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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Maclean is $690k, with units at $475k. House values have moved 4.5% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Maclean has an estimated 2,821 residents, up from 2,778 at the 2021 Census — a change of 43 people, or 1.5%. That puts 290 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's evaluation of regional ABS updates alongside validated new addresses post-Census, the suburb of Maclean has an estimated 2,821 residents as of Aug 2026. This represents an addition of 43 people (1.5%) compared to the 2021 Census tally of 2,778 people. The updated figure builds upon AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,789 following the ABS ERP release in June 2025, combined with 13 validated new addresses recorded since the Census. With a population density sitting at 289 persons per square kilometer, the suburb of Maclean offers ample space per resident alongside capacity for future expansion.
Net interstate migration served as the primary growth engine, accounting for roughly 72.0% of all recent population gains. Projections utilised by AreaSearch incorporate the 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia dataset using 2022 as a baseline for SA2 areas, supplemented where necessary by the NSW State Government's 2022 release anchored to 2021. For the period spanning 2032 to 2041, age-specific growth trajectories from these sources are applied across all locations. Demographic forecasts indicate that the suburb of Maclean will experience growth slightly below the non-metropolitan median, with aggregated SA2 figures projecting an increase of 334 persons by 2041, representing a cumulative 16-year expansion of 10.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Building activity in Maclean remains modest, averaging 2 new dwellings approved per year, or 12 dwellings over the five-year period. These subdued building volumes align with the local rural setting, where residential construction responds primarily to bespoke individual housing requirements rather than speculative volume development. Because approval totals are low, annual percentage comparisons and relative movements can fluctuate substantially due to single projects. Residential development in Maclean tracks well below the benchmarks seen across Rest of NSW as well as broader nationwide levels. Recent construction has consisted exclusively of standalone houses, fitting the area's rural profile characterised by spacious allotments.
A ratio of 1395 people per dwelling approval underscores the subdued, low-volume development landscape. Based on the most recent quarterly calculation from AreaSearch, Maclean is projected to add 302 residents through to 2041. If historical building volumes persist, the incoming supply of new homes could lag behind population growth, potentially heightening competition among purchasers and placing upward pressure on property prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Maclean
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Maclean, worth an estimated $65 million. A further 67 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $1.89 billion. 16 are already under construction and 26 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, sports & recreation and tourism. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Infrastructure investments and major urban projects significantly shape regional trajectory. AreaSearch has identified 2 initiatives positioned to influence the surrounding district. Notable developments include Maclean Community Precinct, River Glen Estate - Maclean, Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane, with prominent works outlined below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Maclean Community Precinct (Maclean Civic Hall Redevelopment)
Redevelopment of the former Maclean Civic Hall into a purpose-built regional performing arts and community precinct featuring a 290-seat auditorium, backstage facilities, multipurpose community rooms, gallery foyer, cafe space, function room overlooking the Clarence River, outdoor amphitheatre and undercover parking. Demolition was completed in early 2025, construction commenced in May 2025, and structural works are progressing through 2026 with completion scheduled for late 2026.
River Glen Estate - Maclean
River Glen Estate is an approved master-planned community of around 13.8 hectares on the north-eastern edge of Maclean in the Clarence Valley. The project is approved for 177 lots in total, with the active marketing comprising 148 large residential lots ranging up to 1143 square metres, including duplex and townhome sites. Stage 1 is sold out and Stage 2 lots are now being promoted under new ownership by Fairfax Nominees Pty Ltd, which acquired the site from the original developer Wharton James Group.The estate is located within 500 metres of Maclean Town Centre and walking distance to the Clarence River. No firm delivery timetable for the full estate has been publicly committed.
Palm Lake Resort Yamba Cove
Boutique over-50s land lease lifestyle resort at Yamba Cove by Palm Lake Group, planned around 78 owner-occupied homes and the Vantage Country Club. The project includes single and double-storey coastal homes, gated living, resort bus, heated magnesium pool and spa, Milon gym, yoga and reformer pilates studio, sauna, steam room, movie theatre, library, billiards, art and pottery areas, virtual golf and outdoor recreation. The Vantage Country Club opened in July 2024, while home sales and staged delivery continue with completion advertised for January 2026.
Palm Lake Resort Yamba
Over-50s lifestyle resort operated by Palm Lake Group, offering 2 and 3 bedroom homes with resort-style amenities including clubhouse, lawn bowls, pool, library, BBQ areas, caravan and boat storage. Located near the Clarence River with security gating and resident social groups.
