Macleay Island

Macleay Island lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of Nov 2025, Macleay Island's population is estimated at around 3,767, reflecting an increase of 574 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Macleay Island by AreaSearch in June 2024 was 3,758. This growth represents an 18.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 3,193 people. The population density is approximately 521 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's population growth since 2021 exceeded the SA4 region average (7.7%) and the national average. Interstate migration contributed around 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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 or years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. Age category splits are applied proportionally according to ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. By 2041, Macleay Island is projected to increase by 1,326 persons, reflecting a gain of 35.8% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Macleay Island among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Macleay Island had approximately 73 new homes approved annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 368 homes were approved, with an additional 42 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling accommodated an average of 2.2 new residents over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value was $218,000, reflecting more affordable housing options compared to regional norms. This year, $21,000 in commercial development approvals were recorded, indicating minimal commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macleay Island had 124.0% more construction activity per person as of the latest data. New building activity consisted predominantly of standalone homes (99.0%) with a smaller proportion of townhouses or apartments (1.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character. With around 44 people per approval, Macleay Island reflects a developing area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the island is expected to grow by approximately 1,349 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Macleay Island has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

No factors affect an area's performance more than changes to local infrastructure projects. AreaSearch has identified zero projects that could impact this area. Notable initiatives include Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminals Upgrade, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, Cleveland Line Duplication (Park Road to Cleveland), and Brisbane to Gold Coast Transport Corridor Upgrades (Corridor Program). The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Macleay Island's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 19.9% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 6.8%. The island's unemployment rate, at 15.8%, exceeds Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation on Macleay Island is lower at 30.6% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Construction employment levels are notably high at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 6.8% while labour force grew by 4.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.5 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane, employment rose by 4.4%, labour force grew by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points during this period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand on Macleay Island. National employment is projected to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with industry-specific growth rates varying significantly. Applying these projections to Macleay Island's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.6% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022, Macleay Island had a median income among taxpayers of $32,088. The average income level was $42,652. This is below the national average. In Greater Brisbane, the median and average incomes were $55,645 and $70,520 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Macleay Island would be approximately $36,577 (median) and $48,619 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Macleay Island all fell within the 0th to 1st percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 43.3% of locals (1,631 people) earned between $400 and $799, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 to $2,999 category predominated at 33.3%. Economic circumstances indicated widespread financial pressure, with 55.5% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. After housing expenses, 85.6% of income remained, ranking at the 2nd percentile nationally.

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

Macleay Island's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 99.7% houses and 0.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 83.9% houses and 16.1% other dwellings. Home ownership on Macleay Island was 53.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.7% and rented ones at 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $900, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent on Macleay Island was $260, compared to Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, Macleay Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $900 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Macleay Island features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 53.0% of all households, including 8.8% that are couples with children, 34.1% consisting of couples without children, and 9.0% being single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 47.0%, with lone person households comprising 40.9% and group households accounting for 6.0%. The median household size is 1.9 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.9% and certificates at 31.9%. School and university attendance comprises 18.3% of the community, including 6.1% in primary education, 5.3% in secondary education, and 2.6% pursuing tertiary education.

MacLeay Island State School serves the island with an enrollment of 149 students, and the area has varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 941). The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. Local school capacity is limited at 4.0 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 14.3, leading many families to travel for schooling.

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

Macleay Island's public transport analysis indicates two operational stops, offering a mix of ferry services. These stops are served by one route in total, facilitating 205 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is assessed as limited, with residents generally located 2453 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 102 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Macleay Island faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low at approximately 44% of the total population (around 1,661 people), compared to 54.2% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.3%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 14.3%) and mental health issues (11.7%).

Conversely, 48.2% report no medical ailments, compared to 64.6% in Greater Brisbane. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 45.9% of the population (around 1,729 people), higher than the 25.3% in Greater Brisbane. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Macleay Island ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Macleay Island had a cultural diversity below average, with 84.5% citizens, 73.4% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home as of the latest data from 2016. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.1% of Macleay Island's population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.2%), Australian (22.3%), and Irish (10.7%). There were also notable differences in the representation of Scottish (9.8% vs 8.9%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.2%), and French (0.8% vs 0.5%) ethnic groups compared to regional averages.

Macleay Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Macleay Island's median age is 62 years, significantly higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's norm of 38 years. The island's age profile shows a prominent group aged 65-74 (27.6%), which is larger compared to the national figure of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 4.0% than in Greater Brisbane. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 12.6% to 15.4%, while the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts: the 75-84 age group is expected to rise by 479 people (83%), from 580 to 1,060. Residents aged 65 and older are projected to represent 85% of anticipated population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts.