Macksville (NSW)

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According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region and new address records validated by Districts since the Census, the resident population of the suburb of Macksville is calculated to be approximately 2,806 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 24 individuals (0.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 2,782 people. The variation is deduced from the resident count of 2,802, computed by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data published by the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 73 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population size corresponds to a density ratio of 252 persons per square kilometer, indicating substantial space per inhabitant and scope for subsequent growth. Demographic expansion in the locality was chiefly propelled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 89.0% of all population increases during recent timeframes.

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Macksville possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 5.6%, based on Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026997 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 1.5% above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (46.4% compared to Regional NSW's 60.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 7.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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The suburb of Macksville's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023. The suburb of Macksville's median income among taxpayers is $37,472 and the average income stands at $46,519, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $41,339 (median) and $51,320 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Macksville all fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 32.7% earning $800 - 1,499 weekly ( residents), diverging from the surrounding region where the - category predominates at . Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with of households operating within modest weekly budgets below . Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the rd percentile.

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Dwelling structure within Macksville, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 91.1% houses and 8.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Macksville was well beyond that of Regional NSW, at 43.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.1%) or rented (30.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Macksville's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 65.0% of all households, comprising 20.5% couples with children, 26.2% couples without children, and 16.7% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 35.0%, with lone person households at 31.6% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.3 people is smaller than the Regional NSW average of 2.4.

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The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.5%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (31.1%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 23 active transport stops operating within Macksville comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 50 individual routes, collectively providing 639 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 265 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 92%, with 6% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 7.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Critical health challenges are evident across Macksville, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts , and the rate of private health cover found to be extremely low at approximately 45% of the total population (~1,274 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW. The national average is 55.7%.

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Macksville was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.7% of its population being citizens, 90.9% born in Australia, and 95.4% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Macksville was found to be Christianity, which makes up 60.0% of people in Macksville. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

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With a median age of 46, Macksville is slightly older than the Regional NSW figure of 43 as well as significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 10.6% compared to Regional NSW, whereas the 45 - 54 cohort is less prevalent at 9.4%. Post-2021 Census data shows the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 9.0% to 12.2% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 13.9% to 11.5% and the 25 to 34 group dropped from 11.0% to 9.6%. By 2041, Macksville is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . The aging population dynamic is clear, with those + comprising of projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the to and to cohorts.

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Macksville currently has an estimated 185 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 95 children aged 0-2 and 63 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 6% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 7% by 2041 (to approximately 198 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 266. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 9.8 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.