South Mackay

South Mackay has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

As of Nov 2025, South Mackay's population is estimated at around 7,198, reflecting an increase of 280 people since the 2021 Census. The suburb had a population of 6,918 in 2021. This growth represents a 4.0% increase and is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 7,196 residents following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with an additional two validated new addresses since the Census date. South Mackay's population density ratio is 979 persons per square kilometer, relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The suburb's 4.0% growth positions it within 2.6 percentage points of the SA3 area's 6.6% growth. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.0% 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 from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 378 persons by 2041. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow, led by the 25 to 34 age group with an anticipated increase of 233 people.

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

South Mackay has had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 11. This low level of development is characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It should be noted that yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects due to such low approval numbers.

South Mackay has much lower development activity compared to the rest of Queensland, with this activity level also below national patterns. Recent building activity in the area consists entirely of standalone homes, reflecting its rural character where larger properties and space are typical. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (73.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 7155 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

With population projections showing stability or decline, South Mackay should see reduced housing demand pressures in the future, benefiting potential buyers.

South Mackay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified eight projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones are Milton Precinct, Mackay Airport Expansion, Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, and Great Barrier Reef Arena Redevelopment. The following details these projects in order of potential relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis places South Mackay well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

South Mackay has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, notably in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.8% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.3% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 3769 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.2%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 62.2%, similar to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

South Mackay has a strong specialization in mining, with an employment share 2.3 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities may be limited locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.3%, while labour force decreased by 0.4%, causing a fall in unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.8% and labour force growth of 2.0%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within South Mackay. These projections estimate national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to South Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years.

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 2022 shows South Mackay's median income among taxpayers is $54,878. The average income in the area is $68,618. Nationally, the average income is lower. Rest of Qld has a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $62,555 (median) and $78,218 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in South Mackay rank modestly, between the 34th and 47th percentiles. Income distribution shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 34.1% of residents (2,454 people), similar to the broader area where this cohort represents 31.7%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in South Mackay, with only 84.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 35th percentile.

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

South Mackay's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 73.4% houses and 26.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Mackay stood at 27.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in South Mackay was $290, lower than Non-Metro Qld's $340 and the national average of $375. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863.

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

Family households account for 62.8% of all households, including 23.1% couples with children, 24.6% couples without children, and 13.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households at 33.9% and group households comprising 3.4%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 13.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (34.5%).

Educational participation is high at 28.0%, including 10.7% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education. South Mackay's 3 schools have a combined enrollment of 1,574 students, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 992) indicating balanced educational opportunities. School capacity exceeds residential needs at 21.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.1, suggesting the area serves as an educational center for the broader region. Note: if schools show 'n/a' for enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

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

Transport analysis shows 26 active stops operating in South Mackay, served by buses. These are covered by four routes offering 222 weekly passenger trips. Residents have good accessibility, being typically 239 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 31 trips daily across all routes, equating to around eight weekly trips per individual stop.

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

South Mackay faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54%, covering about 3914 people, compared to 57.0% across the rest of Queensland.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 8.5% of residents respectively. About 66.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.7% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 18.7% of residents aged 65 and over, totaling 1346 people, which is higher than the 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

South Mackay's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 85.0% of its population being citizens, 83.9% born in Australia, and 90.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in South Mackay, making up 59.8% of people, compared to 56.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (27.5%), English (27.3%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Filipino representation is higher at 4.3%, Maltese is lower at 1.4%, and New Zealand representation is slightly higher at 0.9%.

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

The median age in South Mackay is 39 years, which is lower than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 but close to the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 25-34 are prominent at 15.8%, while those aged 45-54 are less prevalent at 10.7% compared to Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and present, the 25-34 age group has increased from 13.8% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 12.4% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that the 25-34 age group will increase by 167 people (15%), reaching 1,305 from an initial 1,137. Meanwhile, both the 65-74 and 35-44 age groups are projected to decrease in number.