🔍

South Mackay

QLD 4740 • Rest of QLD

6,918
Population (2021)
$76,804
Median Household Income
7.35 km²
Area
$290/wk
Median Rent
Family-FriendlyAffordableYoung Families

About South Mackay

South Mackay is a well-established residential suburb located immediately south of the Mackay CBD in Queensland's Mackay Region, sitting at approximately 6 metres elevation across 7.35 square kilometres. Home to around 6,918 residents, it is one of Mackay's largest and most popular suburbs, offering a mix of owner-occupied family homes and rental properties in a convenient urban setting. The suburb is part of the Mackay Regional Council area and forms a key part of the broader Mackay urban zone, which is driven by the region's sugar industry and coal trade.

South Mackay is a hub of local activity, centred around Parkside Shopping Centre which provides everyday retail and services to residents across the southern suburbs. The suburb is close to the Mackay Airport, South's Leagues Club, Harrup Park Country Club, and a range of sporting facilities including basketball stadiums and open playing fields. Families are well-served by nearby schools and recreational reserves, and residents enjoy easy access to the beaches of the Coral Sea, the Mackay Botanic Gardens, and the Pioneer River parklands. It attracts a mix of young families, mining and agriculture workers, and long-term locals who value proximity to the city with a relaxed suburban feel.

South Mackay falls under postcode 4740 and is governed by Mackay Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Mackay electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Queensland Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4740
Urban Area
Mackay
LGA / Council
Mackay
Federal Electorate
Dawson
State Electorate
Mackay
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-21.17°, 149.18°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
7.35 km²
Elevation
6m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$290
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,500
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
39 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
9.2%

217 state housing + 40 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Mackay Transit Coaches local routes — Mackay CBD 10-15 min
  • Regional bus services — Parkside Shopping Centre / South Mackay 5-10 min

Commute to Mackay CBD

Distance
3 km
By Train
No train service to Mackay CBD; nearest Queensland Rail station is Mackay Station (freight/tourism only)
By Car (Peak)
8-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
5-10 min

🛣️ Mackay is primarily car-dependent; local bus services available via Mackay Transit Coaches

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Footpaths throughout residential streets; Parkside Shopping Centre and local amenities reachable on foot from many parts of the suburb

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Mackay Local Government Area, which contains South Mackay. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
694.6 / 100k
2yr Down 16.1% 10yr Down 34.3%
Motor vehicle theft
316.5 / 100k
2yr Down 17.0% 10yr Up 42.1%
Non-FV assault
1,256 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 128.6%
Robbery (unarmed)
16.2 / 100k
2yr Down 26.7% 10yr Up 110.6%
Steal from vehicle
716.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Stable
View all offence categories for Mackay →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
6,706
Census 2021
6,918
▲ 3.2% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$33,436
Personal Income 2021
$41,132
▲ 23.0% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$41,132 / yr
$791/wk
Household
$76,804 / yr
$1477/wk
Family
$105,040 / yr
$2020/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 5,344
Born Overseas 1,023

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Philippines 329
  • 2. New Zealand 180
  • 3. England 94
  • 4. South Africa 38
  • 5. India 33
  • 6. China 30
  • 7. Thailand 27
  • 8. Vietnam 25
  • 9. Papua New Guinea 18
  • 10. Fiji 16

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 2,542
English 2,520
Irish 777
Scottish 678
Filipino 396
Australian Aboriginal 393
German 375
Italian 196
Maltese 126
New Zealander 81

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

4,480
Both parents born in Australia
1,227
Both parents born overseas
648
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
53.9%
No Religion
34.4%
Buddhism
1.1%
Hinduism
0.4%
Islam
0.2%
Sikhism
0.2%
Judaism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
424 (6.1%)
5-14 years
847 (12.2%)
15-19 years
410 (5.9%)
20-24 years
416 (6.0%)
25-34 years
952 (13.8%)
35-44 years
886 (12.8%)
45-54 years
855 (12.4%)
55-64 years
936 (13.5%)
65-74 years
670 (9.7%)
75-84 years
387 (5.6%)
85+ years
139 (2.0%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What shopping is available in South Mackay? +

South Mackay is home to Parkside Shopping Centre, which offers supermarkets, specialty retail, and services. The Mackay CBD with its full range of shopping is just 3 kilometres away.

Is South Mackay a good suburb for families? +

Yes — South Mackay is popular with families due to its affordable housing, proximity to schools, sporting clubs, and parks including Harrup Park Country Club and local playing fields.

How far is South Mackay from the Mackay Airport? +

South Mackay is located approximately 4–5 kilometres from Mackay Airport, making it one of the most conveniently placed suburbs for frequent flyers.

What is the population of South Mackay? +

According to the 2021 Census, South Mackay has a population of approximately 6,918 people, making it one of the larger residential suburbs in the Mackay Region.

What is the average income in South Mackay? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in South Mackay is about $791 per week (around $41,100 per year). The median household income is $1,477 per week and the median family income is $2,020 per week.

What is the age profile of South Mackay? +

The median age in South Mackay is 39. The largest age group is 25–34 (952 residents, around 14%). Around 24% of residents are under 20 and about 17% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

Is South Mackay a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. South Mackay is part of the Mackay LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.

How much is rent in South Mackay? +

In South Mackay, the median weekly rent is $290, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,500 (2021 Census).