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

As of Feb 2026, the population of Macquarie Fields is estimated at around 14,380. This reflects an increase of 357 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,023. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 14,302 in Jun 2024, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 73 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,051 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 59.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the suburb is projected to expand by 615 persons based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of approximately 3.7% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, Macquarie Fields has experienced around 42 dwelling approvals per year. Approximately 210 homes were approved between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 26 approved in FY-26 to date. On average, 0.1 new residents arrive per new home annually over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $326,000. In FY-26, $69,000 in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential nature. Comparatively, Macquarie Fields has shown substantially reduced construction compared to Greater Sydney, with 55.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings.

Additionally, it is lower than the national average, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent construction in Macquarie Fields comprises 71.0% standalone homes and 29.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. The location has approximately 386 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established area. Looking ahead, Macquarie Fields is projected to grow by 537 residents by 2041, according to 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 likely to affect the 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 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 drivers in Macquarie Fields are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Macquarie Fields has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 9.4% as of December 2025. There was an estimated employment growth of 6.4% over the past year based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 6,269 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 5.3%, above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation lagged at 61.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%. A high 26.7% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

The area had particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.8 times the regional level. Professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 6.4% of Macquarie Fields's workforce compared to 11.5% in Greater Sydney. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 6.4% while labour force increased by 7.1%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.6 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.2% and labour force growth of 2.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Macquarie Fields. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. 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.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Macquarie Fields had a median income among taxpayers of $46,066 and an average income of $52,063. These figures are lower than the national averages of $60,817 and $83,003 in Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $50,147 (median) and $56,676 (average). Census 2021 data indicates household income ranks at the 26th percentile ($1,374 weekly), with personal income at the 10th percentile. The largest income bracket comprises 33.4% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (4,802 residents), similar to broader trends in the area showing 30.9% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.7% of income remaining after housing costs, 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' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 70.2% houses and 29.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Sydney metro's figures of 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie Fields stood at 21.5%, with mortgaged properties at 34.4% and rented ones at 44.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,800, lower than Sydney metro's $2,427. Median weekly rent in the area was $340, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Macquarie Fields' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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, 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 most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 29.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 20.6%. Educational participation is high, with 34.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 12.7% in primary, 10.0% in secondary, and 5.1% in 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 located 140 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential region, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation, used by 75% of residents, while 18% use trains. On average, there is one vehicle per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 26.7% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 119 trips per day, equating to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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 completed on 28th February 2021. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were notable across both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover was very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~6,843 people), compared to 59.9% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and asthma, affecting 8.0% and 7.7% of residents respectively, while 69.9% reported being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents had an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (2,300 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 a high level of cultural diversity, with 43.5% of its population born overseas and 47.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Macquarie Fields, making up 43.5% of the population. Islam is significantly overrepresented compared to the Greater Sydney average, comprising 18.1% of Macquarie Fields' population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are 'Other', Australian, and English, with percentages of 27.1%, 17.8%, and 15.6% respectively. Notably, Samoan, Spanish, and Indian ethnic groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages, at 3.4%, 0.8%, and 6.8% respectively.

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

Macquarie Fields's median age is nearly 36 years, close to Greater Sydney's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Sydney, Macquarie Fields has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 (15.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (11.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the population aged 15-24 has grown from 12.9% to 14.6%, while the 75-84 age group has increased from 4.2% to 5.7%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 12.8% to 11.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Macquarie Fields's age profile. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 25%, adding 436 residents to reach 2,191. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 63% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups are projected to experience population declines.