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 Nov 2025, the population of the Macquarie statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 3,172 people. This reflects an increase of 68 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,104 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population as 3,154 in June 2024, based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS, and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,865 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2015 to 2025, Macquarie has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected, with the Macquarie (SA2) expected to grow by 357 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 10.7% in total over the 17 years from 2024 to 2041.

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, allocated from statistical area data, indicates Macquarie recorded around 12 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 64 homes were approved, with an additional four approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling built over these years attracted 3 new residents per year, suggesting solid demand supporting property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes was $478,000, indicating developers targeted the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year has seen $443,000 in commercial development approvals, predominantly focused on residential developments. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Macquarie records about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally, offering limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

New building activity shows 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, sustaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suited to buyers seeking space. With around 700 people per approval, Macquarie demonstrates its mature, established status. Population forecasts indicate Macquarie will gain 339 residents through to 2041, according to AreaSearch's latest 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 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified one major project likely affecting this region: Bruce Precinct (Section 15). Key projects include the Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan & District Strategy, Bruce Residential Development Zone, and Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon (Stage 2), with the following list detailing those 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 5.3% as of the past year, with estimated employment growth at 0.8%.

As of September 2025, 1,683 residents were employed, but the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%, and workforce participation was lower at 63.2%. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, education & training has 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 seems to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8% while labour force grew by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points in Macquarie. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment grow by 1.4%, labour force increase by 1.2%, and unemployment fall by 0.2 percentage points during the same period. State-level data from 25-Nov shows ACT employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 710 jobs, with a state unemployment rate of 4.5%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.2% over ten years for Macquarie, based on industry-specific projections applied to its employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, Macquarie suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $60,233 and an average income of $75,588. These figures are high compared to national levels of $72,206 and $85,981 for Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest median income would be approximately $65,811 and average income $82,587 as of September 2025. Census data indicates individual earnings in Macquarie reach the 84th percentile nationally at $1,078 weekly. Income distribution shows that 33.1% of locals (1,049 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 34.3%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The suburb'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). In comparison, the Australian Capital Territory had 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie was 32.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented ones at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average, while median weekly rent was $400, compared to the territory's $2,000 and $430 respectively. Nationally, Macquarie's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding the national figure of $375 at $400.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for 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 has a notably high level of educational attainment among residents aged 15 and above, with 51.7% holding university qualifications compared to the national average of 30.4%. This is also higher than the SA3 area's average of 43.8%. The most common qualification in Macquarie is bachelor degrees at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.0%) and graduate diplomas (5.9%). Vocational pathways account for 21.8% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 8.0% and certificates 13.8%.

Educational participation is high in Macquarie, 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

The transport analysis indicates that Macquarie has 22 active transport stops in operation. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, totaling 54 individual routes. The combined weekly passenger trips across all these routes amount to 3,490.

The accessibility of public transport is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 179 meters from the nearest stop. The service frequency averages out to 498 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately 158 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Macquarie faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,809 people). The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively. 66.5% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 68.1% across Australian Capital Territory. As of 2016, 18.2% of residents were aged 65 and over (577 people), which is higher than the 15.3% in Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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 population, born overseas, was 31.9%, significantly higher than most local markets. 26.2% spoke a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 36.9%.

Judaism was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% in Australian Capital Territory. The top three ancestry groups were English (23.2%), Australian (23.1%), and Other (13.1%). French (0.7%) and Vietnamese (1.8%) were notably overrepresented, while Welsh was slightly higher at 0.7%.

Macquarie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Macquarie's median age is 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 comprises 7.4% of Macquarie's population compared to Australian Capital Territory, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 13.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has grown from 17.3% to 19.4%, while the 35-44 cohort has declined from 15.2% to 13.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate that Macquarie's 45-54 age cohort is projected to increase by 82 people (21%), from 383 to 466. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 25-34 cohorts.