North Mackay

North Mackay is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

The population of North Mackay statistical area (Lv2) was estimated at 6,333 as of November 2025, based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch's analysis. This figure represents an increase of 139 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,194. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 6,327 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 16 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 911 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, the North Mackay (SA2) is expected to increase by approximately 430 persons to reach a total population of 6,763 by 2041. This reflects an overall increase of around 6.7% in total over the 17-year period.

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

North Mackay has received approximately 9 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 47 homes. In FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded to date. The average annual increase in residents is estimated at 6.5 per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25. This supply lag suggests heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, with new homes valued at an average of $451,000.

Commercial approvals this year amount to $138,000, indicating the area's residential focus. Compared to the rest of Queensland, North Mackay has significantly lower development activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, with activity also under the national average, suggesting established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction comprises 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition of 77.0% houses. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 702 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Future projections indicate North Mackay will add approximately 425 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Future projections show North Mackay adding 425 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

North Mackay has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Six projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly. These include: The Market Andergrove Lakes, Mackay Port Access Bruce Highway to Mackay Slade Point Road Stage 1, Mackay Port Access Stage 1, and The Dunes Harbour Beach.

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

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North Mackay has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

North Mackay has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, predominantly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.5%.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 4.7%. As of September 2025, 3,252 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, slightly higher than Rest of Qld's 4.1%. Key industries for residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Notably, mining employs 2.5 times the regional average, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is below the state average at 0.7%.

Many residents commute outside North Mackay for work. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.7% and labour force grew by 4.3%, reducing unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and a slight rise in unemployment. Statewide, Queensland's employment contracted slightly (-0.01%) between November 2024 and November 2025, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, employment is forecast to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though growth rates vary by industry. Applying these national projections to North Mackay's current employment mix suggests local jobs could increase by 6.0% in five years and 12.9% in ten years. However, these estimates are illustrative and do not account for local population changes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in North Mackay is $54,531 and average income is $68,183. This contrasts with Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for North Mackay would be approximately $59,935 (median) and $74,940 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 46th percentile ($786 weekly), while household income is at the 26th percentile. Income brackets indicate that 30.2% of individuals earn between $1,500 and $2,999. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 26th percentile.

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

North Mackay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 76.6% houses and 23.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Mackay was at 28.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.7% and rented ones at 39.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,448, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent figure in North Mackay was $300, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, North Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,448 than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

North Mackay features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households comprise 61.8% of all households, including 21.5% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 38.2%, with lone person households at 34.3% and group households making up 3.8%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 15.5%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 12.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas comprise 8.2% and certificates make up 33.6%. Educational participation is high at 27.7%, including 10.2% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 24 active stops operating within North Mackay. These are mixed bus stops serviced by 5 routes, offering 346 weekly passenger trips. Accessibility is rated good with residents typically 248 meters from nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 49 daily trips across all routes, equating to approximately 14 weekly trips per stop.

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

North Mackay faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 54% (~3,433 people) have private health cover, compared to 58.1% in the rest of Queensland.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (9.5%) and mental health issues (9.2%). Around 63.1% report no medical ailments, lower than the 69.7% in the rest of Queensland. North Mackay has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 19.8% (1,253 people), compared to 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Senior health outcomes present challenges largely consistent with the overall population's health profile.

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

North Mackay's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.7% of its population being citizens born in Australia who spoke English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 56.0% of North Mackay's population, compared to 56.8% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups were English (29.6%), Australian (26.2%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notably, Maltese (1.8%) and German (4.6%) were slightly overrepresented compared to regional averages of 2.4% and 4.7%, respectively. Additionally, the representation of Australian Aboriginal ancestry was higher in North Mackay at 4.5%, compared to 3.6% regionally.

North Mackay's population is slightly older than the national pattern

North Mackay has a median age of 40, which is close to Rest of Qld's figure of 41 but exceeds the national norm of 38. The 25-34 age group makes up 16.9% of North Mackay's population compared to Rest of Qld. The 5-14 cohort represents 9.2%, which is less than Rest of Qld. According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group has grown from 14.5% to 16.9%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 11.4% to 9.2%, and the 45-54 group has dropped from 12.2% to 10.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests North Mackay's age profile will change significantly. The 25-34 group is projected to grow by 27% (290 people), reaching 1,361 from 1,070. Population declines are expected for the 5-14 and 55-64 cohorts.