Clifton Yamba
Clifton Yamba is a modern over-55s land lease lifestyle resort community comprising 146 designer homes. The masterplanned development features premium resident amenities including a clubhouse, swimming pool, bowling green, gym, cinema, and outdoor recreation facilities.
Treelands Drive Community Centre Redevelopment
Comprehensive redevelopment of the Treelands Drive Community Centre into the modern Yamba Community Precinct. The project delivers an expanded library, multi-purpose community hall, youth space, art exhibition spaces, and outdoor public plaza. Jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments alongside Clarence Valley Council, the facility achieved practical completion in 2024.
Yamba Library and Community Centre (Treelands Drive Community Hub)
Delivery of a modern community hub led by Clarence Valley Council and built by Bennett Constructions. The facility includes a library twice the previous size, art and gallery space, youth area, visitor information hub, commercial and community kitchen, flexible meeting rooms, accessible amenities including a Changing Places facility, indoor courtyard and expanded parking. Funded by the Australian and NSW Governments through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery program with Council contribution.
West Yamba Neighbourhood Centre
Planned local neighbourhood centre within the West Yamba Urban Release Area, intended to provide convenience retail, cafe, service and community uses for the growing West Yamba residential catchment. Clarence Valley Council planning controls identify the centre near the existing Carrs Drive school, at Lot 46 DP 751395 on the Miles Street and Carrs Drive corner. The wider 52-54 Miles Street Yamba subdivision includes 277 low density residential lots plus a 2000 sqm lot intended for future commercial development.The subdivision was refused by the regional panel in 2024, then taken to the NSW Land and Environment Court; recent reporting indicates the appeal was upheld in 2026 subject to detailed conditions, including flood refuge and hydrology requirements. The commercial neighbourhood centre itself still appears to require a separate development application for buildings and operation.
844 residents of Maclean are employed, from a labour force of 901. Unemployment sits at 6.3%, with participation at 37.0%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,444, about 87% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Maclean features a balanced composition of blue and white collar roles alongside strong representation in essential services, with unemployment standing at 6.3% according to AreaSearch's aggregated statistical metrics. As of March 2026, employed residents total 844, with local unemployment sitting 2.2% higher than the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%. Workforce engagement remains subdued, showing a participation rate of 37.0% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census figures indicate that only 10.0% of employed locals worked from home, a metric that may have been shaped by Covid-19 restrictions.
Residents are predominantly employed across health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Specialisation is particularly marked in health care & social assistance, where the local workforce share reaches 1.4 times the regional standard. In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing accounts for 3.1% of employment, falling short of the 5.3% regional benchmark. Comparing Census resident worker totals against locally based jobs suggests that local employment capacity is relatively constrained. Analysis of combined SALM and ABS statistics by AreaSearch shows that across the preceding 12-month period, the local labour force contracted by 2.7% and total employment fell by 2.1%, yielding a 0.6 percentage point decrease in the unemployment rate. Over the same timeframe, Regional NSW saw employment decline by 0.9% and the labour force reduce by 0.4%, while unemployment increased by 0.5 percentage points. Long-term perspective is provided by national forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26, mapped to the local industry base. Nationally, employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though sectoral rates vary widely. Weighting these projections against the local industry mix indicates potential employment growth for Maclean of 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years (representing an illustrative extrapolation unadjusted for local population modeling).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Maclean is $965 a week (about $50,000 a year), with median personal income at $525 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $36,112 a year against an average of $46,727. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
According to AreaSearch's analysis of ATO postcode data for financial year 2023, the suburb of Maclean registered a taxpayer median income of $36,112 and an average of $46,727. These figures trail national benchmarks as well as Regional NSW averages of $52,390 (median) and $65,215 (average). Factoring in a 10.32% rise in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields updated estimates of approximately $39,839 for median income and $51,549 for average income as of March 2026. Data from Census 2021 places personal, family, and household earnings within the 2nd to 5th percentiles across Australia.
