North Maclean

An assessment of population growth drivers in North Maclean reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of North Maclean as of Feb 2026 is around 2,221. This reflects an increase of 640 people from the 2021 Census figure of 1,581, indicating a growth rate of 40.5%. AreaSearch's estimate of 1,773 residents in Jun 2024, combined with additional validated addresses since the Census date, suggests this increase. The population density is approximately 108 persons per square kilometer. North Maclean's growth since the 2021 Census exceeded both national (9.9%) and state averages, marking it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed around 87% of overall population gains during recent periods, with other factors such as natural growth and overseas migration also positive.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032. Future projections indicate exceptional growth, placing the suburb among the top 10% of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch. By 2041, North Maclean is expected to grow by 1,446 persons, reflecting a total increase of 65.8% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions North Maclean among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

North Maclean recorded approximately 18 residential properties granted approval per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Around 91 homes were approved in the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, with an additional 20 approved so far in FY26.

This results in an average of 9.1 new residents per year for every home built during this period. The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $395,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating a focus on quality construction. Compared to Greater Brisbane, North Maclean records markedly lower building activity, 59.0% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, with all recent approvals consisting entirely of detached dwellings. This maintains the area's traditional low density character and focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 80 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, North Maclean is expected to grow by 1,461 residents through to 2041 according to the latest 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.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 13 projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Flagstone Logistics Estate, Everleigh Estate, Everleigh Estate by Mirvac, and Flagstone Master Planned Community. The following 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.

The employment landscape in North Maclean shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

North Maclean has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 4.7% and estimated employment growth of 3.3% in the past year (AreaSearch). As of September 2025, 1,137 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is 0.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is high at 82.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 17.1% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. North Maclean specializes in construction, with an employment share twice the regional level.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 10.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 16.1%. Local employment opportunities seem limited, as indicated by Census working population versus resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 3.3% while labour force grew by 3.0%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 3.8% and a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest North Maclean's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 shows that North Maclean has a median income of $43,312 and an average income of $49,342. This is below Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2023 to September 2025 (an increase of 9.91%), the estimated current median income in North Maclean is approximately $47,604, with an average income of around $54,232. Census data indicates that individual incomes are at the 15th percentile ($630 weekly), while household incomes rank at the 48th percentile. Income brackets show that 36.2% of locals (804 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort also represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in North Maclean, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile.

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

North Maclean's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 99.0% houses and 1.0% other types (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Maclean stood at 33.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented ones at 22.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, lower than Brisbane's average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in North Maclean was $450, higher than Brisbane's $380 but below the national average of $375. Nationally, North Maclean's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

North Maclean features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 79.8% of all households, including 35.0% couples with children, 28.1% couples without children, and 16.0% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 20.2%, consisting of 14.9% lone person households and 4.8% group households. The median household size is 3.0 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.1%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.7%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.6%. Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (32.0%). Educational participation is high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes secondary education (9.2%), primary education (8.7%), and tertiary education (3.0%).

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

North Maclean has eight active public transport stops, all bus services. These are covered by two routes offering a total of 244 weekly passenger trips. Residents' access to transport is limited, with an average distance of 955 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 2.3 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm.

In 2021 Census data, 17.1% of residents worked from home, potentially due to COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 34 trips per day across all routes, equating to around 30 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in North Maclean is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

North Maclean faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47% of the total population (~1,038 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are asthma (10.5%) and arthritis (9.0%), while 64.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.0% of residents aged 65 and over (355 people), with national rankings even higher than the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, North Maclean records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

North Maclean's population, born in Australia, is 81.3%, with 90.3% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. These figures align with the wider region's averages. Christianity is the predominant religion in North Maclean, comprising 46.5% of its population.

However, there is an overrepresentation in the 'Other' category, which makes up 1.7% compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.2%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (7.6%). Notably, Welsh (0.9%) is overrepresented compared to the regional average of 0.5%. Similarly, New Zealand (1.2%) and Vietnamese (1.0%) have higher representation in North Maclean than in Greater Brisbane (1.0% and 0.8%, respectively).

North Maclean's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in North Maclean was 40 years, which was higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and slightly exceeded the national average of 38. The 55-64 age cohort was notably over-represented at 12.6% locally, while the 25-34 year-olds were under-represented at 12.2%. Post-2021 Census data showed a decrease in median age to 40 from 41. The 5-14 age group grew from 12.3% to 14.2%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 10.6% to 12.2%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group declined from 11.3% to 9.5%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 15.5% to 14.1%. By 2041, North Maclean is expected to see significant shifts in its age composition, with the 45-54 group projected to grow by 87% (272 people), reaching 586 from 313.