Macgregor (ACT)

Macgregor has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Macgregor's population is estimated at around 6,975 as of May 2026. This reflects a decrease of 74 people (1.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,049 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,975, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 32 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,633 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 60.0% 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, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb of Macgregor's population expected to reduce by 332 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 55 to 64 age group, which is projected to grow by 104 people.

The level of residential development activity in Macgregor is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Macgregor recorded around 12 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 61 homes. As of April 2026, six approvals have been recorded in FY-26. The area has experienced population decline, with new supply likely keeping up with demand, offering good choice to buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $333,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction. This financial year, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor shows substantially reduced construction, 69.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties, which is similarly under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 54.0% detached houses and 46.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This reflects a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 91.0% houses), likely due to reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

The location has approximately 580 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. With population projections showing stability or decline, Macgregor should see reduced housing demand pressures, benefiting potential buyers.

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

Five projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance: The Valley Ponds' Stage 3 and future stages, Macgregor Primary School's expansion and modernisation, Ginninderry Estate's Strathnairn and Macnamara stages (1-7+), and Kippax Fair's expansion and redevelopment.

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Employment conditions in Macgregor remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Macgregor has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% as of December 2025, with estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation. As of that date, 3,829 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Macgregor was 73.7%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Public administration & safety had limited presence with 27.5% employment compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force grew by 1.0%, leading to a fall in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points, according to AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 0.9%, labour force expand by 1.2%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Macgregor. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Macgregor's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighting extrapolations for illustrative purposes only and do not account for localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Macgregor's median income among taxpayers is $68,780. The average income in this suburb is $77,746. Nationally, the median income is lower at $59,100 and the average is $73,856. In the Australian Capital Territory, the median income is $72,206 with an average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.44% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Macgregor would be approximately $75,961 (median) and $85,863 (average) as of March 2026. According to Census 2021 income data, household, family, and personal incomes in Macgregor rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 89th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 41.9% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 per week (2,922 people). This is similar to the metropolitan region where 34.3% fall into this income bracket. Economic strength in Macgregor is evident with 33.2% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. However, high housing costs consume 15.6% of income. Despite this, strong earnings place disposable income at the 84th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Macgregor is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Macgregor's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macgregor stood at 20.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.3% and rented ones at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Macgregor was $464, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 77.0% of all households, including 39.1% couples with children, 23.8% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households making up 2.7%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Macgregor shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's university qualification rate is 35.3%, significantly lower than the SA4 region average of 46.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them – advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 20.7%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.7% in primary education, 6.9% in secondary education, and 5.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Macgregor has 28 active public transport stops serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 59 individual routes, offering 4011 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 235 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most residents commute outward using private vehicles, which remain the dominant mode at 92%. Bus usage stands at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 573 trips per day, equating to about 143 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Macgregor faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population (~4,038 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues impacting 10.1% of residents and asthma impacting 9.7%. A total of 69.0% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 10.9% of residents aged 65 and over (760 people), which is lower than the 14.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Macgregor was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Macgregor's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 27.1% born overseas and 25.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Macgregor, comprising 41.0% of its population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category made up 3.1%, higher than the Australian Capital Territory average of 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians were the largest group at 25.6%, followed by English at 23.0%, and Other at 13.4%. Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Sri Lankan was overrepresented at 0.5% compared to the regional average of 0.4%, Filipino at 2.2% versus 1.2%, and Russian at 0.4% against a regional average of 0.3%.

Macgregor hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Macgregor has a median age of 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory's figure but slightly below Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (18.7%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.6%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the population aged 15-24 increased from 9.9% to 11.9%, while those aged 45-54 grew from 11.8% to 13.8%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 5-14 decreased from 16.4% to 14.5%, and those aged 25-34 dropped from 16.0% to 14.6%. Population projections for 2041 suggest significant demographic shifts in Macgregor, with the strongest growth expected in the 55-64 age group (a projected increase of 16%, adding 92 residents to reach 671). Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are forecasted to decrease.