Macquarie Hills

Population growth drivers in Macquarie Hills 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 Macquarie Hills is estimated at around 3,664 people. This reflects an increase of 59 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,605 people. The current resident population estimate of 3,610 is based on AreaSearch's analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,565 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Macquarie Hills has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%, outperforming the SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including overseas migration and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, 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. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with Macquarie Hills expected to increase by 664 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 16.6% over the 17 years.

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

Macquarie Hills had six dwelling approvals annually over five years, ending 2021. This low development activity reflects the area's rural nature, with housing needs driving development rather than broad market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly influence annual growth statistics.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Macquarie Hills has much lower development activity. By 2041, Macquarie Hills' population is forecasted to increase by 610 residents, according to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

Four projects may significantly affect the area's performance: Glendale City Centre Expansion, Lake Macquarie Bridge Replacement Program, Garden Suburb, Lake Macquarie Modular Social Housing.

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

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AreaSearch assessment positions Macquarie Hills ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Macquarie Hills has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 3.0% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.7%. As of December 2025, 2148 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.9% lower than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation was high at 78.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%. According to Census responses, 26.2% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training. Finance & insurance had notably high employment levels at 2.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed only 0.3% of local workers, below Regional NSW's 5.3%.

The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities. In the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 0.7%, and labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasted with Regional NSW, where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that Macquarie Hills' employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023 shows Macquarie Hills had median taxpayer income of $65,121 and average income of $77,469. These figures are high nationally compared to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% since financial year ended June 2023, estimated current incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $70,891 (median) and $84,333 (average). Census data from 2021 shows Macquarie Hills' household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 75th and 80th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 41.9% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 (1,535 individuals), similar to surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing accounts for 14.6% of income. Strong earnings place residents within the 81st percentile for disposable income and SEIFA income ranking places Macquarie Hills in the 6th decile.

Macquarie Hills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Macquarie Hills' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie Hills was at 29.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 57.3% and rented at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,000, higher than Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Macquarie Hills was $473, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Macquarie Hills' mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Macquarie Hills features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 84.7% of all households, including 43.2% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 11.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.3%, with lone person households at 13.4% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.9 people, which is larger than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

Macquarie Hills demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Macquarie Hills residents aged 15+ with university degrees (23.0%) trail NSW's average (32.2%). This disparity suggests potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common (16.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.6% of residents holding them – advanced diplomas at 11.7%, certificates at 30.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 29.8% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (10.7%), secondary (7.9%), and tertiary (3.6%).

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

Macquarie Hills has 34 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 11 different routes that together facilitate 316 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 117 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most people commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transport at 97%. On average, there are 1.8 vehicles per dwelling in Macquarie Hills, higher than the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 26.2% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 45 trips per day, which works out to approximately 9 weekly trips per stop.

Macquarie Hills's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Macquarie Hills' health metrics closely align with national benchmarks, according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 58% (~2,107 people) have private health cover, higher than Regional NSW's 51.9%. Mental health issues impact 10.5% of residents, while asthma affects 9.3%, making them the most common conditions in the area. About 67.2% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Health outcomes among the working-age population are generally typical. The area has 11.8% (432 people) aged 65 and over, lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. National rankings for health outcomes are broadly in line with the general population.

Macquarie Hills is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Macquarie Hills, surveyed in June 2016, had a low cultural diversity with 90.9% of its population born in Australia, 94.7% being citizens, and 94.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 53.2%. This figure is slightly lower than the Regional NSW average of 55.9%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.0%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, Welsh (0.8%) and Polish (0.9%) populations were higher than regional averages of 0.5% each. Macedonian ancestry was comparable at 0.4%.

Macquarie Hills's population is younger than the national pattern

Macquarie Hills has a median age of 34, which is lower than Regional NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Macquarie Hills at 16.9%, compared to the Regional NSW average. Meanwhile, the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 7.5%. Between 2021 and present, the population aged 35-44 has grown from 15.1% to 16.8%, while those aged 25-34 increased from 15.4% to 16.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group declined from 9.7% to 8.1%, and the 65-74 age group dropped from 8.9% to 7.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Macquarie Hills' age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 cohort is projected to expand by 216 people (35%), from 619 to 836. Conversely, the 15-24 and 65-74 age groups are expected to decrease in number.