Macquarie Fields

An assessment of population growth drivers in Macquarie Fields reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population of Macquarie Fields is estimated at around 14,464 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 441 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,023 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 14,370, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 71 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,063 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 59.0% 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, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. 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 612 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting recording a gain of 3.6% in total over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Macquarie Fields has experienced around 42 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 210 homes. So far in FY-26, 33 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.2 new residents arrive per year for each new home built between FY-21 and FY-25.

The supply of dwellings meets or exceeds demand, providing greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections. New properties are constructed at an average value of $326,000. There have been $69,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Macquarie Fields shows substantially reduced construction activity, with 54.0% fewer new dwellings per person on average. This limited supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties.

New building activity comprises 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature. The location has approximately 386 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Macquarie Fields will gain 518 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Macquarie Fields has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 15 projects that could affect this region. Notable projects include Macquarie Fields Station Upgrade, Macquarie Fields Precinct, Macquarie Fields Indoor Sports Centre Floor Replacement, and Atchison, Saywell and Parliament Roads Traffic Light Upgrade. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

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The labour market performance in Macquarie Fields lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Macquarie Fields has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 9.4% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 6.3%. As of December 2025, 6,265 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 5.3%, above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%.

Workforce participation was 61.0%, compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%. A high proportion of residents, 26.7%, worked from home, possibly influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.8 times the regional average. However, professional & technical services were under-represented, at 6.4% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

Local employment opportunities appeared limited, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, employment increased by 6.3% while labour force grew by 7.1%, raising the unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macquarie Fields's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Macquarie Fields has an income below the national average. The median income is $46,066 and the average income is $52,063. This contrasts with Greater Sydney's median income of $60,817 and average income of $83,003. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, estimates for March 2026 would be approximately $50,820 (median) and $57,436 (average). Census 2021 income data indicates that household income ranks at the 26th percentile ($1,374 weekly), while personal income is at the 10th percentile. The predominant income cohort in Macquarie Fields spans 33.4% of locals (4,830 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 20th percentile.

Macquarie Fields is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Macquarie Fields' latest Census data shows 70.2% houses and 29.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Sydney metro has 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie Fields is 21.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.4% and rented at 44.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,800, below Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in Macquarie Fields is $340, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, mortgage repayments average $1,863 and rents are $375.

Macquarie Fields has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 76.0% of all households, including 38.3% couples with children, 16.3% couples without children, and 19.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 24.0%, with lone person households at 21.9% and group households comprising 2.2%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Macquarie Fields fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 25.6%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (20.6%). Educational participation is high, with 34.4% currently enrolled in formal education: 12.7% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 5.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.7% in primary education, 10.0% in secondary education, and 5.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Macquarie Fields has 113 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 32 different routes that collectively facilitate 834 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 140 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 75%, while 18% use trains. On average, there is one car per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 26.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 119 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop. A map accompanies this analysis, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Macquarie Fields is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Macquarie Fields faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age cohorts exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover is notably low, at approximately 48% of the total population (~6,883 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 8.0% of residents) and asthma (7.7%), while 69.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 74.6%. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 15.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,285 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Macquarie Fields is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Macquarie Fields has high cultural diversity, with 43.5% of its population born overseas and 47.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Macquarie Fields, comprising 43.5% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Sydney's average, making up 18.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (27.1%), Australian (17.8%), and English (15.6%). Samoan, Spanish, and Indian ethnicities are notably higher than regional averages: Samoan at 3.4%, Spanish at 0.8%, and Indian at 6.8%.

Macquarie Fields's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Macquarie Fields's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is modestly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Macquarie Fields has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.3%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.9%). Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the population aged 15-24 increased from 12.9% to 14.3%, while the 75-84 age group grew from 4.2% to 5.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group decreased from 12.8% to 11.9%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Macquarie Fields's age profile by 2041. The 45-54 age cohort is expected to grow by 24%, adding 438 residents, reaching a total of 2,232. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 62% of population growth, reflecting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.