Maclean

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

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Maclean is around 2,832 people. This figure reflects an increase of 54 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 2,778 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,792 in June 2025, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 291 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's 1.9% growth since the census is within 2.7 percentage points of the SA4 region (4.6%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary growth for the area.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections are used, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, the suburb is expected to increase by just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an anticipated population growth of 318 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.8% over the 16-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Maclean, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Maclean had around 4 new homes approved annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 24 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25 gained an average of 2 new residents per year, indicating solid demand supporting property values.

New homes were constructed at an average value of $513,000, focusing on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Rest of NSW, Maclean had significantly less development activity, 69.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity was also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction comprised detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 555 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Maclean will gain 278 residents by 2041 (from AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Maclean has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects are Maclean Community Precinct, River Glen Estate - Maclean, Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane. The following 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 Maclean are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Maclean's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.2% as of a recent period. Over the past year, employment has remained stable.

As of December 2025852 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Maclean lags at 37.5%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census data, only 10.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food.

The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the ratio of working population to resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels remained stable while labour force decreased by 0.4%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced a 1.2% decline in employment and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Maclean's employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Maclean's current employment mix.

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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Maclean's median income among taxpayers is $36,112 with an average of $46,727. This is lower than the national average and compares to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year ending June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $39,839 (median) and $51,549 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Maclean fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that the largest segment comprises 31.8% earning $400 - $799 weekly (900 residents), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 29.9%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (40.3% under $800/week) indicates constrained household budgets across much of the locality. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Maclean's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.6% houses and 12.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Regional NSW's 87.6% houses and 12.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maclean stood at 47.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.0% and rented ones at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Weekly rent median was $330, aligning with Regional NSW's figure but lower than the national average of $375. Nationally, Maclean's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,387 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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

Family households comprise 63.0% of all households, including 15.9% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 2.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 17.5%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (29.1%).

A significant 22.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.3% in primary education, 6.8% in secondary education, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 32 active transport stops operating within Maclean. These stops are serviced by 49 individual routes, collectively providing 438 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 234 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. Car remains the dominant mode of transportation at 86%, with 11% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 10.0% of residents work from home (may reflect COVID-19 conditions). Service frequency averages 62 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Maclean faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,288 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.8%) and mental health issues (10.7%). Conversely, 55.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, lower than the 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 38.1% aged 65 and over (1,078 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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

Maclean's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.8% of its population being citizens, 88.4% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. The dominant religion in Maclean is Christianity, accounting for 58.5% of the population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups are English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Scottish (9.7%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups have different representations: Australian Aboriginal is higher at 7.2% in Maclean than the regional average of 4.6%, French is represented at 0.7% compared to 0.4% regionally, and Welsh is at 0.6% versus 0.5%.

Maclean ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Maclean is 56 years, notably exceeding Regional NSW's average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's 38 years. The 75-84 age group shows strong representation at 15.1% compared to Regional NSW, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.6%. This 75-84 concentration is well above the national average of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15-24 age group has grown from 7.1% to 9.1%, and the 75-84 cohort has increased from 13.4% to 15.1%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.0%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 10.8% to 9.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Maclean's age structure. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 67%, adding 141 residents to reach 351. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 58% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 55-64 and 65-74 cohorts.