Macksville

An assessment of population growth drivers in Macksville reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Macksville is around 2,806, an increase of 24 people since the 2021 Census. The population was reported as 2,782 in the 2021 Census. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of a resident population of 2,802 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 73 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is 252 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch projections for Macksville, based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year, indicate a population increase to around 3,008 by 2041. This reflects an expected growth of 6.7% over the 16-year period, just below the median of regional areas nationally.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Macksville had around 24 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 122 homes. As of FY-26, 7 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1 person moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating new supply is meeting or exceeding demand. The average value of new homes being built is $420,000, slightly above the regional average.

This financial year has seen $47.4 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating high local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Macksville has 57.0% more construction activity per person. New building activity comprises 75.0% standalone homes and 25.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature while offering some diversity in housing options. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 442 people, reflecting Macksville's quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Macksville is expected to grow by 188 residents through to 2041, with current development patterns suggesting new housing supply should readily meet demand.

Looking ahead, Macksville is expected to grow by 188 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Macksville has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 49thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes are expected in the area. No major projects have been identified by AreaSearch that will impact the region. Key initiatives include Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy, Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail, and Queensland New South Wales Interconnector.

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Macksville faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Macksville has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 5.0%, according to AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data as of December 2025. There are 1,025 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 1.1% higher than Regional NSW's 3.9%. Workforce participation is lower at 47.4% compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%.

Census responses show only 7.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with a notable specialization in health care & social assistance at 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical jobs are less prevalent, at 2.9% compared to Regional NSW's 5.1%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the difference between working population and resident population counts.

Between December 2024 and December 2025, Macksville's labour force decreased by 2.2%, with employment declining by 2.4% leading to a rise in unemployment of 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional NSW saw employment fall by 1.2%, labour force contract by 0.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across different industries. Applying these projections to Macksville's employment mix indicates potential local growth of 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

The suburb of Macksville has an income level lower than average nationally, according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Macksville is $37,472, with the average income at $46,519. These figures compare to Regional NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $41,339 (median) and $51,320 (average). According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Macksville fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 32.7% of residents earn between $800 and $1,499 weekly, with this group comprising 917 individuals. This differs from the surrounding region where the majority earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 40.3% of households operating on modest budgets below $800 weekly. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Macksville, with only 81.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Macksville's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macksville stood at 43.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 26.1% and rented ones at 30.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Macksville was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Macksville's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 65.0% of all households, including 20.5% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 16.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (31.1%). Educational participation is high at 26.3%, comprising 10.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Macksville has 23 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 50 routes, providing a total of 639 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 265 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward, with car being the dominant mode at 92%, while 6% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 7.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 91 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 27 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Macksville is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Macksville faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with a notably low private health cover rate of approximately 45% (~1,274 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (10.1%).

Conversely, 56.4% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals experience notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Macksville has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.3% (794 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes among seniors are generally in line with national rankings.

Macksville is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Macksville, surveyed in 2016, had a population with 90.7% being Australian citizens, 90.9% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 60.0%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (33.5%), English (31.5%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 7.1% in Macksville versus 4.6% regionally, Maori at 0.4% compared to 0.3%, and Maltese at 0.3% versus 0.4%.

Macksville hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Macksville has a median age of 46, which is slightly higher than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group constitutes 10.6% of Macksville's population, compared to Regional NSW, while the 45-54 cohort makes up 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 9.0% to 12.2%, whereas the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 11.5%, and the 25 to 34 group has fallen from 11.0% to 9.6%. By 2041, Macksville's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 45 to 54 group is projected to grow by 28%, reaching 337 people from the current 263. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 52% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are anticipated for the 25 to 34 and 65 to 74 age groups.