Showcasing the demographic characteristics of our local urban communities, these Growth Profiles are underpinned by historical insights and anticipated future growth outlook.

Only communities that are projected to experience urban population growth by 2036 have been included in these profiles.

Our region has experienced the most prolonged period of growth in recent history which has established Mackay as a modern, new-age regional city. The region’s growth is fueled by the strength of our diversified economy, led by our globally recognized resource and engineering sector, resurging agribusiness, and growth in construction, education, logistics and tourism. Mackay’s employment, investment and development opportunities, buoyant economy and lifestyle attributes are just some of the many positive aspects that encourage people to live, work and play in the Mackay region.

Population growth 2018 to 2036

Northern Beaches 10,673
Mackay City Centre 3,408
Sarina and Beaches 1,889
Andergrove - Beaconsfield 1,795
Mount Pleasant - Glenella 1,083
Bakers Creek 1,020
North Mackay 933
Ooralea 918
Mirani 849
West Mackay 791
Mackay Harbour 724
Marian 717
Walkerston 705
East Mackay 582
Seaforth and Bays 405
South Mackay 276
Midge Point 239
Slade Point 104

Demographic Profile

A regional population of 116,500. Mackay City is Queensland's fourth largest regional city.
The age composition of Mackay region is focused towards families with children. Mackay region has 20.7% of people aged 0-14 year olds (QLD average of 19.4%), 66.2% aged 15-64 years (QLD average 65.3%) and 13.1% aged over 65 (QLD average of 15.3%)
11.7% of the population of Mackay region was born overseas. The Queensland average is 21.6%.
5.1% of the population of Mackay region is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The Queensland average is 4%.
73.4% are family oriented households. This is representative of the age composition of Mackay region focused more to families with children. The Queensland average is 71.8%.
Mackay region is a mix of low and medium density housing. Medium density is focussed in the city centre with lower density extending out into the suburbs. 85% of dwellings are stand-alone houses with 13% apartments, units and townhouses.
Mackay region has a high proportion of rented dwellings (31.5%) compared to the Queensland average of 21.3%.
An educated resident population with 19% comprising a bachelor degree or higher. The Queensland average is 30.9%.
47.9% of the population hold a certificate level qualification compared to the Queensland average of 36%. The qualifications mix is reflective of the skill level required to work in the mining industry and industries to service the needs of the local population (such as retail and hospitality)
Mackay region has a higher proportion of employed working age residents (unemployment 3.9%) compared to the Queensland average of 5.9% (ABS June 2018). The difference is the main industries of employment where Mackay region is represented by mining, health and retail vs Queensland represented by health, retail and education.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census 2016 and Mackay Regional Council growth projections based on Queensland Government projections 2018 edition
Last updated August 2019
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