In terms of earnings brackets, the largest cohort is the 31.8% of taxpayers (897 residents) earning $400 - 799 weekly, contrasting with the regional pattern where 29.9% earn between $1,500 - 2,999. A substantial 40.3% of households receive less than $800 weekly, highlighting financial vulnerability. Affordability constraints are acute, with uncommitted earnings after housing costs at 82.3%, placing the area in the 4th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Maclean had 1,127 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 88% detached houses and 4% apartments. 20% are owned with a mortgage, 32% rented and 48% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $330 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,387 a month. Rent absorbs 34.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 33.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records indicate that the residential stock in Maclean consists of 87.6% houses and 12.3% other dwellings (incorporating apartments, semi-detached properties, and 'other' dwellings), compared with 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Outright home ownership is notably elevated at 47.7%, exceeding regional levels, while remaining properties are mortgaged (20.0%) or rented (32.3%). Median monthly mortgage costs of $1,387 sit well below the regional figure of $1,733, while the median weekly rent matches the regional standard at $330. On a nationwide scale, Maclean's repayments compare favorably against the Australian median mortgage of $1,863 and median rent of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Maclean counted 1,127 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.1 people each. 16% are couples with children, fewer than in 93% of areas nationally, against 33% couples without children. 35% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 63.0% of local households, comprising couples without children (32.6%), couples with children (15.9%), and single parent families (13.3%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 37.0%, consisting of single-person households at 34.5% and group households at 2.5%. The average household size stands at 2.1 people, tracking below the Regional NSW benchmark of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
17.5% of adults in Maclean hold a university qualification, including 11.9% with a bachelor degree and 2.8% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 76% of areas nationally. A further 29.1% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,004 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 960 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Attainment levels for higher education in the community are comparatively low, with tertiary degree holders accounting for 17.5% of residents versus 32.2% across NSW overall. Within this group, Bachelor degrees represent 11.9%, while postgraduate qualifications make up 2.8% and graduate diplomas 2.8%. Vocational education represents a significant strength, with 39.4% of individuals aged 15+ possessing trade or technical credentials, encompassing certificates (29.1%) and advanced diplomas (10.3%). Formal learning engages 22.3% of the resident population. Broken down by sector, primary education accounts for 8.3%, secondary schooling represents 6.8%, and tertiary studies comprise 1.9%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Maclean reaches 32 stops on 49 routes, timetabled for about 420 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Local transit infrastructure features 32 active transport stops within Maclean accommodating bus operations. A network of 49 distinct routes delivers 424 weekly passenger trips across the suburb. Transit access is favorable, with an average distance of 234 meters to the nearest boarding point. Private motor vehicles serve as the main commuting method, utilized by 86% of workers, while 11% commute on foot. Household vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 per dwelling, trailing regional averages. Working from home was recorded at 10.0% during the 2021 Census, subject to potential COVID-19 influences. Public transport operations provide an average of 60 trips per day across all routes, translating to roughly 13 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
55.8% of residents in Maclean report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 93% of areas nationally. 13.7% need daily assistance with core activities, and 45.5% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 8.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health metrics compiled by AreaSearch indicate notable challenges regarding chronic illness and mortality, impacting cohorts across the age spectrum. Private health insurance coverage is notably constrained, with roughly 46% of the population (~1,283 people) holding coverage, compared to 51.9% regionally and 55.7% nationally. Prevalent chronic conditions include arthritis (13.8%) and mental health conditions (10.7%), with 55.8% of the local population reporting no chronic health issues, below the 63.3% recorded for Regional NSW. Working-age cohorts display elevated rates of chronic illness, while seniors aged 65 and over constitute 39.3% of the community (1,108 people), exceeding the regional average of 23.3%.
Health outcomes across older age brackets broadly align with national patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Maclean is largely Australian-born, at 88.4% of residents, with 4.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (31.8%) and Australian (28.0%). 7.2% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity measures in Maclean sit below broader benchmarks, with Australian citizenship held by 89.8% of residents, 88.4% born domestically, and 95.3% speaking solely English at home. Religious affiliation is predominantly Christian at 58.5%, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. Parental heritage is primarily English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Scottish (9.7%). Distinct variations appear in other backgrounds, with Australian Aboriginal representation reaching 7.2% compared to 4.6% regionally, while French stands at 0.7% (vs 0.4%) and Welsh accounts for 0.6% (vs 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Maclean is 56, older than 97% of areas nationally. 16.4% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age profile of Maclean is substantially older than surrounding areas. August 2026 data shows that 39.3% of residents belong to retiree and elderly cohorts (65+), compared to 23.3% across Regional NSW, whereas children and young adults (0 - 24) represent 22.5% locally versus 29.3% regionally. The estimated median age of 56 matches the 2021 Census outcome, sitting 13 years above the Regional NSW median of 43 and above the national Census median of 38. The share of middle aged and young retiree cohorts (45 - 64) has declined from 25.9% at the Census to 22.1%.
Looking to 2041, older demographics are expected to absorb the majority of local growth, expanding by 172 residents (16%) to total 1,281.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Maclean
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jun 2026 4 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jun 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 13 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (2,778 at the 2021 Census → 2,821 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL12440). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.