.8%, with unemployment rising to 5.1%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary by industry sector. Applying these projections to Macedon's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Macedon's median income among taxpayers is $62,536, with an average of $99,347. Nationally, these figures are exceptionally high. Greater Melbourne's median is $57,688 and average is $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Macedon would be approximately $68,552 (median) and $108,904 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes in Macedon rank highly nationally, between the 72nd and 85th percentiles. Income analysis reveals that 27.0% of residents earn $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with a substantial proportion (40.8%) earning above $3,000/week. After housing costs, residents retain 88.6% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Macedon's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 96.5% houses and 3.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Melbourne metro had 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macedon stood at 44.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 45.8% and rented ones at 9.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,213, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. Median weekly rent in Macedon was $371, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Macedon's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,213 versus the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower at $371 compared to the national figure of $375.

Macedon features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 80.2% of all households, including 40.4% couples with children, 31.4% couples without children, and 8.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 19.8%, with lone person households at 17.6% and group households comprising 1.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Macedon demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Macedon's educational attainment exceeds broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 39.7% possess university qualifications, compared to 27.7% in the SA3 area and 27.7% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 23.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.5% and certificates at 20.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 31.9% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.3% in primary education, 10.6% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The transport analysis indicates two operational stops in Macedon, offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by four distinct routes, collectively facilitating 230 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents typically residing 1081 meters from the nearest stop. As predominantly residential, most residents commute outward, with car being the primary mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. Notably, 39.5% of residents work from home (as per the 2021 Census; potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 32 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

Macedon's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Macedon's health outcomes show excellent results based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are very low across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 66% of the total population (1,393 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 56.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.6 and 7.5% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 72.0%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Melbourne's 72.6%. Under-65s in Macedon have better than average health outcomes. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.4% (431 people), compared to Greater Melbourne's 15.0%. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Macedon had lower cultural diversity with 86.0% born in Australia, 91.3% being citizens, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion at 38.4%. Judaism was not present, compared to Melbourne's 1.0%.

Top ancestry groups were Australian (29.7%, regional average 18.4%), English (28.5%, regional average 20.1%), and Irish (10.3%). Polish (1.1% vs regional 0.8%), Dutch (2.0% vs 1.2%) and Maltese (1.5% vs 1.1%) were overrepresented.

Macedon hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Macedon's median age is 44, surpassing Greater Melbourne's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 5-14 age group comprises 17.1% of Macedon's population, higher than Greater Melbourne's percentage and significantly above the national average of 12.0%. The 25-34 cohort represents only 2.8% of Macedon's population. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 11.0% to 14.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 5.3% to 8.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 13.0% to 10.0%, and the 25 to 34 group has fallen from 5.2% to 2.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Macedon's age profile. The 45 to 54 group is expected to grow by 34%, reaching 483 people from the current 361. Meanwhile, numbers in the 35 to 44 age range are predicted to decrease by 6%.