Mount Pleasant (Mackay - Qld)

Mount Pleasant has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Mount Pleasant (Mackay - Qld)'s population is estimated at around 4,810 as of May 2026. This reflects an increase of 116 people from the 2021 Census figure of 4,694 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of a resident population of 4,762 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 4 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,262 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 39.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

All drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilized, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is projected for the suburb of Mount Pleasant (Mackay - Qld), with an expected expansion by 995 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 19.7% over the 16 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Mount Pleasant recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Mount Pleasant has seen approximately 10 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 50 homes have been approved over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with an additional 15 approved so far in FY26. Each year, around 4.3 people move to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This significant demand outpaces supply, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. Developers focus on the premium market, with new homes averaging $787,000 in construction cost value. Mount Pleasant has seen $5.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, reflecting its primarily residential nature. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Mount Pleasant has about two-thirds the rate of new dwelling approvals per person.

Nationally, it ranks around the 37th percentile, indicating relatively constrained buyer choice and supporting interest in existing dwellings. This is below the national average, suggesting an established area with potential planning limitations. New building activity shows 92% detached dwellings and 8% attached dwellings, maintaining Mount Pleasant's traditional suburban character focused on family homes. With around 463 people per approval, it indicates a mature market. Population forecasts estimate Mount Pleasant will gain 947 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Mount Pleasant 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 has identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable initiatives include Mackay Port Access Bruce Highway to Mackay Slade Point Road Stage 1, Magpies Sporting Club Redevelopment, Mackay Educational Precinct, and Mackay Ring Road - Stage Two. Relevant projects are detailed below.

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

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The labour market strength in Mount Pleasant positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Mount Pleasant has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.2% as of December 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.2%.

By December 2025, 2,485 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 1.9% below Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Mount Pleasant was on par with Regional Qld's 64.5%. According to Census responses, 6.9% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors included health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training.

Mining employed 3.4 times more residents than the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 0.7%, below Regional Qld's 4.5%. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 4.2% while labour force grew by 4.7%, raising unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld saw employment rise by 0.7%, labour force grow by 1.0%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Mount Pleasant's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Mount Pleasant is $54,301 and average income is $67,933. These figures are similar to national averages. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,470 (median) and $75,650 (average). The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Mount Pleasant are at the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 30.5% of locals (1,467 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, which is similar to the metropolitan region's pattern. After housing expenses, 85.7% of income remains for other expenses. Mount Pleasant's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

Mount Pleasant is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Mount Pleasant's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 92.7% houses and 7.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Mount Pleasant stood at 37.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 37.1% and rented ones at 25.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,668, exceeding Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Mount Pleasant was $390, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Mount Pleasant's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Mount Pleasant has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 69.3% of all households, including 27.5% couples with children, 31.1% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 2.8% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Mount Pleasant aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate, at 20.3%, is significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 15.0% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.2% of residents aged 15+ possessing them, including advanced diplomas (8.7%) and certificates (30.5%). Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.4% in primary, 9.1% in secondary, and 3.9% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.1% in secondary education, and 3.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Mount Pleasant has 14 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by six different routes that together facilitate 553 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents being an average of 334 meters away from the nearest stop. Most Mount Pleasant residents commute outside the area, and cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 96%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 6.9% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 79 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

Mount Pleasant's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Mount Pleasant's health data shows positive outcomes, aligning with national benchmarks for mortality rates and health conditions.

Common health issues are seen across both young and old age groups, with a high private health cover rate of approximately 54% (2,603 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.3%) and mental health issues (7.0%). A majority, 67.8%, report no medical ailments, comparable to Regional Qld's 67.6%. Under-65 residents have better-than-average health outcomes. Mount Pleasant has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 24.7% (1,188 people), compared to Regional Qld's 20.4%. Senior health outcomes are above average and in line with national rankings for the general population.

Mount Pleasant ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Mount Pleasant had a cultural diversity index below average, with 88.1% of its population being Australian citizens and 84.3% born in Australia. The majority spoke English only at home, totalling 91.1%. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 61.6%, compared to 52.2% regionally.

Ancestry-wise, English (28.5%) and Australian (26.9%) were the largest groups, followed by Scottish at 8.2%. Notably, Maltese representation was higher than average at 2.5%, Spanish at 0.6%, and South Australian at 0.7%.

Mount Pleasant's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in Mount Pleasant is 41 years, matching Regional Queensland's average and slightly older than Australia's average of 38 years. Compared to Regional Queensland, Mount Pleasant has a higher percentage of residents aged 75-84 (9.8%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 (9.6%). According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 15-24 increased from 10.1% to 11.6%, while the age group of 5-14 decreased from 13.7% to 12.5%. The 55-64 age group also declined, from 10.7% to 9.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Mount Pleasant's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 176 people and reaching a total of 648 from 471. Conversely, the 15-24 age group is projected to decline by 23 people.