South Mackay (Qld)

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Based on an examination of demographic updates from the ABS for the wider region, alongside address checks conducted by Districts after the Census, the population of South Mackay is estimated to stand at approximately 7,257 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 339 people (4.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 6,918 people. This shift is calculated from the resident population of 7,257, which was calculated by Districts using the most recent ABS ERP statistics from June 2025 coupled with post-Census address verification. With these numbers, the local population density reaches 987 persons per square kilometer, which aligns closely with the typical averages observed in other regions analyzed by Districts. The post-Census expansion of 4.9% in South Mackay trails the broader SA3 region (6.8%) by 1.9 percentage points, showing solid underlying growth dynamics. The expansion was chiefly supported by natural increase, which was responsible for roughly 52.0% of the overall population rise in recent times.

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South Mackay features a diversified labor pool encompassing both white and blue collar occupations, with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial fields, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and an estimated employment growth of 4.0% during the previous year according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,872 residents are employed while the local unemployment rate stands at 0.3% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation remains fairly typical at 67.4% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%. Based on Census responses, a low 3.8% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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According to the most recent postcode-level taxation data released by the ATO for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of South Mackay earn a median income of $54,878 and an average income of $68,618. This sits slightly above the national benchmark, and compares to a median of $53,146 and an average of $66,593 across Regional Qld. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates as of March 2026 point to a median income of roughly $61,112 and an average of $76,413. Census records show that household, family, and individual incomes in South Mackay are relatively modest, falling between the 34th and 47th percentiles. Looking at the distribution of income, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket is the most common, accounting for 34.1% of residents (2,474 people), which is consistent with the wider region where this cohort makes up . Affordability constraints are significant, with residents retaining only of their income after housing costs, placing the area in the th percentile.

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The mix of housing in South Mackay at the time of the last Census consisted of 73.4% standalone houses and 26.6% alternative dwelling types like townhouses, flats, or other housing, compared to Regional Qld where standalone houses accounted for 76.4% and alternative dwellings made up 23.6%. Home ownership rates in South Mackay lagged behind the regional average at 27.7%, with the remaining properties being held under a mortgage (32.9%) or occupied by tenants (39.3%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the area was lower than the Regional Qld average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $290, compared to regional figures of $1,655 and $345 respectively. On a national level, housing costs in South Mackay are considerably below the Australian average mortgage payment of $1,863 and the national median rent of $375.

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Family units comprise the majority of households at 62.8%, which is made up of couples with children (23.1%), couples without children (24.6%), and single-parent households (13.4%). The remaining 37.2% consist of non-family households, dominated by single-person households at 33.9% and group living situations at 3.4%. The median household size stands at 2.3 individuals, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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The community has lower rates of tertiary attainment, with only 13.7% of residents holding a university qualification compared to the national average of 30.4%. This gap highlights both an educational shortfall and an opportunity for focused local programs. Among university degrees, bachelor programs are the most common at 10.6%, followed by postgraduate degrees (1.6%) and graduate diplomas (1.5%). Vocational and practical training are highly prevalent, with 42.2% of residents aged 15 and over possessing vocational certificates or diplomas, split between advanced diplomas (7.7%) and certificates (34.5%).

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An analysis of public transport options shows 25 active stops operating in South Mackay, consisting of bus services. These stops are connected to 4 distinct routes, which together provide 222 passenger trips each week. Transport access is rated favorably, with residents living an average of 246 meters from their nearest stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the vast majority of workers commute outside the area, with private cars being the main transport mode at 92%. Dwellings have an average of 1.3 vehicles, which is lower than the regional norm. A relatively low proportion of residents (3.8%) worked from home at the time of the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

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Health indicators point to notable challenges in South Mackay, according to an evaluation by Districts regarding death rates and the occurrence of long-term health issues, which are evident in both younger and older age brackets, while the rate of private health insurance is relatively high at approximately 54% of the population (~3,947 people).

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South Mackay displays lower levels of cultural diversity than average, with citizens making up 85.0% of the population, Australian-born residents accounting for 83.9%, and English being the sole language spoken at home for 90.0% of residents. Christianity is the dominant religious affiliation, representing 59.8% of the local population, compared to 52.2% recorded across Regional Qld.

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The median age of residents in South Mackay is 39 years, which is slightly younger than the Regional Qld average of 41 years but very close to the Australian median of 38 years. The demographic profile features a notable concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 (15.5%), while the 45 - 54 bracket is relatively small (10.7%) compared to Regional Qld. Since 2021, the 25 to 34 age bracket has risen from 13.8% to 15.5% of the local population. In contrast, the 45 to 54 cohort shrank from 12.4% to 10.7% and the 5 to 14 group fell from 12.2% to 11.1%. Looking forward to demographic projections indicate notable shifts in the local age profile. The to cohort is expected to grow steadily, adding people () to rise from to . Notably, the combined and over cohorts are projected to account for of the total population growth, pointing to an aging local profile. Conversely, the to and to cohorts are expected to contract.

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South Mackay currently has an estimated 449 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 267 children aged 0-2 and 179 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 7% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 1% by 2041 (to approximately 445 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 643. Recent growth has been driven by high birth rates observed in the area, with approximately 12.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.