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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Macquarie has an estimated 3,233 residents, up from 3,104 at the 2021 Census — a change of 129 people, or 4.2%. Growth has averaged 1.5% a year over five years. That puts 1,902 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census Macquarie's population is estimated at around 3,233 as of Aug 26. This reflects an increase of 129 people (4.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,104 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,231, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,901 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch.
Over the past decade, Macquarie has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 1.6% compound annual growth rate, 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. Projections for the suburb of Macquarie utilize the ABS/Geoscience Australia dataset published in 2024 (2022 base year) at the SA2 scale, supplemented beyond 2032 and across any uncovered SA2 districts by ACT Government age-cohort projections (2022 base). Looking ahead, population trajectory is tracking marginally beneath the national median for statistical divisions, with aggregated SA2 figures forecasting a net gain of 325 persons by 2041, corresponding to overall expansion of 10.0% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
64 new dwellings have been approved in Macquarie over the past five years, an average of 12 a year. That is 2.2 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 8, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to ABS residential building approval figures compiled by AreaSearch, Macquarie registers roughly 12 approved residential dwellings per annum, amounting to around 64 homes across the preceding 5 financial years. During FY-25 to date, 8 approvals have been logged. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 6.4 people moved into the area per newly constructed dwelling over the past 5 financial years, creating an environment where demand heavily outpaces supply and fosters competitive buying conditions. Dwellings are constructed at an average cost of $362,000. On the commercial front, approvals total $443,000 this financial year, reflecting subdued commercial building volume.
Residential building output per capita in Macquarie lags significantly behind the Australian Capital Territory benchmark by 64.0%. This curtailed pipeline of new stock reinforces demand and capital growth for established dwellings while highlighting the established nature of the suburb and local planning boundaries, with delivery rates similarly trailing the national average. Recent construction activity breaks down into 57.0% detached dwellings alongside 43.0% townhouses or apartments, delivering diverse price points ranging from conventional housing to compact options. A ratio of roughly 532 people per dwelling approval underscores the advanced maturity of this market. Longer-term demographic projections indicate that Macquarie will add 323 residents by 2041 based on the most recent AreaSearch quarterly release. Planned residential additions align closely with prospective population requirements, promoting balanced conditions without extreme pricing volatility.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Macquarie
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 38 current infrastructure and development projects close to Macquarie, worth an estimated $18.1 billion. 9 are already under construction and 16 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans communities, precincts & urban renewal, residential development and sports & recreation. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Major infrastructure developments and planning programs exert a substantial influence on local area performance. AreaSearch has identified 1 key project with expected local impact. Prominent surrounding initiatives include Bruce Precinct (Section 15), Bruce Residential Development Zone, Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon (Stage 2), and Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan & District Strategy.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Ethos Belconnen
Ethos is the second stage of Per Se Developments' Cirrus lakeside precinct at Belconnen. The project comprises 88 premium apartments with ground floor commercial tenancies overlooking Lake Ginninderra. Construction is well advanced with display apartments open and commercial space being marketed ahead of expected completion in 2026.
Radford College Master Plan Implementation
Ongoing implementation of the Radford College Master Plan at the Bruce campus. Major recent works include the completed Collegians Centre (multi-purpose hall) and the Boorer Family Cricket Centre. As of mid-2025 the College Board confirmed the final stage of works was progressing, comprising the completion of the school ovals, presentation upgrades to the Haydon Drive and College Street boundaries, a new Foundation Walk, and a feature pedestrian entrance and path linking College Street to the Collegians Centre with shelter, seating, lighting and an avenue of trees.The College anticipated the design becoming visible by the end of Term 3 2025 following earthworks and landscaping across multiple worksites.
University of Canberra Sports Precinct
Major expansion of University of Canberra sports facilities, including the development of Sports Hub 2, new aquatic centre, indoor sports courts, outdoor playing fields, gymnasium upgrades, and athlete training facilities. It focuses on community access programs and elite athlete development.
Belconnen Basketball Stadium Expansion
The ACT Government is progressing planning for the expansion and modernisation of the Belconnen Basketball Stadium. The project encompasses additional indoor multi-sport courts, upgraded spectator seating, enhanced accessibility features, and improved administrative and changeroom amenities to meet rising regional community demand. Works are managed under the ACT Government's community sports infrastructure investment program.
