Maclean

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

The population of Maclean, as estimated based on analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) updates and validated by AreaSearch, is around 2,991 as of Nov 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 213 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,778. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,818 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest Estimated Resident Population (ERP) data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 12 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 307 persons per square kilometer, indicating significant space per person and potential room for further development. Maclean's growth of 7.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the SA4 region (5.1%) and non-metro areas, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. This 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. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside of capital cities. The suburb of Maclean is expected to increase by 393 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.7% over the 17-year period.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Maclean when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers for Maclean shows approximately 8 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 40 homes. As of FY-26, one approval has been recorded. On average, 4.7 people have moved to the area per dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, likely leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $513,000. Commercial development activity in Maclean is minimal, with $1.0 million in approvals recorded this financial year. Compared to the rest of NSW, Maclean has about half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 69th percentile nationally for building activity, which has accelerated in recent years. This reflects the area's maturity and possible planning constraints.

Recent building activity consists solely of detached houses, maintaining Maclean's low-density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 192 people per approval, Maclean is considered a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maclean is projected to add 321 residents by 2041. Development pace appears reasonable given projected growth, but increasing competition among buyers is expected as the population expands.

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 key projects expected to impact the region. Notable projects include Maclean Community Precinct, River Glen Estate - Maclean, Queensland Regional Road Network Safety Improvements, and Pacific Highway Upgrade: Hexham To Brisbane. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch assessment indicates Maclean faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Maclean's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of June 2025, reflecting a 0.5% employment growth over the previous year, according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

In June 2025930 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.0% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Maclean was significantly lower at 39.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. 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, while agriculture, forestry & fishing showed lower representation at 3.1% compared to the regional average of 5.3%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population and resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 0.5%, and labour force grew by 3.1%, leading to a 2.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment decline by 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (Sep-22) suggest 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 indicates 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 local 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 2022 shows Maclean's median income among taxpayers is $36,112, with an average of $46,727. This is lower than the national average, compared to Rest of NSW's median of $49,459 and average of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $40,666 (median) and $52,619 (average). The 2021 Census reveals household, family and personal incomes in Maclean fall between the 2nd and 5th percentiles nationally. Income analysis shows the largest segment comprises 31.8% earning $400 - $799 weekly (951 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

The latest Census evaluation revealed that 87.6% of dwellings in Maclean were houses, with the remaining 12.3% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maclean stood at 47.7%, similar to Non-Metro NSW's figure. Mortgaged properties constituted 20.0%, while rented dwellings made up 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Maclean was $1,387, aligning with the Non-Metro NSW average. The median weekly rent in Maclean was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $310. Nationally, Maclean's mortgage repayments were notably 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 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 account for 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 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 has lower university qualification rates at 17.5%, compared to NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 11.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas both at 2.8%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 29.1%. A significant portion, 22.3%, is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.3% in primary, 6.8% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

Maclean's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,004 students, serving distinct age groups with balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 960). The area functions as an education hub with 33.6 school places per 100 residents, attracting students from surrounding communities, compared to the regional average of 13.0.

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

Maclean has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 49 different routes that together facilitate 402 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average located just 234 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 57 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 19 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. Approximately 46% (~1,360 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.8%) and mental health issues (10.7%), while 55.8% report no medical ailments, compared to 58.7% in Rest of NSW. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 35.9% (1,073 people), higher than the 27.5% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are generally aligned 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 was found to be predominantly culturally homogeneous, with 89.8% being Australian citizens, 88.4% having been born in Australia, and 95.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 58.5% of Maclean's population, compared to 55.6% across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.8%), Australian (28.0%), and Scottish (9.7%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups had higher representation in Maclean than regionally: Australian Aboriginal at 7.2% versus 5.5%, French at 0.7% versus 0.3%, and Welsh at 0.6% versus 0.4%.

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 and the national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 75-84 are particularly prominent, making up 13.9% of the population, compared to 6.0% nationally. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 7.5%. Between 2021 and the present, 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 cohort declined from 10.8% to 9.3%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 15.1% to 13.9%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections show that the 85+ age cohort is expected to rise substantially, increasing by 146 people (70%) from 209 to 356. This aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 55% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 65-74 and 55-64 age cohorts.