Macgregor (Qld)

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Macgregor (Qld) statistical area (Lv2) is around 6,891 people. This figure represents a 15.2% increase since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,980 people in the area. AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and additional validated new addresses since the Census date contributed to this estimation. The population density ratio is 2,552 persons per square kilometer, placing Macgregor (Qld) (SA2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. This growth exceeded both the SA3 area's 9.6% and the national average, positioning Macgregor as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration accounted for approximately 94.0% 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 by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Looking ahead to future population dynamics, significant growth is forecast for Macgregor (Qld) (SA2), with an expected increase of 2,825 persons by 2041. This reflects a total increase of 37.0% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Macgregor recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Macgregor shows approximately 14 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 71 homes were approved, with another 8 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 5.7 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past five financial years.

However, supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium market, constructing new properties at an average value of $555,000. In FY-26, $5.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macgregor records markedly lower building activity, with 65.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

The area's established nature is also evident when compared to national averages, potentially indicating planning limitations. New development consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% attached dwellings, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 467 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Future projections show Macgregor adding 2,550 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Macgregor has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Thirty-one infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area's performance. These include major upgrades such as the Macgregor State High School expansion, the Macgregor Gardens Retirement Village expansion, Salina Towers, and Archer Street Residential Developments. The following list details those considered most relevant.

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

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The employment landscape in Macgregor shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Macgregor's workforce is highly educated, with tourism and hospitality sectors prominent. The unemployment rate was 4.5% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 0.9%.

As of September 2025, 3,533 residents are employed, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and workforce participation at 59.9%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Employment in accommodation & food is particularly high, at 2.0 times the regional level. Public administration & safety has limited presence, with only 4.7% employment compared to the regional 7.0%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 0.9%, while labour force grew by 0.8%, and unemployment remained essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Brisbane experienced employment growth of 3.8% and a drop in unemployment by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data for Queensland to November 25 shows employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industries. Applying these projections to Macgregor's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Macgregor's median income among taxpayers is $39,995 and the average is $52,606. This is lower than national averages, with Greater Brisbane having a median of $58,236 and an average of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $43,959 (median) and $57,819 (average). Census data indicates individual incomes lag at the 16th percentile ($634 weekly), while household income is at the 50th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 33.1% of Macgregor's community (2,280 individuals). High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but disposable income ranks at the 52nd percentile. Macgregor's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

Macgregor's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.7% houses and 14.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Brisbane metro's 74.0% houses and 26.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macgregor stood at 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 24.7% and rented ones at 36.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,950, lower than Brisbane metro's $2,100. The median weekly rent in Macgregor was $430, compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 70.8% of all households, including 30.1% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 12.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 17.9% and group households comprising 11.0%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Macgregor exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Macgregor is notably high, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications as of the latest data point. This compares to 25.7% in Queensland and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are most common at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.1% and certificates for 14.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.3% in tertiary education, 6.8% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Macgregor has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 14 different routes that together facilitate 2,123 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 163 meters from their nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 303 trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 62 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Health outcomes data shows exceptional results across Macgregor, with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. The rate of private health cover is found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,311 people), compared to 52.7% across Greater Brisbane. Nationally, this figure stands at 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 5.3% and 5.2% of residents respectively. A total of 78.3% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 75.7% across Greater Brisbane. As of 14th June 2021, the area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,026 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Macgregor is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Macgregor has one of the highest levels of linguistic diversity in Australia, with 60.0% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. This is accompanied by a high proportion of overseas-born individuals, standing at 59.9%. Christianity is the predominant religion in Macgregor, comprising 38.1% of the population.

However, Buddhism, with 8.8%, is notably more prevalent compared to Greater Brisbane's average of 4.5%. In terms of ancestry, Chinese heritage is significantly overrepresented at 29.5%, compared to the regional average of 15.2%. English and Other ancestry groups follow at 14.8% and 13.6% respectively. Some other ethnic groups also show notable differences in representation: Korean (2.8% vs 2.6%), Russian (0.7% vs 0.5%), and Serbian (0.7% vs 0.4%).

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

Macgregor has a median age of 33 years, which is slightly younger than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and significantly lower than Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macgregor has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (22.5%), but fewer residents aged 5-14 (9.1%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Macgregor's population aged 25-34 has increased from 20.2% to 22.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has decreased from 8.7% to 7.2%. Demographic modeling indicates that Macgregor's age profile will change significantly by 2041, with the strongest projected growth in the 45-54 age group, which is expected to increase by 65%, adding 484 residents to reach a total of 1,229.