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 and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the estimated population of Maclean as of Feb 2026 is around 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. Maclean's growth 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 for the suburb 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, an above median population growth of locations outside capital cities is projected for Maclean, with an expected increase of 388 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 11.4% over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Maclean shows approximately 4 new homes approved annually on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 23 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 8.2 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply has lagged demand significantly.

This has likely led to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new properties constructed at an average value of $513,000, targeting the premium segment. Compared to the rest of NSW, Maclean has had significantly less development activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person, which typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below national averages, suggesting possible planning constraints or area maturity. All new construction in Maclean has been detached houses, maintaining its traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 641 people.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maclean is forecasted to gain 338 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified two projects likely impacting the region. Key projects are Maclean Community Precinct, River Glen Estate - Maclean in Queensland, Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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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. The unemployment rate was 6.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.1%. As of September 2025941 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate stands at 2.3% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Maclean is 42.2%, significantly lower than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. According to Census responses, only 10.0% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Maclean has a high specialization in health care & social assistance (1.4 times the regional level), but lower representation in agriculture, forestry & fishing (3.1% vs regional average of 5.3%).

Local employment opportunities appear limited, as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force by 3.1%, resulting in a 1.9 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. 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 this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Maclean's median income among taxpayers is $36,112 and average is $46,727. This is lower than the national average. Rest of NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Maclean would be approximately $39,312 (median) and $50,867 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reports household, family and personal incomes in Maclean all fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 31.8% of residents earn $400 - $799 weekly (943 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) suggests 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.

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 compares to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maclean was at 47.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.0% and rented ones at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in Maclean was $330, matching Non-Metro NSW's figure. Nationally, Maclean's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 comprise the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 34.5% and group households making up 2.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of 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%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.8%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 29.1%. A total of 22.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.3% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 22.3% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 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 in Maclean, consisting of a mix of buses. 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 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 indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,349 people), compared to 51.9% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions in Maclean are arthritis (13.8%) and mental health issues (10.7%), while 55.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 36.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,071 people), compared to 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, broadly aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Maclean had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 89.8% of its population being citizens, 88.4% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Maclean, comprising 58.5%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Scottish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal (7.2%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 4.6%. French (0.7%) and Welsh (0.6%) also showed higher representation than their respective regional averages of 0.4% and 0.5%.

Maclean ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maclean's median age is 55 years, which is higher than the Rest of NSW average of 43 years and older than the national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 13.8% of the population, while those aged 25-34 make up 7.8%. This concentration of those aged 75-84 is well above the national average of 6.1%. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of Maclean's population aged 15-24 has increased from 7.1% to 8.9%, while those aged 35-44 have increased from 8.7% to 9.9%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 55-64 has declined from 15.1% to 13.3%, and those aged 45-54 have dropped from 10.8% to 9.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal that Maclean's age structure will see significant shifts. The number of residents aged 85 and over is projected to rise substantially by 141 people (67%), from 210 to 352. Demographic aging continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 55% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for those aged 55-64 and 65-74.