Mackay, Australia
Queensland's sugar capital with beautiful beaches, the Eungella National Park, and a thriving mining industry.
Overview
Mackay is a city in Queensland with a population of 86,002. Queensland’s sugar capital with beautiful beaches, the Eungella National Park, and a thriving mining industry. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6b growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, with about 265 sunny days a year. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: October 04, 2026
Below Average vs Australia Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Mackay vs Australia Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: A$68,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 86,002
Climate
- Sunny Days: 265/year
- Summer High: 86°F
- Winter Low: 54°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 80 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: A$400,000
- 1BR Rent: A$1200/mo
Cost of Living
Mackay's cost of living index is 72 (Australia average = 100).
| Category | Mackay | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 72 | 100 | -28.0% |
| Housing | 68 | 100 | -32.0% |
Data source: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | A$400,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | A$1200/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | A$1,500/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | A$266 |
Data source: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Mackay:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | A$150 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | A$3 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | A$60 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | A$70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | A$283 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Remote Work Score
Mackay scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Mackay has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 74°F | 54°F | 2.5" |
| April | 71°F | 69°F | 2.8" |
| July | 86°F | 61°F | 1.5" |
| October | 66°F | 72°F | 2.2" |
Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables
Natural Hazards
Mackay faces the following natural hazards:
Frequently affected by cyclones.
Extreme tropical heat.
Flash floods.
Bushfire-prone continent with frequent fire seasons.
Frequent droughts across much of the continent.
Eastern Australia experiences tornadoes.
Dust storms in interior regions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 32.5%
- Sales Tax: 10%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Mackay per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Queensland Department of Education sets the calendar.
Demographics
The population of Mackay is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census 2021 (2021)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mackay, Australia?
The cost of living index in Mackay is 72, which is Lower the Australia national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Mackay?
The median home price in Mackay is A$400,000. The housing index is 68.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Mackay is approximately A$1200/mo.
Does Mackay, QLD have income tax?
Mackay is in QLD, which has an income tax rate of 32.5%.
What is the climate like in Mackay?
Mackay enjoys approximately 265 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 54°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ABS, Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: CoreLogic, Domain, 2026
- Income & Employment: ABS Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities AER, Sydney Water, ACCC 2025
Data last updated: October 21, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.