South Maclean

South Maclean lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of South Maclean as of May 2026 is around 3,650. This reflects a growth of 1,418 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,232. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 3,487 following examination of ABS ERP data released in June 2025 and an additional 764 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 206 persons per square kilometer. South Maclean's growth rate of 63.5% since the 2021 census exceeds both national (9.3%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader regionally. Interstate migration contributed approximately 85.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. Exceptional growth is predicted for South Maclean over the period to 2041, with an expected increase of 1,858 persons reflecting a total increase of 46.4%.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in South Maclean shows around 129 residential properties granted approval per year. Between financial years FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 645 homes were approved, with an additional 133 approved so far in FY-26.

On average, each dwelling constructed over the past five financial years accommodates about 1.2 new residents annually. The average construction value of these properties is $395,000, which is moderately above regional levels. Compared to Greater Brisbane, South Maclean has 103.0% more building activity per person. Recent construction comprises 99.0% standalone homes and 1.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character. There are approximately 13 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market.

By 2041, South Maclean is projected to grow by 1,695 residents based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Current development patterns suggest that new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

South 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 has identified 20 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Flagstone Community Hub, Pebble Creek, Flourish Estate, and Flagstone City. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

South Maclean has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue-collar jobs. The construction sector is prominent, with an unemployment rate of 3.1% and stable employment over the past year, as per AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 1,687 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate 1.0% lower than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Workforce participation is 63.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. Census responses show 14.5% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries include construction, health care & social assistance, and manufacturing. Construction employment is notably high, at 1.8 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical jobs are lower at 4.1%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.3% and employment fell by 0.4%, with unemployment remaining largely unchanged. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's employment growth of 3.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest overall employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to South Maclean's employment mix indicates local employment could grow by 5.9% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

South Maclean suburb had its income level below national average in latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers was $52,813 and average income stood at $60,049, compared to Greater Brisbane's figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. As of March 2026, current estimates would be approximately $58,813 (median) and $66,871 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, household income ranked at the 69th percentile ($2,061 weekly), while personal income was at the 45th percentile. The largest segment comprised 40.2% earning $1,500 - $2,999 weekly (1,467 residents), mirroring regional levels where 33.3% occupied this bracket. High housing costs consumed 16.0% of income, but strong earnings placed disposable income at the 69th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

South Maclean's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 99.6% houses and 0.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in South Maclean was 27.4%, similar to Brisbane metro, with the rest being mortgaged (60.2%) or rented (12.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in South Maclean was $1,950, above Brisbane's $1,863 average. Weekly rent median was $470, compared to Brisbane's $380. Nationally, South Maclean's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 85.2% of all households, including 40.5% couples with children, 30.6% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 14.8%, with lone person households at 12.4% and group households making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

The educational profile of South Maclean exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 12.3%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 9.0%, followed by graduate diplomas at 1.8% and postgraduate qualifications at 1.5%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 34.9%. Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.5% in primary, 10.7% in secondary, and 3.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 10.7% in secondary education, and 3.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

South Maclean has four 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 area's transport accessibility is limited, with residents on average located 1151 meters from the nearest stop. As it is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transportation at 93%. On average, there are 2.4 vehicles per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 14.5% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 34 trips per day, equating to approximately 61 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

South 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.

Private health cover is relatively low, at approximately 51% of the total population (~1,861 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane. The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 9.1 and 8.7% of residents respectively, while 67.0% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 13.6% of residents aged 65 and over (496 people), which is lower than the 15.1% in Greater Brisbane. National rankings for the area are broadly in line with the general population.

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

South Maclean had a cultural diversity level below average, with 88.6% of its population being citizens, 83.7% born in Australia, and 93.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 48.2% of South Maclean's population. Notably, the 'Other' category comprised 1.1%, compared to 1.3% across Greater Brisbane.

Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.9%), Australian (27.4%), and Irish (8.9%). Some ethnic groups had notable differences: New Zealand was overrepresented at 1.3% (vs regional 1.0%), Russian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%), and German at 4.7% (vs 4.2%).

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

South Maclean has a median age of 38, which is slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's figure of 36 but equal to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group makes up 13.8% of South Maclean's population, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 25-34 cohort constitutes only 9.3%. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of the population aged 15-24 has increased from 13.5% to 14.6%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 45-54 has decreased from 14.9% to 13.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in South Maclean's age structure. Notably, the 45-54 group is expected to grow by 66%, adding 326 people to reach a total of 823 from its current figure of 496.