Macgregor (Qld)

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Macgregor (Qld) is around 6,899, reflecting a 15.4% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,980 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,896 following examination of ABS ERP data released in Jun 2024 and an additional 96 validated new addresses since the Census date. The suburb's population density is 2,555 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Macgregor's growth exceeded the national average of 8.9% since the 2021 census. Overseas migration contributed approximately 94.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia figures released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area.

For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used, applying proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. By 2041, the suburb is forecasted to increase by 2,825 persons, reflecting a total increase of 36.9% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Macgregor when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Macgregor shows around 11 residential properties granted approval each year. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 59 homes were approved, with another 7 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 6.9 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed annually during this period.

Given the substantial lag between supply and demand, heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures are likely. The average construction value for new properties is around $558,000, indicating a focus on quality construction. This year, $5.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting Macgregor's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macgregor has markedly lower building activity, at 71.0% below the regional average per person. This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties.

Development activity has picked up recently. The area's established nature is also reflected in its level being under the national average, potentially indicating planning limitations. All new construction in Macgregor has been comprised of standalone homes, preserving the area's suburban character and attracting space-seeking buyers, with around 396 people per approval. By 2041, Macgregor is expected to grow by approximately 2,542 residents. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Macgregor State High School Major Upgrade & Expansion (scheduled for completion in 2025), Macgregor Gardens Retirement Village Expansion (commencing Q2 2024), Salina Towers (expected to be completed by late 2023), and Archer Street Residential Developments (planned start date: 1st January 2024).

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

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Employment performance in Macgregor has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Macgregor has an educated workforce with prominent tourism and hospitality sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.7% in June 2025, 0.6% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.4%. Workforce participation was lower at 59.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. Accommodation & food had notably high concentration with levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Public administration & safety employed only 4.7% of local workers, below Greater Brisbane's 7.0%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. During the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.4%, labour force by 1.9%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 4.4% and labour force growth of 4.0%, with a 0.4 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industries. Applying these projections to Macgregor's employment mix suggested 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 2022 shows that Macgregor has lower than average income nationally. The median income is $39,989 and the average income is $52,594. In Greater Brisbane, the median income is $55,645 and the average income is $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Macgregor would be approximately $45,583 (median) and $59,952 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates individual incomes are at the 16th percentile ($634 weekly), while household incomes are at the 50th percentile. The predominant income cohort spans 33.1% of locals (2,283 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with surrounding region trends showing 33.3% in the same category. High housing costs consume 15.3% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 52nd percentile. The area'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

In Macgregor, as per the latest Census evaluation, 85.7% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 14.2% being semi-detached, apartments or other types. 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. Median weekly rent in Macgregor was $430 compared to Brisbane metro's $420. Nationally, Macgregor's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,950 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $430 against the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 29.2%, with lone person households at 17.9% and group households at 11.0%. The median household size is 3.0 people, 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, compared to 25.7% in Queensland (QLD) and 30.4% nationally. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 25.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 11.9% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 11.1% and certificates at 14.2%. Educational participation is high, with 32.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.3% in tertiary education, 6.8% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

The area has two schools serving a total of 2,413 students: MacGregor State High School and MacGregor State School. These institutions demonstrate above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1070. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between one primary and one secondary institution. The area has a higher school capacity than typical residential needs, with 35.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 24.9, indicating that it serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Macgregor has 35 active public transport stops operating currently. These are served by buses only. There are 15 different bus routes in total, providing a combined weekly passenger trip count of 2,018.

The accessibility to these transport services is rated excellent, with residents typically residing just 163 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, there are 288 trips daily across all routes, which works out to approximately 57 weekly trips per individual bus 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 in 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 (around 3,314 people), compared to 52.4% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 5.3% and 5.2% of residents respectively, while 78.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 75.7% across Greater Brisbane.

As of 14th February 2022, the area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (around 1,027 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, broadly aligning 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, as of data from June 2016, has a culturally diverse population with 60.0% speaking a language other than English at home and 59.9% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Macgregor, with 38.1%. Notably, Buddhism is more prevalent here compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 8.8% versus 4.5%.

In terms of ancestry, Chinese is the largest group at 29.5%, significantly higher than the regional average of 15.2%. English and Other groups follow at 14.8% and 13.6% respectively. There are also notable differences in representation for Korean (2.8% vs 2.6%), Russian (0.7% vs 0.5%) and Serbian (0.7% vs 0.4%) groups compared to the Greater Brisbane averages.

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 well above the national average of 14.5%. According to post-2021 Census data, the proportion of Macgregor's population aged 25-34 has grown from 20.2% to 22.5%, while the proportion of residents aged 65-74 has declined from 8.7% to 7.2%. Demographic projections indicate that by 2041, Macgregor's age profile will undergo significant changes, with the strongest growth expected in the 45-54 age group, which is projected to increase by 65%, adding 483 residents and reaching a total of 1,229.