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, the estimated population for the Macleay Island statistical area (Lv2) is around 4,187, reflecting a growth of 994 people (31.1%) since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,193. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,922 as of June 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density ratio is approximately 579 persons per square kilometer. The Macleay Island (SA2) has shown significant growth since the 2021 census, exceeding both the SA4 region's growth of 8.2% and the national average, making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year.

For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023. Projected demographic shifts indicate a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation. The Macleay Island (SA2) is expected to expand by 1,319 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 22.0% in total over the 17 years.

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

Macleay Island has seen approximately 77 new homes approved annually. Between the financial years FY-21 and FY-25, around 388 homes were approved, with an additional 73 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling accommodates about 2.1 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost of new homes is approximately $218,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options. This financial year has seen $81,000 in commercial development approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity on the island. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macleay Island has 136.0% more construction activity per person, offering greater choice for buyers and reflecting strong developer confidence in the location. The vast majority of new building activity, around 99.0%, consists of standalone homes, with only 1.0% being townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. With approximately 45 people per approval, Macleay Island reflects a developing area.

According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, the island is expected to grow by around 922 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 changes can impact an area's performance more than modifications to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. Zero projects have been identified by AreaSearch that could potentially affect this area. Significant projects 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 likely to be most relevant.

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

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

Macleay Island's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with construction being particularly prominent. The unemployment rate was 17.3% in the past year, showing a growth of 9.7%.

As of September 2025, 1,030 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is high at 13.3%, significantly above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation on Macleay Island lags behind Greater Brisbane, at 30.6% compared to 64.5%. The leading employment industries among residents are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade. Construction stands out with employment levels at 1.4 times the regional average.

Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 4.3% versus the regional average of 7.0%. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 9.7%, while labour force grew by 6.8%, reducing the unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8%, with a smaller decrease in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly by 0.01%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Macleay Island's 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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Macleay Island had a median income among taxpayers of $32,088 and an average income of $42,652. These figures are below the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates as of September 2025 would be approximately $35,268 (median) and $46,879 (average). According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Macleay Island fall between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The predominant income cohort spans 43.3% of locals (1,812 people) with incomes between $400 - $799 per week, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 33.3%. Economic circumstances indicate widespread financial pressure, with 55.5% of households operating on modest weekly budgets below $800 after housing costs. After accounting for housing expenses, 85.6% of income remains, 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 stood at 53.6%, with mortgaged properties 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. Median weekly rent was $260, compared to Brisbane metro's $425. Nationally, Macleay Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $900 versus Australia's 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 constitute 53.0% of all households, including 8.8% couples with children, 34.1% couples without children, and 9.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 47.0%, with lone person households at 40.9% and group households comprising 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 account for 12.9% and certificates for 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.

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

Macleay Island has two active public transport stops operating, both of which use ferry services. These stops are served by one route in total, offering 205 weekly passenger trips combined. The island's transport accessibility is considered limited, with residents generally located 2453 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 29 trips daily 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 impacting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 44% of the total population (~1,846 people), compared to 55.4% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.3%) and mental health issues (11.7%), while 48.2% report no medical ailments, lower than the 64.6% in Greater Brisbane.

Residents aged 65 and over comprise 45.9%, totaling 1,921 people, higher than the 25.3% in Greater Brisbane. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors on Macleay Island are better than those of the general population.

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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.5% of its population being citizens, 73.4% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion on Macleay Island, comprising 47.1% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, making up 0.2% compared to 0.1% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (34.2%), Australian (22.3%), and Irish (10.7%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Scottish was overrepresented at 9.8%, New Zealand was equally represented at 1.2%, and French was slightly overrepresented at 0.8%.

Macleay Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Macleay Island's median age is 62 years, which is considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and older than Australia's national norm of 38 years. The island's age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 27.6% of the population, compared to just 9.4% nationally. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 4.0%, compared to Greater Brisbane's figure. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 12.6% to 15.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort has declined from 11.6% to 10.0%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Macleay Island's age structure. The 75-84 age group is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 417 people (65%) from 644 to 1,062. This demographic aging trend continues as residents aged 65 and older represent 93% of anticipated growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 0-4 age cohorts.