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 Feb 2026, the population of the suburb of Macquarie is estimated at around 3,172, reflecting an increase of 68 people since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 3,104. This change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 3,154 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 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, Macquarie has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the suburb 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 years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, using 2022 as a base. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected for Macquarie, with the suburb 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.

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 data shows Macquarie recorded approximately 12 residential properties approved annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 64 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling built over these years attracted an average of 3 new residents per year.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $478,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. In FY-26, commercial development approvals totalled $443,000, suggesting a predominantly residential focus. Compared to Australian Capital Territory, Macquarie's building activity per person is about three-quarters of that region.

Nationally, it ranks in the 23rd percentile for areas assessed, offering limited property choices and supporting demand for existing properties. New building activity comprises 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Macquarie's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes. With approximately 700 people per approval, the area is mature and established. Population forecasts indicate Macquarie will gain 339 residents by 2041, suggesting current development aligns well with 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). Key projects include the Belconnen Town Centre Master Plan & District Strategy, Bruce Residential Development Zone, and Wayfarer Belconnen by Geocon (Stage 2).

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 of 0.8%. As of September 2025, 1,683 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.7% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.6%.

Workforce participation in Macquarie lagged at 66.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.5%. Only 11.4% of residents worked from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries for employment among residents were public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Macquarie had a particular specialization in education & training, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

However, public administration & safety employed only 28.4% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 0.8%, while the labour force grew by 1.0%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, across Australian Capital Territory, employment rose by 1.4%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Macquarie's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.2% over ten years.

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. The average income stood at $75,588. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the ACT's median and average incomes of $72,206 and $85,981 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Macquarie would be approximately $65,811 (median) and $82,587 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows individual earnings in Macquarie stand out at the 84th percentile nationally ($1,078 weekly). Distribution data indicates that the predominant income cohort spans 33.1% of locals (1,049 people), falling within the $1,500 - 2,999 category, which aligns with the broader area where this cohort also represents 34.3%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses in Macquarie. 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). This compares to the 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 dwellings at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, lower than the Australian Capital Territory average of $2,080. The median weekly rent in Macquarie was $400, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's figure of $450. Nationally, Macquarie's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000, while rents were also higher at $400 compared to the national averages of $1,863 and $375 respectively.

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 constitute 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 significantly exceeds broader benchmarks. Among residents aged 15+, 51.7% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and the SA3 area's 43.8%. This advantage positions Macquarie strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent 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 at 8.0% and certificates at 13.8%. Educational participation is notably 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

Macquarie has 22 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 54 different routes that collectively facilitate 3,490 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically situated just 179 meters from their nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential area, most Macquarie residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 81% of residents, while buses are used by 9%. On average, there is 1.1 vehicle per dwelling in Macquarie, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.4% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, an average of 498 trips are made daily, equating 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, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. 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 (around 1,809 people), compared to 62.4% in the Australian Capital Territory. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, affecting 10.1 and 8.3% of residents respectively, while 66.5% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 18.2% of residents aged 65 and over (577 people), higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 population showed high diversity, with 31.9% born overseas and 26.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated as the main religion, comprising 36.9%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 0.2%.

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 in Macquarie.

Macquarie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Macquarie's median age was 37 years as of a certain period, slightly older than Australian Capital Territory's median age of 35 but aligned with Australia's national average of 38 years. The age group of 75-84 years had strong representation at 7.8%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory. The 15-24 age cohort was less prevalent at 11.8%. Between 2021 and a certain later date, the population aged 25 to 34 grew from 17.3% to 18.9%. Conversely, the population aged 35 to 44 declined from 15.2% to 13.8%. Population forecasts for Macquarie indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The age cohort of 45-54 is projected to increase solidly, expanding by 79 people (20%) from 386 to 466. Conversely, numbers in the 25-34 age range are expected to fall by 9.