Maclean

Maclean 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 around Maclean, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, the estimated population of Maclean as of Feb 2026 is approximately 2,967. This reflects an increase of 189 people (6.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,778 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,783 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 13 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 304 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Maclean's growth rate of 6.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of NSW (5.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Considering projected demographic shifts and aggregated SA2-level projections, a population increase of just below the median for Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected. The suburb of Maclean is projected to increase by 357 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 5.8% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data show Maclean had around 4 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 24 homes. As of FY-26, 17 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years (FY-21 to FY-25), an average of 8.1 people moved to the area per dwelling built.

This supply lagging demand typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average value of $513,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Rest of NSW, Maclean has significantly less development activity (69.0% below regional average per person), which usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below national average, suggesting possible planning constraints. All new construction in the area has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes.

The estimated count of 577 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet development environment. Population forecasts indicate Maclean will gain 173 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects are Maclean Community Precinct, River Glen Estate - Maclean in Queensland, Regional Road Network Safety Improvements in Queensland, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane.

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Employment performance in Maclean has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Maclean's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent representation from essential services sectors. The unemployment rate stands at 5.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, Maclean has 953 residents employed, and its unemployment rate is 1.6% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation in Maclean is significantly lower at 41.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census responses indicate that only 10.0% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Maclean has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 3.1% versus the regional average of 5.3%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9%, and labour force increased by 2.2%, resulting in a unemployment fall by 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW experienced an employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with 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 national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maclean's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.1% over ten years, though these are simple weighting 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

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 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 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $39,312 (median) and $50,867 (average). From the 2021 Census, incomes in Maclean fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows that 31.8% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly. This differs from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant at 29.9%. The prevalence of lower-income residents indicates constrained household budgets across much of the locality. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 82.3% of income remaining, 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.6% houses and 12.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% 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, lower than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent in Maclean was $330, matching Regional NSW's figure. Nationally, Maclean's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,387 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375 at $330.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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 presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (29.1%).

A substantial 22.3% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.3% in primary education, 6.8% 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

Public transport analysis shows 32 active transport stops operating within Maclean, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served 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 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, which 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 assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups, with a notably low private health cover rate of approximately 46% (around 1,349 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis at 13.8%, and mental health issues at 10.7%.

Conversely, 55.8% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than Regional NSW's 63.3%. Working-age individuals face substantial health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 36.6% (1,085 people), compared to Regional NSW's 23.4%. Health outcomes for seniors show some difficulties but generally align 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 population showed low cultural diversity, with 89.8% being citizens, 88.4% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 58.5%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Scottish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher in Maclean at 7.2% compared to the regional average of 4.6%, while French (0.7%) and Welsh (0.6%) also had slightly higher representations than Regional NSW's 0.4% and 0.5% respectively.

Maclean ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maclean's median age is 55 years, which is higher than Regional NSW's average of 43 years and the national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 14.2% of the population, while those aged 25-34 are comparatively smaller at 8.1%. This concentration of 75-84 year-olds is well above the national average of 6.1%. Since 2021, the age group of 15 to 24 has grown from 7.1% to 9.1%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.7% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 15.1% to 13.3%, and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 10.8% to 9.6%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Maclean's age structure. The 85+ age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 126 people (59%) from 213 to 340. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 62% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age cohorts.