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

By analysing ABS population updates and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of November 2025, the Macquarie Hills statistical area (Lv2) had an estimated population of around 3,664. This figure reflects a rise of 59 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,605. AreaSearch's estimation is based on resident population data from June 2024 and address validation subsequent to the Census date. The population density ratio was approximately 1,565 persons per square kilometre, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the decade ending in 2025, Macquarie Hills demonstrated a compound annual growth rate of 0.6%, outperforming its SA3 region. Natural growth contributed around 52% to overall population gains during recent periods, with overseas and interstate migration also being positive factors.

AreaSearch utilises 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 from 2022 with a base year of 2021 are applied. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are used for all areas between 2032 and 2041. Future population trends project an above median growth for non-metropolitan areas nationally, with the Macquarie Hills (SA2) expected to increase by 693 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 20.6% over the 17-year period.

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 over five years, ending in 2019. This low development activity reflects its rural nature, with housing needs driving projects rather than broad market demand. The small sample size means annual growth can be substantially influenced by individual projects.

Compared to Rest of NSW and national averages, Macquarie Hills has much lower development activity. Recent developments have been entirely detached dwellings, suited for families seeking a rural lifestyle. With approximately 1852 people per dwelling approval, the market is highly mature. By 2041, Macquarie Hills' population is forecast to grow by 755 residents (AreaSearch 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects that may affect this region. Notable projects are Glendale City Centre Expansion, Lake Macquarie Bridge Replacement Program, Garden Suburb, and Lake Macquarie Modular Social Housing. The following details those likely most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Macquarie Hills demonstrate exceptional strength compared to most Australian markets

Macquarie Hills has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.6% as of an unspecified past year, with employment growth estimated at 3.2%.

By September 2025, the resident employment count was 2,175 and the unemployment rate was 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Macquarie Hills was higher at 72.1%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, construction, and education & training sectors. Finance & insurance has a significant presence with an employment share 2.5 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited representation at 0.3% compared to the regional 5.3%.

Over a 12-month period ending unspecified, employment increased by 3.2% and labour force by 3.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.5%, labour force fell by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National unemployment was higher at 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macquarie Hills' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

The suburb of Macquarie Hills has a high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Macquarie Hills is $65,121 and the average income stands at $77,469. This compares to figures for Rest of NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $70,891 (median) and $84,333 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Macquarie Hills, between the 75th and 80th percentiles nationally. The data shows 41.9% of the population (1,535 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, consistent with broader trends across the region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing accounts for 14.6% of income while strong earnings rank residents within the 81st percentile for disposable income and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

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

In Macquarie Hills, as per the latest Census, 98.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 2.0% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Non-Metro NSW's dwelling structure, which was 82.4% houses and 17.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macquarie Hills stood at 29.2%, with mortgaged properties at 57.3% and rented dwellings at 13.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's average. However, the median weekly rent was $473, higher than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $370. Nationally, Macquarie Hills' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher than 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, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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+ have lower university degree holders (23.0%) compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common (16.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.6% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (11.7%) and certificates (30.9%). Educational participation is high at 29.8%, with 10.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 7.9% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis of public transport in Macquarie Hills shows 34 active transport stops operating, all bus stops. These are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 316 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 117 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 45 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 9 weekly trips per stop.

Macquarie Hills's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Macquarie Hills residents show relatively positive health outcomes, with a low prevalence of common conditions among the general population, but higher than the national average for older and at-risk groups. Approximately 58% (2,107 people) have private health cover, compared to 54.4% in Rest of NSW.

Mental health issues affect 10.5% of residents, with asthma impacting 9.3%. Notably, 67.2% report being completely clear of medical ailments, higher than the 62.6% across Rest of NSW. The area has 11.6% (425 people) aged 65 and over, lower than the 21.4% in Rest of NSW.

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, as per the 2016 Census, 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 higher than the Rest of NSW average of 52.5%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (32.0%), English (29.5%), and Scottish (8.3%). Notably, Welsh (0.8% vs regional 0.6%), Polish (0.9% vs regional 0.7%), and Macedonian (0.4% vs regional 0.3%) groups were disproportionately represented in Macquarie Hills compared to the regional averages.

Macquarie Hills's population is younger than the national pattern

Macquarie Hills has a median age of 34, which is lower than Rest of NSW's figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. The 25-34 age group is over-represented in Macquarie Hills at 16.7%, compared to the Rest of NSW average. Conversely, the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 7.4%. From 2021 to present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.1% to 16.7%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 15.4% to 16.7%. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort declined from 9.7% to 8.2%, and the 65-74 group dropped from 8.9% to 7.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Macquarie Hills' age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 252 people (41%), growing from 611 to 864. In contrast, the 65-74 cohort is projected to grow by 0% (0 people).