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South Mackay suburb profile

South Mackay is a vibrant suburb located just south of Mackay's city centre in Queensland. Known for its convenient location, it offers residents easy access to the city's amenities while maintaining a relaxed suburban atmosphere. The area is characterized by a mix of residential properties, including traditional Queenslander homes and modern developments. South Mackay is home to several parks, schools, and sporting facilities, making it an attractive choice for families. Its proximity to the Mackay Airport and major transport routes adds to its appeal, providing a balance of connectivity and community living.

South Mackay property market performance

Current median dwelling price$555,194Past 3 months

Property growth+18.3%Past 12 months

South Mackay's property market has experienced significant growth over the past 12 months. House values have surged by 15.4%, with the current median house price reaching $697,500. Although unit values have increased by 24.5%, the median unit price remains at $0, indicating limited sales data for units.

Sales activity has been moderate, with 30 houses and only 4 units sold in the past 12 months. Both houses and units have a median time on market of just 13 days, suggesting strong demand and quick sales in the area.

The rental market in South Mackay has also seen positive changes, with house rents increasing by 5.1% and unit rents by 6.7% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $620, while units average $480, reflecting a healthy rental demand.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$665KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
13.0%23.6%
Sold
Past 3 months
298
Median days on market
Past 12 months
1313
Average rent
Past 12 months
$620$490
Change in rent
Past 12 months
5.1%7.7%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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South Mackay demographics

South Mackay, located in Queensland, is a suburb that offers a blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience. With a population of 6,918, it is a community that balances family life with the laid-back lifestyle typical of the region. The median age of 39 suggests a mature community, with a mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate the suburb's relaxed atmosphere and proximity to both natural attractions and urban amenities.

The suburb's housing landscape is diverse, with a significant portion of properties being owned outright (27.9%) or with a mortgage (33.0%). This indicates a stable community with a strong sense of homeownership. However, there is also a considerable rental market, with 39.1% of properties rented, catering to those who prefer flexibility or are new to the area. This mix of ownership and rental options makes South Mackay an attractive choice for a wide range of residents.

Family dynamics in South Mackay are varied, with couple families with children making up 36.4% of the population, while couple families without children account for 40.1%. One-parent families also form a significant part of the community at 21.1%. This diversity in family structures contributes to a rich community fabric, where different lifestyles and needs are accommodated. The median total household income of $1,477 per week reflects the area's affordability, making it an appealing option for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle in a coastal setting.

South Mackay infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

South Mackay continues to benefit from its proximity to the Mackay CBD, airport and Paget industrial precinct, supporting steady demand from both local workers and fly-in fly-out professionals. Ongoing upgrades and maintenance around Mackay Airport and adjacent commercial areas are improving accessibility and amenity, which may enhance the suburb’s appeal for buyers seeking convenience and employment access. The suburb’s established school network, including nearby primary and secondary options, remains a drawcard for families looking for affordable housing within easy reach of education and recreational facilities.

Council planning in the broader Mackay area remains focused on strengthening flood resilience, road connectivity and coastal amenity, which is expected to support long-term livability in suburbs like South Mackay. Incremental improvements to local parks, sporting fields and community facilities are helping to maintain the area’s family-friendly reputation, supporting both rental and owner-occupier demand. At present there are no single, large-scale redevelopment or transport megaprojects specific to South Mackay, but its strategic location and ongoing incremental upgrades continue to underpin its property market fundamentals.

South Mackay rental market trends

The rental market in South Mackay has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 5.1% over the past year to $620 per week, while unit rents have risen by 6.7% to $480 per week. This steady growth reflects the suburb's appeal, offering a balanced lifestyle with access to local amenities and a strong community atmosphere.

Suburbs near South Mackay

Some popular suburbs near South Mackay include:

How does South Mackay compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: South Mackay’s median house price is 7.3% higher than Mackay’s.
  • Median unit prices: South Mackay’s median unit price is 11.3% higher than Mackay’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in South Mackay have grown 1.3% higher than in Ooralea.
  • Unit price growth: Over the past 12 months, unit prices in South Mackay have grown 4.2% higher than in Mackay.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in South Mackay are selling 23.5% faster than in West Mackay.
  • Selling speed for units: Properties in South Mackay are selling 35.0% faster than in Mackay.

Common questions about South Mackay

  • Is South Mackay a nice place to live?

    South Mackay is a delightful suburb that offers a harmonious blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience, making it a wonderful place to call home. Its vibrant atmosphere is complemented by a strong sense of community, where families, professionals, and retirees coexist in a welcoming environment. The suburb is known for its relaxed lifestyle, with a variety of residential options ranging from traditional Queenslander homes to modern developments, catering to diverse preferences and needs.

    Families will find South Mackay particularly appealing due to its established network of schools and abundance of parks and sporting facilities. The suburb's proximity to Mackay's city centre ensures easy access to a wide range of amenities, including shopping centres, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, the nearby Mackay Airport and major transport routes provide excellent connectivity, making it convenient for both local workers and those who travel frequently.

    While South Mackay offers a peaceful and family-friendly environment, it does come with some trade-offs. The absence of large-scale redevelopment projects means that while the suburb maintains its charm, it may not experience rapid growth or transformation. However, ongoing incremental improvements to local infrastructure and community facilities continue to enhance livability and support the area's appeal.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in South Mackay, contributing to its reputation as a secure and pleasant place to live. The suburb's diverse housing landscape, with a mix of ownership and rental options, ensures that it remains an attractive choice for a wide range of residents. Overall, South Mackay is a charming suburb that offers a balanced lifestyle, making it a nice place to live for those seeking a blend of coastal living and suburban convenience.

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  • Is it expensive to live in South Mackay?

    Living in South Mackay can be considered moderately expensive, especially when compared to the average wages in Queensland. The median house price in South Mackay is $697,500, which, while not as high as some urban areas, is still a significant investment. For those looking to rent, the average rent for houses is $620 per week, and for units, it's $480 per week. This suggests that housing costs are a substantial expense for residents.

    When you compare this to the average full-time weekly earnings in Queensland, which are around $1,800, or approximately $93,000 per year, it becomes clear that a significant portion of income would go towards housing in South Mackay. The median total household income in the area is $1,477 per week, which is lower than the state average. This disparity indicates that while South Mackay offers a pleasant lifestyle, the cost of living, particularly in terms of housing, could be challenging for those earning around the local median income.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is South Mackay a good place to invest?

    South Mackay is showing promising signs as a solid investment suburb, particularly with its impressive growth in property values over the past year. The median house value has increased by 15.4%, while units have seen an even more substantial rise of 24.5%. This indicates a strong demand for properties in the area, which is a positive signal for potential investors looking for capital growth.

    In addition to property value increases, rental yields in South Mackay have also been on the rise. House rents have grown by 5.1%, and unit rents have increased by 6.7% over the last 12 months. This suggests a healthy rental market, making it an attractive option for those seeking steady rental income. The combination of rising property values and rental yields makes South Mackay a compelling choice for investors who are looking for both capital appreciation and reliable rental returns.

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Choose the right real estate agents in South Mackay

There are 61 real estate agents in South Mackay, but they don’t all deliver the same results.

Some agents have a much stronger presence in the suburb, with just 5 agents handling around 35.6% of all sales in the past year.

Commission rates in South Mackay typically range from 1% to 3.13%. Comparing agents—including what they charge, what’s included, and how they structure their fees—is not only important when choosing an agent, the right structure can help ensure your chosen agent is motivated to achieve the best possible result.

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