West Mackay

An assessment of population growth drivers in West Mackay 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, the population of West Mackay is estimated at around 6,683 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 147 people (2.2%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,536 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,681, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,127 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for West Mackay was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 80.0% 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. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with West Mackay expected to expand by 559 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 8.6% in total over the 17 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates West Mackay averaged around 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past 5 financial years, totalling an estimated 48 homes. As of FY-26, 3 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 3.9 people moved to the area per dwelling built. This demand exceeds supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $244,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. Commercial approvals in FY-26 totalled $115,000, indicating a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, West Mackay shows substantially reduced construction activity (60.0% below the regional average per person) when measured against the Rest of Qld. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Additionally, this activity is under the national average, suggesting an established market with potential planning limitations. New development in West Mackay consists of 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% attached dwellings, marking a significant shift from existing housing patterns (currently 78.0% houses).

This expansion of medium-density options creates a mix of opportunities across price brackets. The location has approximately 891 people per dwelling approval, indicating an established market with population forecasts expecting West Mackay to gain 572 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

West Mackay has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 13 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives are Mackay Base Hospital Expansion, Mackay Technology Park, Mackay State Development Area, and Milton Precinct. The following details projects expected to have the greatest 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.

West Mackay ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

West Mackay has a skilled workforce with notable representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.1% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 1.7%.

As of June 2025, there were 3,562 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8%, below Rest of Qld's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was on par with Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training. The area had a particular employment specialization in mining, with an employment share of 2.8 times the regional level, while agriculture, forestry & fishing employed just 1.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%.

The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident indicated a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 1.7%, while labour force decreased by 0.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 2.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.8% and unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offer insight into potential future demand within West Mackay. These projections suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with local employment projected to increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, West Mackay had a median income among taxpayers of $58,138. The average income stood at $72,695. Nationally, these figures are high compared to Rest of Qld's median and average incomes of $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates for West Mackay would be approximately $66,272 (median) and $82,865 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that incomes in West Mackay cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 32.3% of the community, with 2,158 individuals falling into this category. This is consistent with broader trends across the region, where 31.7% fall into the same category. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other expenses in West Mackay. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in West Mackay, as per the latest Census, consisted of 77.8% houses and 22.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 85.1% houses and 14.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in West Mackay was at 30.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 35.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,595, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in West Mackay was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $340. Nationally, West Mackay's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,595 than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.0% of all households, including 25.3% couples with children, 26.7% couples without children, and 10.1% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 37.0%, with lone person households at 32.7% and group households comprising 4.3%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.6.

West Mackay shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

West Mackay has a higher proportion of university degree holders among residents aged 15 and above at 20.8% compared to Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for further educational development and skills enhancement in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 8.7% and certificates at 31.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 28.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 4.6% pursuing tertiary education. West Mackay's three schools have a combined enrollment of 1,706 students as of the latest data. The area has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1008) with balanced educational opportunities. Education provision is balanced with two primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School capacity exceeds typical residential needs, with 25.5 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.1, suggesting that West Mackay serves as an educational center for the broader region.

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

Transport analysis indicates 18 operational transport stops in West Mackay, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by two distinct routes, offering a total of 195 weekly passenger trips. Transport access is deemed good, with residents situated an average of 241 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 27 trips per day across all routes, translating to about 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in West Mackay is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

West Mackay faces significant health challenges, with a substantially higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to the average.

This is particularly true for older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover in West Mackay is high at approximately 56% of the total population (~3,743 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.4% and 8.4% of residents respectively. In contrast, 66.0% of residents report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 69.7% across the rest of Queensland. West Mackay has a higher proportion of seniors, with 20.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,376 people), compared to 16.2% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

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

West Mackay had a cultural diversity index below average, with 84.5% citizens, 84.2% born in Australia, and 89.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 63.9%, compared to 56.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (28.1%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Maltese (3.1%) was overrepresented compared to the regional average of 2.4%, as were Filipino (3.6%) and German (4.1%).

West Mackay hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in West Mackay is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but higher than Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, the 85+ cohort is over-represented at 4.0% locally while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.5%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 15-24 age group has grown from 11.2% to 12.7%, and the 25-34 cohort increased from 12.0% to 13.4%. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.6%, and the 85+ group dropped from 5.3% to 4.0%. By 2041, West Mackay's population is forecasted to see significant demographic changes. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 241 people (27%), from 895 to 1,137. Meanwhile, the 55-64 and 5-14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.