Maclean

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis of ABS population updates and new addresses validated since the Census, the Maclean statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 2,953 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a growth of 175 people (6.3%) from the 2021 Census figure of 2,778 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 2,783 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 303 persons per square kilometer for Maclean (SA2). The area's growth rate exceeded that of non-metro areas (5.7%) and its SA4 region, indicating it as a growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods in the area.

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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year are utilised. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside capital cities, with Maclean (SA2) expected to increase by 390 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 12.1% 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 allocated from statistical area data shows Maclean has seen approximately 4 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 23 homes. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, about 8.2 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply is substantially lagging demand, which typically leads to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $513,000, demonstrating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Rest of NSW, Maclean has significantly less development activity, 71.0% below regional average per person, which usually strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This activity is also below national average, reflecting the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. All new construction in the area has been comprised of detached houses, maintaining its traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 641 people per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Population forecasts indicate Maclean will gain approximately 356 residents through to 2041. 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified two projects likely impacting the region. Key projects are Maclean Community Precinct, River Glen Estate - Maclean (Queensland), Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane. The following details those most relevant.

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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 comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 6.2%, and there has been an estimated 1.1% employment growth over the past year, as per AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025945 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.4% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lags at 39.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food. Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized with an employment share 1.4 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 1.1%, labour force by 3.2%, resulting in a 2.0 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced employment decline of 0.5% and labour force decline of 0.1%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will 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 this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

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

In Maclean, AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows a median income among taxpayers of $36,112 and an average of $46,727. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, 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, estimated incomes for Maclean as of September 2025 would be approximately $39,312 (median) and $50,867 (average). The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Maclean fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis indicates that the largest segment comprises 31.8% of residents earning $400 - $799 weekly, unlike surrounding regions 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 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, had 87.6% houses and 12.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maclean was 47.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 20.0% and rented ones at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,387, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. The median weekly rent was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $310. Nationally, Maclean's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,387 versus the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Maclean 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 account for 63.0% of all households, including 15.9% that are couples with children, 32.6% that are couples without children, and 13.3% that are 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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 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 such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (29.1%).

A total of 22.3% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 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

Maclean has 32 active public transport stops operating within its boundaries. These stops are served by a mix of buses along 49 individual routes. Together, these routes facilitate 438 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Maclean is rated as good, with residents located an average of 234 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 62 trips per day across all routes, which translates 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, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (1,343 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.8%) and mental health issues (10.7%). Conversely, 55.8% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than Rest of NSW's 58.7%. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 36.0% (1,063 people), higher than the Rest of NSW average of 27.5%. The health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

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, as per the 2016 Census, was predominantly Australian-born with 89.8% being citizens, 88.4% born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the primary religion, practiced by 58.5%, compared to 55.6% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Scottish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 7.2% compared to the regional average of 5.5%. French and Welsh representations were also notably higher at 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively, compared to the regional averages of 0.3% and 0.4%.

Maclean ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maclean's median age is 55 years, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years and national norm of 38 years. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 75-84 years at 13.9%, compared to the national figure of 6.0%. Meanwhile, those aged 25-34 years constitute only 7.5% of Maclean's population. Between 2021 and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 7.1% to 8.8%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 8.7% to 9.9%. Conversely, the 45-54 age group declined from 10.8% to 9.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.1% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Maclean's age structure. The 85+ cohort is projected to rise by 148 people (72%) from 206 to 355. Residents aged 65 and older will represent 53% of anticipated population growth. However, declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts.