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 Feb 2026, the population of Macleay Island is estimated at around 4,195, reflecting an increase of 1,002 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,193. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 3,922 in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data release and validation of 32 new addresses since the Census date. The population density is approximately 580 persons per square kilometer. Macleay Island's growth rate of 31.4% exceeded both the SA4 region at 8.3% and the national average during this period, largely driven by interstate migration contributing about 89.0% of overall gains. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections for years post-2032 based on 2021 data. Projections indicate the suburb is expected to expand by 1,265 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of approximately 20.9% over these 17 years.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a significant population increase in the top quartile of statistical areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 1,265 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 20.9% 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 based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 388 homes were approved, with a further 73 approved so far in FY-26. This translates to an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling during this period.

The average construction cost value of these new homes is $218,000, which is below regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. In terms of commercial development, $81,000 in approvals have been recorded in FY-26, indicating minimal activity in this sector compared to residential development. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Macleay Island has 136.0% more construction activity per person, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location and greater choice for buyers. The majority of new building activity consists of standalone homes at 99.0%, with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 1.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. Macleay Island reflects a developing area, with around 45 people per approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the island is expected to grow by approximately 877 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 infrastructure changes identified by AreaSearch will impact the area. Key projects include Southern Moreton Bay Islands Ferry Terminals Upgrade, Redlands Coast Smart and Connected City Strategy, Cleveland Line Duplication from Park Road to Cleveland, and Brisbane to Gold Coast Transport Corridor Upgrades (Corridor Program).

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

Macleay Island has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 17.4% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 9.2%.

This rate is higher than Greater Brisbane's overall unemployment rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation on Macleay Island lags behind Greater Brisbane, with 34.1% compared to 70.7%. According to Census responses, 23.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade.

Notably, construction jobs are at 1.4 times the regional average. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 4.3% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Employment opportunities appear limited locally, as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 9.2%, while labour force grew by 6.3%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane saw employment rise by 3.8% and unemployment fall by 0.5 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023, Macleay Island had a median income among taxpayers of $32,088. The average income stood at $42,652. This is below the national average of $58,236 and compares to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $35,268 (median) and $46,879 (average). From the Australian Census conducted in August 2021, household incomes in Macleay Island fell between the 0th and 1st percentiles nationally. Income distribution showed that 43.3% of locals (1,816 people) had incomes in the $400 - $799 category, differing from the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominated at 33.3%. Economic circumstances indicated widespread financial pressure, with 55.5% of households operating within modest 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 latest Census data showed 99.7% houses and 0.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership on Macleay Island was 53.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 23.7% and rented dwellings at 22.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $900, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863, and the median weekly rent was $260, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Macleay Island's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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 prominent, with 44.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.9%) and certificates (31.9%). School and university attendance covers 18.3% of the community, comprising primary education (6.1%), secondary education (5.3%), and tertiary education (2.6%).

School and university attendance encompasses 18.3% of the community. This includes 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's public transport analysis shows two operational stops offering mixed ferry services. These are served by one route, collectively facilitating 205 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically residing 2453 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most commute outward; cars dominate at 69%, followed by buses at 12%. Vehicle ownership averages 0.8 per dwelling, below regional norms. In 2021 Census data (possibly influenced by COVID-19), 23.4% of residents worked from home.

Service frequency averaged 29 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 102 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Macleay Island is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Macleay Island faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts on the island. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 44% of the total population of around 1,850 people, compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 14.3% and 11.7% of residents respectively, while 48.2% claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. The working-age population on the island faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 47.1% of residents aged 65 and over (1,975 people), which is higher than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 born in Australia who speak English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion on Macleay Island, making up 47.1% of the population. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 0.2% versus 0.1%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (34.2%), Australian (22.3%), and Irish (10.7%). Notably, Scottish (9.8%) and New Zealand (1.2%) ancestries are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 7.4% and 1.0%, respectively. French ancestry is also slightly overrepresented at 0.8%.

Macleay Island ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Macleay Island's median age is 62 years, considerably higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and national norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 years are prominent at 28.0%, while the 25-34 group is smaller at 4.0%. This concentration in the 65-74 age bracket is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 12.6% to 16.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 4.9% to 6.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort declined from 11.6% to 9.6% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 21.6% to 20.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Macleay Island's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 370 people (55%), from 675 to 1,046. Residents aged 65 and older are expected to represent 90% of the population growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age cohorts.