Belconnen Mixed-Use Towers (40 Cameron Avenue)
RF Corval has proposed a major mixed-use redevelopment at 40 Cameron Avenue comprising two towers of 24 and 27 storeys. The proposal includes 407 residential apartments, ground-floor commercial and office tenancies, and structured basement and podium parking. The project replaces an existing low-rise commercial building situated within the Belconnen Town Centre precinct.
Belconnen Community Hub Upgrade
Comprehensive upgrade of existing community facilities including expanded library services, community meeting spaces, youth programs area, seniors center, and childcare facilities. Improved accessibility and technology integration throughout.
Bruce Precinct (Section 15)
A masterplanned mixed-use urban precinct and residential land release located centrally in Bruce, adjacent to the AIS and Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve. The project aligns with the Bruce Sports, Health and Education Precinct masterplan, delivering approximately 250-500 new dwellings, including affordable housing options, alongside commercial, hospitality, and retail opportunities.
JWLand Belconnen Lathlain Street Development
Mixed-use precinct at Belconnen Town Centre comprising 435 apartments across buildings of 12 to 18 storeys, a 144-room hotel, ground-floor retail, cafes, restaurants, and commercial office suites. The project sits within the Lathlain Eat Street precinct opposite Westfield Belconnen and adjoins an ACT Government urban park. A podium park and rooftop terrace gardens are planned, with 583 basement car spaces across four levels. A development application was lodged in early 2025.
1,680 residents of Macquarie are employed, from a labour force of 1,788. Unemployment sits at 6.0%, with participation at 65.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.5% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,842, about 88% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour pool in Macquarie is characterized by strong qualifications, substantial engagement in essential services, and an unemployment rate of 6.0% derived from AreaSearch statistical area datasets. As of March 2026, employed residents number 1,680, with local unemployment sitting 2.0% above the 4.1% recorded for Australian Capital Territory. Participation in the labour force stands at 65.6%, compared with the territory standard of 70.6%. Furthermore, Census metrics recorded 11.4% working remotely from home, a figure influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. Employment among local residents is concentrated within public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical sectors.
Representation in education & training is pronounced, sitting at 1.5 times the wider regional proportion. In contrast, public administration & safety accounts for 28.4% locally, below the 30.4% regional benchmark. Comparison of Census working versus resident populations highlights that this primarily residential locality offers limited on-site employment. According to ABS and SALM figures compiled by AreaSearch, the 12 months leading to March 2026 saw a 1.2% expansion in the labour force alongside a 0.6% decline in total employment, resulting in a 1.7 percentage points rise in the unemployment rate. Over the identical timeframe, Australian Capital Territory saw employment lift 0.3%, the labour pool rise 1.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.7 percentage points. Based on national workforce projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26, national employment is anticipated to increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Weighting these projections across Macquarie's industry structure suggests prospective local employment growth of 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Macquarie is $1,947 a week (about $101,000 a year), with median personal income at $1,078 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $60,233 a year against an average of $75,588. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Based on AreaSearch analysis of ATO taxation statistics for financial year 2023 at the postcode level, taxable median earnings in the suburb of Macquarie reached $60,233, alongside an average of $75,588, tracking above national figures but trailing the Australian Capital Territory marks of $72,206 (median) and $85,981 (average). Accounting for a 10.44% lift in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated figures reach approximately $66,521 for median income and $83,479 for average income as of March 2026. At the 2021 Census, individual weekly income sat at the 84th percentile nationally at $1,078.
