Macgregor (ACT)

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

Based on ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of February 2026, Macgregor's estimated population is around 6,944. This reflects a decrease from the 2021 Census figure of 7,049 people, representing a drop of 105 individuals (1.5%). The latest estimate is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population count of 6,942, based on examination of ABS' ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of an additional 32 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 1,626 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Natural growth contributed approximately 60% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, age group growth rates from ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, also based on 2022. Population projections indicate a decline overall by 317 persons to 2041, but specific age cohorts like the 45 to 54 group are projected to grow by 133 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 in Macgregor, shows around 12 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 61 homes were approved, with a further three approved so far in FY-26. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which could be positive for buyers.

The average construction value of new properties is around $333,000, moderately above regional levels, suggesting an emphasis on quality construction. In the current financial year, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating the area's residential nature. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor has significantly less development activity, 70.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. The construction activity is also under the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% medium to high-density housing, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently at 91.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options. 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 in the future, potentially benefiting potential buyers.

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

Five projects are identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area: The Valley Ponds - Stage 3 & Future Stages, Macgregor Primary School Expansion & Modernisation, Ginninderry Estate - Stages 4-7 (Strathnairn & future Macnamara), and Kippax Fair Expansion & Upgrade.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Macgregor has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Macgregor's workforce is well-educated with significant representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.8% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 1.1%. As of September 2025, 3,820 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.2% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation was similar to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. According to Census responses, a low 10.4% of residents worked from home. The key industries of employment among residents were public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Public administration & safety had lower representation at 27.5% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. The predominantly residential area offered limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force grew by 0.9%, resulting in a 0.3 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory recorded employment growth of 1.4% and unemployment falling by 0.2 percentage points. 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 Macgregor's employment mix, local employment is expected to increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

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

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released on 1st July 2023, Macgregor's median income among taxpayers is $68,780 with an average of $77,746. This is above the national average and compares to Australian Capital Territory's median of $72,206 and average of $85,981. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $75,149 (median) and $84,945 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, Macgregor's household, family and personal incomes rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 89th percentiles. The data shows that 41.9% of individuals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, reflecting regional patterns where 34.3% similarly occupy this range. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 33.2% exceeding $3,000 weekly. High housing costs consume 15.6% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 84th percentile nationally and Macgregor'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, consisted of 90.7% houses and 9.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macgregor stood at 20.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 58.3% and rented dwellings at 20.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, below the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. Median weekly rent in Macgregor was $464, compared to 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 23.0%, with lone person households at 20.2% and group households comprising 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 held by 33.3% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 12.6% and certificates at 20.7%. Educational participation is high, with 32.7% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.7% in primary, 6.9% in secondary, and 5.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 59 different routes that together facilitate 4011 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 235 meters from the nearest stop. Most Macgregor residents commute outside the area. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 92%, while bus usage stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling in Macgregor, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 573 trips are made daily, equating to approximately 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 for common health conditions.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 58% of the total population, around 4020 people, compared to 62.4% in Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues impacting 10.1% of residents and asthma affecting 9.7%. Around 69.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 10.7% of residents aged 65 and over, around 743 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. However, the category 'Other' stood out as overrepresented, making up 3.1% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 1.4%.

In terms of ancestry, Australians made up 25.6%, English 23.0%, and Other 13.4% of Macgregor's population. Notably, Sri Lankan (0.5%), Filipino (2.2%), and Russian (0.4%) groups were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4%, 1.2%, and 0.3% respectively.

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

Macgregor's median age is 35, matching the Australian Capital Territory figure but lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to ACT, Macgregor has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (18.8%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 45-54 age group increased from 11.8% to 13.7%, while the 15-24 cohort rose from 9.9% to 11.6%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort declined from 16.4% to 14.5%, and the 25-34 group decreased from 16.0% to 14.5%. By 2041, Macgregor's population is projected to change significantly demographically. The 55-64 cohort is expected to grow by 16%, adding 93 residents to reach 684. Meanwhile, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are forecasted to decrease in number.