South Mackay

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, South Mackay's population is estimated at around 7,196 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 278 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,918 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 7,196, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 1 validated new address since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 979 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the suburb was primarily driven by natural growth that contributed approximately 52.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, over this period, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the suburb's population expected to decline by 378 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to expand by 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 had minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually over the past five years, totalling 10. This low level of development is typical in rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. It is important to note that yearly growth figures can vary considerably due to the small number of approvals.

South Mackay has much lower development activity compared to Rest of Qld and nationally. Recent building activity consists solely of standalone homes, reflecting the area's rural character where larger properties are typical. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (73.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. The location has approximately 7155 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Population projections show stability or decline in South Mackay, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

South Mackay has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely impacting the region. Major initiatives comprise Milton Precinct, Mackay Airport Expansion, Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, and Great Barrier Reef Arena Redevelopment. The following details projects likely 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates South Mackay maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

South Mackay has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, particularly in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.9% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.1%.

This is below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%, but above its workforce participation rate of 65.7%. Only 0.2% fewer residents were unemployed compared to Rest of Qld. Census data shows that 3.8% of residents worked from home, with Covid-19 lockdown impacts considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

South Mackay has a strong specialization in mining, employing 2.3 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 0.8% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by the working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.1%, while labour force grew by 4.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that South Mackay's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.8% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows South Mackay's median income among taxpayers is $54,878, with an average of $68,618. This is slightly above the national average and compares to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for South Mackay would be approximately $60,316 (median) and $75,418 (average) as of September 2025. 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 (2,453 people), aligning with the broader area where this cohort likewise 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 structure, as per the latest Census, was 73.4% houses and 26.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Mackay was 27.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.9% and rented ones at 39.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,500, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in South Mackay was $290, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, South Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,500 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 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 account for the remaining 37.2%, with lone person households making up 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 2.5.

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 indicates a need 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 them - advanced diplomas at 7.7% and certificates at 34.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.7% in primary education, 8.1% in secondary education, and 3.5% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Analysis shows 25 active public transport stops in South Mackay, served by four routes offering 222 weekly passenger trips. These stops are predominantly bus services. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 246 meters, indicating good accessibility. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 3.8% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 31 trips per day, equating to approximately 8 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

South Mackay faces significant health challenges, according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is prevalent at approximately 54% of the total population (~3,913 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 8.5% and 8.5% of residents respectively. However, 66.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the Rest of Qld. Working-age residents show a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions than average. The area has 19.0% of residents aged 65 and over (1,367 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in the Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 Australian citizens and 83.9% born in Australia. English was spoken at home by 90.0% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 59.8% of South Mackay's population compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (27.5%), English (27.3%), and Irish (8.4%). Notably, Filipino representation was higher at 4.3% in South Mackay compared to 0.9% regionally, Maltese at 1.4% versus 0.4%, and New Zealand at 0.9%.

South Mackay's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in South Mackay is 38 years, which is slightly below Rest of Qld's average of 41 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 16.4% of South Mackay's population, higher than Rest of Qld's percentage. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort comprises 10.5%, lower than Rest of Qld's figure. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 25 to 34 age group increased from 13.8% to 16.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 12.4% to 10.5%. The 55 to 64 group also dropped from 13.5% to 12.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for South Mackay. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 11%, reaching 1,305 people from 1,180. The combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are anticipated to experience population declines.