Macquarie

Population growth drivers in Macquarie are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Macquarie is around 3,233. This figure reflects an increase of 129 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,104. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,231 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,901 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Macquarie has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming the SA3 area. Overseas migration contributed approximately 85% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, using 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking ahead, population projections indicate a growth of just below the median for national areas, with an expected increase of 328 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 10.1% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Macquarie according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Macquarie shows around 12 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 64 homes were approved, with a further 6 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years has attracted an average of 3 people moving to the area.

This supply lagging demand suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction cost value for new properties is $478,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $443,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus.

Comparatively, Macquarie records about three-quarters of the building activity per person compared to the Australian Capital Territory. Nationally, it ranks among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. New building activity comprises 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. Macquarie shows a mature, established area with around 699 people per approval. Population forecasts indicate it will gain 326 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Macquarie has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

AreaSearch has identified a single project that may impact the area: Bruce Precinct (Section 15). Other key projects include Bruce Residential Development Zone, Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon (Stage 2), and Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan & District Strategy. The following details those likely to be most relevant.

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

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Macquarie has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Macquarie has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 5.7%. Employment stability has been relative over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of December 2025, 1,678 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.9% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Macquarie lags behind at 64.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 70.5%. Census responses show a low 11.4% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services.

Macquarie has a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. However, public administration & safety employs only 28.4% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.1%, and labour force increased by 1.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 1.0 percentage points. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Macquarie. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Macquarie's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch reports that, based on postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Macquarie suburb had a median taxpayer income of $60,233 and an average income of $75,588. These figures are high compared to national levels and ACT's respective averages of $72,206 and $85,981. Considering the 10.44% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Macquarie as of March 2026 is approximately $66,521, with average income at around $83,479. Census data shows individual earnings in Macquarie reach the 84th percentile nationally ($1,078 weekly). Income distribution indicates that 33.1% of locals (1,070 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to the broader area at 34.3%. After housing costs, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. Macquarie's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

Macquarie displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Macquarie's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 61.3% houses and 38.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Australian Capital Territory's figures of 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie was at 32.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, lower than Australian Capital Territory's average of $2,080. The median weekly rent figure in Macquarie was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $450. Nationally, Macquarie's mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were higher than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 61.3% of all households, including 23.9% couples with children, 25.7% couples without children, and 10.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 38.7%, with lone person households at 33.0% and group households comprising 5.5%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.

Macquarie shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Macquarie's educational attainment exceeds broader averages: 51.7% of residents aged 15+ have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 21.8%, with advanced diplomas at 8.0% and certificates at 13.8%. Educational participation is high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 9.3% in tertiary, 9.1% in primary, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.3% in tertiary education, 9.1% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education.

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

Macquarie has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 54 different routes that together facilitate 3,490 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 179 meters from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while only 9% use buses. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 498 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 158 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Macquarie is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a slightly higher degree among older age cohorts

Macquarie faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts.

Private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (around 1,844 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 10.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively. About 66.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 70.2% in the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents have a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 18.3% of residents aged 65 and over (591 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally compared to the broader population.

Macquarie was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Macquarie's cultural diversity was significant, with 31.9% of its population born overseas and 26.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Macquarie, comprising 36.9% of the population. However, Judaism had an overrepresentation compared to regional averages, making up 0.2% of Macquarie's population.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.2%), Australian (23.1%), and Other (13.1%). Notably, French (0.7% vs regional 0.5%), Vietnamese (1.8% vs 1.0%), and Welsh (0.7% vs 0.6%) were overrepresented among ethnic groups in Macquarie.

Macquarie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Macquarie's median age in 2021 was 37 years, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's 35 but aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The 75-84 age group constituted 7.9% of Macquarie's population compared to the Australian Capital Territory's representation. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort made up 14.0% of Macquarie's population in 2021. Between 2021 and the present day, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 17.3% to 19.7%, while the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 14.0%. The 5 to 14 age group dropped from 11.5% to 10.4% during this period. Population forecasts for Macquarie in 2041 indicate that the 45 to 54 age cohort is projected to increase by 70 people, rising from 371 to 442, a growth of 19%. Conversely, population declines are forecasted for both the 5 to 14 and 25 to 34 age cohorts.