Macedon

Population growth drivers in Macedon are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

Macedon's population, as of May 2026, is approximately 3,617 people. This figure represents an increase of 94 individuals since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 3,523. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,615 in June 2025 and the addition of 11 validated new addresses post-Census. This results in a density ratio of 49 persons per square kilometer. Overseas migration contributed approximately 62% to Macedon's recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Macedon is projected to have a population of 4,343 people, reflecting a 20% increase over the 16-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Macedon has recorded approximately five residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, 25 homes were approved, with three more approved in FY-26 so far. On average, 4.2 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years.

This significant demand exceeds new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $721,000, indicating a focus on premium segment upmarket properties by developers. In FY-26, $425,000 in commercial development approvals have been recorded, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Macedon has significantly less development activity, with 84.0% below the regional average per person.

This scarcity of new homes typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. Development activity is also lower than nationally, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's low density nature while attracting space-seeking buyers. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Macedon is projected to add 724 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Macedon has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects that could affect the region. Notable ones include Hanging Rock to Daylesford Shared Trail, Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct, Hamilton Road Reconstruction New Gisborne to Riddells Creek, and Gisborne Business Park Development. The following list details those 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 of employment trends sees Macedon performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Macedon has a highly educated workforce with professional services well represented. Its unemployment rate is 1.2%, lower than Greater Melbourne's 4.8%. As of December 2025, 2,028 residents are employed and the participation rate is similar to Greater Melbourne's 69.9%.

Census data shows 40.5% of residents work from home. Key employment sectors include professional & technical services, education & training, and health care & social assistance. Macedon specializes in education & training with an employment share 1.3 times the regional average. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 3.5%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 6.4%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by a lower working population than resident population ratio. Between December 2024 and December 2025, Macedon's labour force decreased by 0.7% and employment declined by 0.8%, keeping unemployment stable. In contrast, Greater Melbourne saw employment grow by 2.4%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Macedon's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.7% in five years and 13.6% in ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that Macedon SA2 has exceptionally high incomes nationally. The median income is $66,096 and the average income stands at $102,490. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $72,454 (median) and $112,350 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Macedon, between the 77th and 89th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that the $4000+ earnings band captures 27.7% of the community (1,001 individuals), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 32.8%. The substantial proportion of high earners (41.8% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Macedon. After housing costs, residents retain 87.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Macedon's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 98.0% houses and 2.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Macedon was 44.8%, with the rest being mortgaged (46.7%) or rented (8.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Macedon was $2,492, higher than Melbourne metro's $2,000. The median weekly rent in Macedon was $361, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Macedon's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 80.8% of all households, including 39.0% couples with children, 34.7% couples without children, and 6.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 19.2%, with lone person households at 17.4% and group households comprising 1.6%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

Macedon demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Macedon, 42.3% of residents aged 15 and above have university qualifications, exceeding the SA3 area's 27.7% and the SA4 region's 27.7%. This high educational attainment indicates a strong position for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 25.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (11.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 30.3% of residents aged 15 and above holding them – advanced diplomas at 12.4% and certificates at 17.9%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.4% in primary, 10.2% in secondary, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

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

Macedon has two operational public transport stops offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by four distinct routes, collectively facilitating 230 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents typically residing 1839 meters away from the nearest transport stop. As a predominantly residential zone, most inhabitants commute outward, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at 93%. Vehicle ownership averages 2.0 per dwelling, exceeding the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, 40.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency across all routes averages 32 trips per day, equating to approximately 115 weekly trips per individual stop.

Macedon's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Macedon, as assessed by AreaSearch using mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions have very low prevalence across all age groups. Private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 72% of the total population (2,615 people), compared to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 7.8% and 7.2% of residents respectively. 71.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Macedon has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.8%, compared to 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Macedon is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Macedon has a lower than average cultural diversity, with 84.1% of its population born in Australia, 90.1% being citizens, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Macedon, comprising 38.3% of the population. However, Buddhism is overrepresented, making up 0.8% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (29.2%), Australian (27.9%), and Irish (11.4%), all higher than regional averages. Notably, Dutch (2.1%) and Polish (1.1%) are overrepresented, as is Welsh (0.8%).

Macedon hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Macedon is 46 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and also exceeds the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Macedon has a notably higher proportion of individuals aged 45-54 (16.6%) but a lower proportion of those aged 25-34 (3.2%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the population aged 15-24 increased from 9.5% to 12.5%, while the 75-84 age group grew from 5.8% to 8.6%. Conversely, the 65-74 age cohort declined from 14.2% to 11.4% and the 25-34 group decreased from 5.6% to 3.2%. Population forecasts for Macedon in 2041 indicate significant demographic changes. The 45-54 age cohort is projected to grow by 206 people (34%), increasing from 601 to 808 individuals. Meanwhile, the 35-44 age group is expected to decrease by 7 people.