Mackay

Mackay 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 since the Census, Mackay's population is estimated at around 4,170 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 144 people (3.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,026 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,159 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 15 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,053 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 78.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of regional areas across the nation is projected. The Mackay statistical area (Lv2) is expected to grow by 531 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 12.5% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Mackay according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Mackay had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually between 2015 and 2019, totalling 13 dwellings over the five-year period. This low level of development is typical in rural areas due to modest housing needs and limited construction activity influenced by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Notably, individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics given the small number of approvals.

Mackay's construction activity was significantly less than that of the Rest of Qld during this period, and well below national averages. All new constructions were medium or high-density housing, marking a shift from the area's existing housing stock which is currently 27.0% houses. This focus on higher-density living aims to provide more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers, reflecting decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles. Mackay had around 8313 people per dwelling approval during this period, indicating a highly mature market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Mackay's population is forecasted to gain 520 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Population forecasts indicate Mackay will gain 520 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay State Development Area, Mackay CBD Revitalization, and Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area. The following list details those most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment drivers in Mackay are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Mackay has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 10.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.1% over the past year.

There were 2,168 residents employed while the unemployment rate was 6.8%, above Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was at 56.0%, lower than Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Leading employment industries among Mackay residents include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a significant employment specialization in mining, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level.

However, education & training is under-represented, with only 4.3% of Mackay's workforce compared to 9.1% in Rest of Qld. There are 3.1 workers for every resident, indicating that Mackay functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 5.1% while labour force increased by 4.1%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 0.8 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment grow by 1.7%, labour force expand by 2.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows Queensland employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Mackay's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Mackay's employment mix.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 shows Mackay had a median taxpayer income of $57,931 and an average income of $72,435. These figures are higher than the national averages of $53,146 and $66,593 respectively in Rest of Qld. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for Mackay as of September 2025 would be approximately $63,672 (median) and $79,613 (average). The 2021 Census indicates household incomes in Mackay are at the 16th percentile, while personal income is at the 56th percentile. Income analysis reveals that 27.9% of locals (1,163 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket, similar to the surrounding region where 31.7% occupy this category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Mackay, with only 81.3% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile.

Mackay displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Mackay with 26.9% houses and 73.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mackay was at 17.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 15.8% and rented ones at 67.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Mackay was $1,387, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Mackay was $270, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, Mackay's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Mackay features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 45.9% of all households, including 13.1% couples with children, 20.1% couples without children, and 10.5% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 54.1%, with lone person households at 48.1% and group households comprising 6.2%. The median household size is 1.9 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

Mackay faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

Mackay region's educational qualifications trail national benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 22.6% hold university degrees, compared to Australia's 30.4%. This gap indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 15.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%).

Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high, with 31.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 7.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mackay has 26 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 1,096 weekly passenger trips. The average distance from a resident's location to the nearest transport stop is 173 meters.

On average, there are 156 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 42 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Mackay faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is high at approximately 56% of the total population (~2,331 people), compared to 58.1% across Rest of Qld.

Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in Mackay, impacting 10.8% of residents, followed by arthritis affecting 7.5%. Sixty-six point four percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across Rest of Qld. The area has 12.3% of residents aged 65 and over (512 people), which is lower than the 16.2% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, performing better than the general population in health metrics.

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

Mackay's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local areas, with 28.4% born overseas and 20.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Mackay, accounting for 47.2% of its population. Notably, Hinduism made up 3.5%, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld's 0.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (25.1%), Australian (22.2%), and Other (10.1%). Some ethnic groups had notable representation differences: Filipino at 5.5% compared to regional 1.5%, Maori at 1.2% versus regional 0.6%, and Maltese at 1.0% compared to regional 2.4%.

Mackay's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Mackay's median age is 37 years, significantly below the Rest of Qld average of 41 and essentially aligned with the Australian median of 38. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, Mackay has a notably over-represented 25-34 cohort at 20.6%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 7.8%. This 25-34 concentration is well above the national average of 14.5%. Post the 2021 Census, Mackay's 25 to 34 age group grew from 18.5% to 20.6%, and the 0 to 4 cohort increased from 3.9% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort declined from 13.5% to 11.9%, and the 75 to 84 group dropped from 3.7% to 2.6%. Demographic modeling indicates Mackay's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow strongly at 30%, adding 259 residents to reach 1,119. Meanwhile, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.