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

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 3,156 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 52 people (1.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,104 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 3,154, estimated by AreaSearch 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 1,856 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 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 suburb expected to grow by 357 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 11.2% 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

Macquarie has recorded approximately 12 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 64 homes were approved, with an additional 4 approved so far in FY-26. Each dwelling built over these years has resulted in an average of 3 new residents per year, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is $478,000, suggesting developers are targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year, commercial development approvals have reached $443,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus in Macquarie. Compared to the Australian Capital Territory, Macquarie records about three-quarters of the building activity per person and ranks among the 23rd percentile of areas assessed nationally.

This limited supply supports 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. Macquarie has an established population density of around 700 people per approval, indicating maturity and stability. Population forecasts suggest Macquarie will gain approximately 355 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Macquarie has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting this region: Bruce Precinct (Section 15). Other 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 highlighting 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.

Macquarie has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Macquarie has a highly educated workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 4.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 2.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,717 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.3% higher than the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.4%. Workforce participation lagged at 63.2%, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 69.6%. Key industries for employment among residents are public administration & safety, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while public administration & safety employs just 28.4% of local workers, below the Australian Capital Territory's 30.4%.

The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 2.0% and labour force increased by 1.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Australian Capital Territory saw employment rise by 1.9%, labour force grow by 1.6%, and unemployment fall by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project 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 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 account for localized population projections.

The area exhibits notably strong income performance, ranking higher than 70% of areas assessed nationally through AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2022 shows Macquarie had a median income among taxpayers of $60,233 and an average level of $75,588. Nationally, these figures are high compared to the ACT's $68,678 and $83,634 respectively. As of September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022 would be approximately $68,425 (median) and $85,868 (average). Census data indicates individual earnings at the 84th percentile nationally are $1,078 weekly. Distribution data shows that 33.1% of locals (1,044 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 income category, similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 34.3%. After housing expenses, 85.3% of income remains for other expenses. The area'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

Dwelling structure in Macquarie, 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 69.4% houses and 30.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie stood at 32.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 29.3% and rented dwellings at 37.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, aligning with the Australian Capital Territory average. The median weekly rent was $400, compared to Australian Capital Territory's $2,000 and $430 respectively. 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 compose 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

Educational attainment in Macquarie is notably higher than broader benchmarks. As of 2021, 51.7% of residents aged 15 years and above hold university qualifications, compared to the national average of 30.4% and the SA3 area average of 43.8%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 27.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 18.0% and graduate diplomas at 5.9%. Vocational pathways account for 21.8% of qualifications among those aged 15 years and above, 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 as of 2021. This includes 9.3% in tertiary education, 9.1% in primary education, and 6.2% pursuing secondary education. The area's educational provision includes Macquarie Primary School and Canberra High School, serving a total of 1,148 students as of the latest data. The area demonstrates above-average socio-educational conditions with an ICSEA score of 1091. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between one primary and one secondary institution. As of 2021, the area functions as an education hub with 36.4 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.1, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 22 active stops operating within Macquarie, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 6 individual routes, collectively offering 528 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 179 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 24 weekly trips per 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is very high at approximately 57%, covering around 1,800 people. Mental health issues impact 10.1% of residents, while asthma affects 8.3%. Conversely, 66.5% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in the Australian Capital Territory. As of 2021, 18.2% of residents are aged 65 and over (574 people), which is higher than the 15.3% recorded in the 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 was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 31.9% born overseas and 26.2% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Macquarie, making up 36.9% of its population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented, comprising 0.2% compared to 0.1% across Australian Capital Territory.

The top three ancestry groups were English (23.2%), Australian (23.1%), and Other (13.1%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: French was overrepresented at 0.7% (vs regional 0.4%), Vietnamese at 1.8% (vs 1.2%), and Welsh at 0.7% (vs 0.6%).

Macquarie's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Macquarie's median age is 37 years, slightly older than the 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, higher than in the Australian Capital Territory, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 13.6%, lower than the territory's percentage. Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 17.3% to 19.4% of Macquarie's population, while the 35 to 44 cohort has decreased from 15.2% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic forecasts indicate that Macquarie's 45 to 54 age group is projected to increase by 84 people (22%), growing from 381 to 466 individuals. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 25-34 age cohorts.