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 Macgregor, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Macgregor's population is estimated at around 6,937 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a decrease of 112 people (1.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,049 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,942 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 31 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,624 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 60.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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, projections indicate a decline in overall population over this period, with the suburb's population expected to decline by 317 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 45 to 54 age group, which is 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 in Macgregor shows around 12 residential properties granted approval per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 61 homes were approved, with one more approved so far in FY-26. Despite a falling population during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes, which could benefit buyers.

The average expected construction cost value for new properties is $333,000. In the current financial year, $1.5 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity compared to previous years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor has significantly lower building activity, 70.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties, reflecting a mature market with possible development constraints. Recent construction comprises 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% medium to high-density housing, indicating a shift from the area's current housing composition, which is predominantly houses (91.0%). This change may reflect decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring more diverse and affordable housing options.

The location has approximately 580 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an established market with stable or declining population forecasts, potentially reducing housing pressure and creating favourable conditions for buyers in the future.

Macgregor has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

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

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

Macgregor has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.6% as of June 2025, with estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the previous year.

The unemployment rate is higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%, while workforce participation is similar at 73.4%. Key industries for Macgregor residents are public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training, with public administration & safety representing 27.5% compared to the regional average of 30.4%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population.

Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8%, labour force grew by 1.6%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory saw employment growth of 1.9%, labour force growth of 1.6%, and a reduction in unemployment of 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, dated Sep-22, project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macgregor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, although this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 2022 shows Macgregor's median income among taxpayers is $68,780, with an average of $77,746. This ranks highly in Australia, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's median of $68,678 and average of $83,634. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.6% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Macgregor would be approximately $78,134 (median) and $88,319 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census data indicates household, family, and personal incomes in Macgregor rank highly nationally, between the 85th and 89th percentiles. Incomes ranging from $1,500 to $2,999 per week are prevalent, with 41.9% of individuals (2,906) falling into this category, similar to regional patterns where 34.3% occupy this range. Higher earners also have 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. 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

In Macgregor, as per the latest Census, 90.7% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 9.2% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to the Australian Capital Territory's figures of 69.4% houses and 30.5% 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, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average, while the median weekly rent was $464, compared to the territory's averages of $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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% of the total. 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%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 21.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 33.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (12.6%) and certificates (20.7%).

Educational participation is high at 32.7%, including primary education (12.7%), secondary education (6.9%), and tertiary education (5.0%). Macgregor Primary School serves the area, with an enrollment of 548 students as of a certain date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 7.9, below the regional average of 15.1, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 29 operational stops in Macgregor, serving a variety of bus routes. These are covered by 12 distinct routes, facilitating 1,436 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good transport access, with an average proximity of 235 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 205 daily trips across all routes, translating to around 49 weekly trips per individual stop.

Macgregor's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Macgregor residents show relatively positive health outcomes with low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, though higher than national averages for older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is exceptionally high, at approximately 58% (4,016 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.1% and 9.7% of residents respectively. 69.0% report no medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. 10.5% of residents are aged 65 and over (728 people), lower than the ACT's 15.3%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for the broader population.

Macgregor was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Macgregor had a higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 27.1% of its population born overseas and 25.2% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Macgregor, accounting for 41.0% of its population. The 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Macgregor at 3.1%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's average of 1.3%.

Regarding ancestry, Australians made up 25.6%, English 23.0%, and Other groups 13.4% of Macgregor's population. Notable disparities existed for Sri Lankan (0.5% vs regional 0.3%), Filipino (2.2% vs 1.2%), and Russian (0.4% vs 0.3%) ethnicities.

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 slightly lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macgregor has a higher proportion of residents aged 35-44 (19.0%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (14.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 45 to 54 age group has increased from 11.8% to 13.5%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 9.9% to 11.3%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 16.4% to 14.9%, and the 25 to 34 group has dropped from 16.0% to 14.9%. Population forecasts for Macgregor in 2041 indicate significant demographic shifts, with the 55 to 64 cohort projected to grow by 19%, adding 108 residents to reach 684. Meanwhile, both the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.