The primary earnings band was $1,500 - 2,999, encompassing 33.1% of residents (1,070 people) versus 34.3% territory-wide. Residents retain 85.3% of income following housing costs, positioning the suburb in the 7th decile on the SEIFA income scale.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Macquarie had 1,260 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 61% detached houses and 24% apartments. 29% are owned with a mortgage, 38% rented and 33% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,000 a month. Rent absorbs 20.5% of household income here and mortgage repayments 23.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
Census records indicate that Macquarie's housing stock consists of 61.3% separate houses and 38.7% medium-to-high density or alternative dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings across Australian Capital Territory. Outright home ownership reached 32.9%, noticeably higher than the territory average, while 29.3% of homes carried a mortgage and 37.8% were tenant-occupied. Typical monthly mortgage repayments were $2,000, lower than the territory median of $2,080, and weekly rent sat at $400 versus $450 across Australian Capital Territory. Against national figures, Macquarie's mortgage commitments exceed the $1,863 Australian norm, and weekly rents surpass the $375 national average.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Macquarie counted 1,260 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.3 people each. 24% are couples with children, against 26% couples without children. 33% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.4 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families constitute 61.3% of local households, encompassing couples without children (25.7%), couples with children (23.9%), and single parent families (10.7%). The remaining 38.7% are non-family arrangements, primarily lone person households (33.0%) alongside group households (5.5%). The typical household size is 2.3 people, tracking slightly below the Australian Capital Territory average of 2.5.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
51.7% of adults in Macquarie hold a university qualification, including 27.8% with a bachelor degree and 18.0% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 82% of areas nationally. A further 13.8% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 1,148 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,091 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational qualifications in Macquarie rank well ahead of broader comparisons, with 51.7% of residents aged 15+ holding tertiary degrees, versus 43.8% across the SA3 area and 30.4% in Australia. Bachelor degrees form the largest segment at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.0% and graduate diplomas at 5.9%. Meanwhile, technical and vocational training accounts for 21.8% of qualifications among residents aged 15+, divided into certificates (13.8%) and advanced diplomas (8.0%). A significant 31.4% of the population is actively engaged in formal study. Tertiary education accounts for 9.3% of residents, primary schooling represents 9.1%, and secondary education comprises 6.2%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Macquarie reaches 19 stops on 55 routes, timetabled for about 3,500 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.1 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Macquarie is served by 19 public transport stops accommodating local buses across 55 separate routes, delivering 3,491 weekly trips. Proximity to transit is high, with an average distance of 186 meters to the nearest stop. Commuters are primarily car-dependent at 81%, while 9% travel by bus. Household vehicle ownership stands at 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, below the territory figure. Remote workers represented 11.4% at the 2021 Census. Local public transit routes deliver an average daily frequency of 498 trips across the network, providing roughly 183 weekly departures for each transit stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.5% of residents in Macquarie report no long-term health condition. 5.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.1% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.8 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health assessments by AreaSearch based on mortality and chronic illness metrics show widespread condition prevalence, leaning slightly higher among older cohorts. Private health insurance coverage is extensive, held by roughly 57% of the community (~1,844 people), compared to 62.4% across Australian Capital Territory. Asthma and mental health issues represent the most common conditions, reported by 8.3% and 10.1 of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 66.5% of locals reported no long-term medical issues, compared with 70.2% across Australian Capital Territory. Chronic ailments track higher than average among working-age individuals. Seniors aged 65 and over make up 18.1% of residents (585 people), surpassing the 14.2% proportion across Australian Capital Territory, with senior health indicators presenting challenges despite comparing favorably against national averages.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
31.9% of Macquarie residents were born overseas and 26.2% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (23.2%) and Australian (23.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Macquarie exceeds most benchmarks, with 31.9% of residents born abroad and 26.2% using a language other than English in the home. Christianity represents the leading faith at 36.9% of the local population. Judaism shows notable relative representation at 0.2%, matching the 0.2% seen across Australian Capital Territory. Regarding parental lineage, the primary ancestries in Macquarie are English (23.2%), Australian (23.1%), and Other (13.1%). Specific international backgrounds show notable concentrations above territory levels, including Vietnamese at 1.8% (vs 1.0%), French at 0.7% (vs 0.5%), and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Macquarie is 37. 31.9% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The age distribution in Macquarie aligns closely with the Australian Capital Territory standard, showing a maximum variance of 3.9 percentage points. The median age remains steady from the 2021 Census at an estimated 37, standing 2 years above the territory median of 35 recorded at that Census. Young and middle-aged adults aged 25 - 44 have increased to an estimated 33.9% of the population from 32.5% at the Census. By 2041, the 65+ age category is projected to record the largest increase, rising by 130 residents (22%) to reach 715.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Macquarie
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Oct 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 5 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 28 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (3,104 at the 2021 Census → 3,233 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL80091). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.