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

As of Feb 2026, the population of West Mackay is estimated at around 6,678, reflecting an increase of 142 people since the 2021 Census. This increase corresponds to a growth rate of approximately 2.2%. The latest estimate was made by AreaSearch following examination of the ABS's ERP data release from June 2024 and address validation post-Census date. This population density results in around 1,126 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 80% 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 and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 are used, based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, West Mackay's population is projected to expand by 554 persons, reflecting an overall gain of approximately 8.6% over the 17-year period.

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 shows West Mackay averaging approximately 9 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 48 homes. As of FY26, 4 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 3.9 people moving to the area per dwelling built yearly between FY21 and FY25, indicating demand significantly exceeds supply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $244,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options.

Commercial approvals this financial year totalled $115,000, reflecting a predominantly residential focus. Comparatively, West Mackay shows substantially reduced construction activity when measured against the Rest of Qld, with 60.0% fewer approvals per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established properties. Additionally, this activity is below the national average, indicating an established market and suggesting potential planning limitations. New development in West Mackay consists of approximately 56.0% detached houses and 44.0% attached dwellings, showing an expanding range of medium-density options. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns, currently at 78.0% houses, possibly due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

The location has approximately 891 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market with population forecasts indicating West Mackay will gain around 575 residents by 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

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

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

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Employment conditions in West Mackay demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

West Mackay has a skilled workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 2.9% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.7% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of that date, 3600 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate 1.2% below Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation was on par with Rest of Qld's 65.7%. Census responses indicated that only 4.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, mining, and education & training sectors. The area specializes particularly in mining employment, with a share of 2.8 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs only 1.1% of local workers, below Rest of Qld's 4.5%. The ratio of 0.7 workers per resident, as at the Census, suggests a higher-than-average level of local employment opportunities. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.7% while labour force grew by 4.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points, contrasting with Rest of Qld where employment rose by 1.7%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to West Mackay's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and without considering localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2023 shows West Mackay had a median taxpayer income of $58,138 and an average of $72,695. Nationally, the averages were $53,146 and $66,593 respectively for Rest of Qld. By September 2025, estimates suggest median and average incomes will be approximately $63,899 and $79,899 respectively, based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. West Mackay's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. Income distribution shows 32.3% (2,156 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 annually, similar to the region's 31.7%. After housing expenses, 85.9% of income remains for other costs. West Mackay's SEIFA income ranking is 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 evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 77.8% houses and 22.2% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The level of home ownership in West Mackay was slightly lower than that of Non-Metro Qld, at 30.4%. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (35.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,595, below the Non-Metro Qld average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, West Mackay's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

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

West Mackay has a higher proportion of residents with university degrees compared to the national average, with 20.8% holding such qualifications versus Australia's 30.4%. This indicates potential for further educational development and skill enhancement in the region. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.0%) and graduate diplomas (1.8%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 8.7% while certificates make up 31.0%.

Educational participation is high in West Mackay, 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.

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

Analysis of public transport in West Mackay shows 19 active transport stops operating, all serving buses. These stops are covered by four routes, offering a total of 240 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living 243 metres from the nearest stop. In this mainly residential area, most commuters travel outwards, primarily by car (91%), with 4% walking. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, only 4.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages 34 trips per day, equating to roughly 12 weekly trips per 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantially higher than average in this area, particularly amongst older age cohorts.

Approximately 56% (~3,740 people) of West Mackay's total population has private health cover, compared to 52.5% across the rest of Queensland. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, affecting 8.4% and 8.4% of residents respectively. However, 66.0% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% across the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among working-age individuals in West Mackay are generally typical. The area has a senior population of 20.9%, comprising 1,395 people. While health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, they rank lower nationally than those of 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 84.5% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (84.2%), and speaking English only at home (89.7%). The predominant religion in West Mackay is Christianity, comprising 63.9% of the population, compared to 52.2% across the rest of Queensland. The top three ancestry groups in West Mackay are English (28.1%), Australian (27.5%), and Irish (8.8%).

Notably, Maltese (3.1%) and Filipino (3.6%) populations are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.4% and 0.9%, respectively. Additionally, the German population is slightly higher at 4.1%.

West Mackay's median age exceeds the national pattern

The median age in West Mackay is 42 years, close to Rest of Qld's average of 41 years but above the Australian median of 38 years. The percentage of people aged 85 and over is notably higher in West Mackay at 4.1%, compared to Rest of Qld's average. Conversely, the proportion of 5-14 year-olds is lower at 10.0%. Between the 2021 Census and now, the population of 25 to 34-year-olds has grown from 12.0% to 13.9%, while the 15 to 24 age group increased from 11.2% to 12.8%. However, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.3%, and the 5-14 age group has dropped from 11.6% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for West Mackay in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 208 people, from 928 to 1,137, a growth of 22%. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.