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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, North Maclean's population is estimated at around 2,180 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 599 people (37.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,581 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,773 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 106 persons per square kilometer. North Maclean's growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.7%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data are applied where utilised. Exceptional growth, placing North Maclean in the top 10 percent of national areas, is predicted over the period with the area expected to expand by 1,456 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 69.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows North Maclean had approximately 18 residential properties approved annually on average over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 91 homes. As of FY26, 20 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 9.1 people moved to the area each year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating high demand outstripping new supply.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $395,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments. Compared to Greater Brisbane, North Maclean has significantly lower building activity, with 59.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new construction typically supports demand and pricing for existing homes, though recent years have seen increased activity. All approved constructions since FY21 are standalone homes, maintaining the area's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

With approximately 80 people moving in per approval, North Maclean reflects a developing area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the population is projected to grow by 1,512 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag behind population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

North Maclean 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 13 projects likely influencing the area. Key projects include Flagstone Logistics Estate, Everleigh Estate, Everleigh Estate by Mirvac, and Flagstone Master Planned Community. The following list 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.

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

North Maclean's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent with an unemployment rate of 4.7% and estimated employment growth of 3.3% over the past year, as per AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 1,141 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, 0.7% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 59.5% compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Employment is concentrated in construction, retail trade, and health care & social assistance. Construction has a strong presence with an employment share twice the regional level.

Health care & social assistance has limited presence at 10.9%, compared to the regional rate of 16.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.3% and labour force grew by 3.0%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane, employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from QLD to November 25 shows employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to North Maclean's employment mix suggests local employment should grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023, North Maclean had a median income among taxpayers of $43,312 and an average income of $49,342. This is lower than the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for North Maclean as of September 2025 is approximately $47,604, with average income estimated at $54,232. Census 2021 data shows individual incomes in the suburb lag at the 15th percentile ($630 weekly), while household income performs better at the 48th percentile. Income distribution reveals that 36.2% of North Maclean's population (789 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, aligning with the broader area where this cohort 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 dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 97.3% houses and 2.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in North Maclean was at 33.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 44.2% and rented ones at 22.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,820, below Brisbane metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in North Maclean was $450, higher than Brisbane metro's $390. Nationally, mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863, while rents were substantially higher at $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 20.2%, with lone person households at 14.9% and group households comprising 4.8% of the total. The median household size is 3.0 people, smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.2.

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 most common at 7.7%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, 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, comprising 9.2% in secondary, 8.7% in primary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.2% in secondary education, 8.7% in primary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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 of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two different routes that together facilitate 244 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is limited, with residents typically located 955 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 34 trips per day across both routes, equating to approximately 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, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 47%, covering about 1,019 people, compared to 50.6% across Greater Brisbane and the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 10.5% and 9.0% of residents respectively, while 64.1% report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.6% across Greater Brisbane.

The area has 15.7% of residents aged 65 and over (342 people), which is higher than the 11.4% in Greater Brisbane.

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, was 81.3%, with 90.3% being citizens, and 89.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 46.5%. The 'Other' category showed overrepresentation at 1.7%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 1.0%.

Top ancestry groups were English (32.2%), Australian (28.0%), and Irish (7.6%). Notably, Welsh (0.9% vs regional 0.4%), New Zealand (1.2% vs 1.6%), and Vietnamese (1.0% vs 0.2%) showed significant divergences in representation compared to the wider region.

North Maclean's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in North Maclean is 40 years, which is higher than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and slightly exceeds the national average of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, the 55-64 age group makes up 12.6% of North Maclean's population, while the 35-44 age group constitutes 12.0%. Post-2021 Census data indicates a decrease in median age from 41 years to 40 years. The 25-34 age group grew from 10.6% to 12.8%, and the 5-14 age group increased from 12.3% to 13.9%. Conversely, the 65-74 age group declined from 11.3% to 9.5%, and the 45-54 age group decreased from 15.5% to 14.2%. By 2041, North Maclean's demographic is expected to shift significantly. The 45-54 age group is projected to grow by 90%, reaching 587 people from 309. In contrast, the 85+ age group shows minimal growth of just 0%, remaining at 21 people.