Macksville

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

As of Feb 2026, Macksville's population is estimated at around 2,926 people, reflecting an increase of 144 individuals since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 5.2% increase from the previous figure of 2,782 inhabitants. The change can be inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,877 following their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, combined with an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 263 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space for further development. Over the past decade, Macksville has demonstrated consistent growth patterns, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outperforming its SA3 area. Interstate migration was the primary driver of population growth, contributing around 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is utilising ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections where applicable, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, Macksville is expected to grow by approximately 268 persons by 2041, reflecting an increase of around 7.6% over the 17-year period. This growth trend aligns with the median population increase expected in 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, allocated from statistical area data, shows Macksville has seen around 25 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 129 homes between FY-20 and FY-24. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The average number of people moving to the area per dwelling built over these years is approximately 0.9.

New supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average value of new homes being built is $420,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting a focus on quality developments. In FY-26 alone, $47.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Macksville has 65.0% more construction activity per person as of recent years. New building activity comprises 73.0% standalone homes and 27.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers.

This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 91.0% houses. The location has approximately 319 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Looking ahead, Macksville is expected to grow by 222 residents through to 2041 based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given 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 48thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes have been identified by AreaSearch that could impact this area. Key projects 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 5.3% as of September 2025, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Macksville was 48.9%, lower than the regional average of 61.5%.

Only 7.5% of residents worked from home, according to Census data, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Macksville had a significant specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. However, professional & technical services had limited presence at 2.9%, compared to the regional average of 5.1%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Macksville's employment levels increased by 0.1% while labour force remained stable at 0.0%, with unemployment unchanged. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macksville's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

Macksville's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $37,472. The average income stood at $46,519. This is lower than the national averages of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. By September 2025, estimates based on an 8.86% Wage Price Index growth suggest Macksville's median income will be approximately $40,792 and average income around $50,641. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Macksville fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The largest earnings segment comprises 32.7% earning $800 - $1,499 weekly. In contrast, the surrounding region has a larger proportion earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly at 29.9%. Financial pressure is evident with 40.3% of households having modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.5% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Macksville, as per the latest Census, consisted of 91.1% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macksville stood at 43.9%, with the rest being mortgaged (26.1%) or rented (30.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Macksville was $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Macksville's mortgage repayments were significantly 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the 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, with 26.3% currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.6% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, 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 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 50 unique routes, facilitating 639 weekly passenger trips in total. The area's transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 265 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential zone, most commuters travel outward using private vehicles, which remain the primary mode at 92%. Walking accounts for 6% of journeys. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, lower than the regional norm.

According to the 2021 Census data, only 7.5% of residents work from home, a figure possibly influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 91 trips daily, translating to roughly 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (around 1,328 people), compared to 51.9% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 11.6% of residents) and mental health issues (impacting 10.1%). However, 56.4% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Macksville has a higher proportion of seniors, with 28.3% of its residents aged 65 and over (828 people), compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they are broadly in line with national rankings for the general population.

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 low cultural diversity with 90.7% citizens, 90.9% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Macksville's religion at 60.0%, compared to 55.9% regionally (Rest of NSW). Ancestry wise, Australians made up 33.5%, English 31.5%, Irish 8.1%.

Notably, Australian Aboriginal were overrepresented at 7.1% (vs regional 4.6%), Maori at 0.4% (vs 0.3%), and Maltese at 0.3% (vs 0.4%).

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

Macksville's median age is 46, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and significantly greater than Australia's national norm of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 10.6% of Macksville's population, compared to Rest of NSW, while the 45-54 cohort constitutes 9.3%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has grown from 9.0% to 12.5%, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 11.7%, and the 25-34 group has dropped from 11.0% to 9.7%. By 2041, Macksville's age composition is projected to shift notably. The 45-54 age group is expected to grow by 27 people, reaching 346 from 272. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 55-64 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.