Is Mackay a Good Place to Invest in 2025?

Mackay is a thriving regional city on Queensland’s east coast. It is located 972 km northwest of Brisbane and borders both Central and North Queensland. While traditionally known for its stunning beaches and strong agricultural industry, Mackay is increasingly becoming a prime location for real estate investment due to rapid economic expansion, infrastructure developments, and steady population growth.

With Mackay’s property prices soaring 21.3% in the past year (2024) – the answer is a resounding YES, Mackay is a great place to invest in property in 2025.

• Population: ~126,907 (ABS, 2023)
• Growth Rate: 0.7% annually (8,029 new residents between 2013-2023)
• Median Age: 38 years
• Community Profile: A diverse mix of young professionals, families, and retirees, drawn to affordable housing, career opportunities, and a coastal lifestyle.

Mackay’s steady population increase fuels housing demand, making it a promising region for property investors looking for long-term capital growth and rental income stability.

Mackay’s property market continues to outperform many regional centres, with double-digit growth in house and unit prices.

Key Market Insights (2024-2025)

Data from: https://www.realestate.com.au/qld/mackay-4740/ 

• Fast Sales: Houses in Mackay sell in just 24 days on average, while units take 49 days.
• Tight Rental Market: The low vacancy rate of 0.53% means strong demand for rental properties, ensuring consistent rental returns.

Mackay’s affordable property prices and high rental yields make it one of Queensland’s most attractive investment locations.

Mackay is one of Australia’s strongest regional economies, with an annual output of nearly $22.3 billion and over 55,000 jobs across multiple industries.

Key Economic Drivers:

• Agriculture: Produces over one-third of Australia’s sugarcane.
• Mining & Resources: Services the Bowen and Galilee Basins, creating thousands of jobs.
• Engineering & Manufacturing: Expanding into renewable energy projects.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Proximity to the Whitsundays fuels this sector.

With continued investment in infrastructure and job creation, Mackay offers long-term stability for investors.

Mackay’s infrastructure upgrades are enhancing liveability and property value, making it a prime time to invest.

Key Developments:

• Mackay Waterfront Project (20-year plan) – Transforming the city into a waterfront hub for businesses and tourism.
• Mackay Hospital Expansion – A $250 million upgrade to improve healthcare in Mackay, Isaac, and the Whitsundays.
• Road & Transport Improvements – Better connectivity between key employment hubs and residential areas.

These developments will increase demand for housing, further driving rental prices and capital growth.

Mackay remains far more affordable than other major Queensland markets in 2025.

• Lower entry prices allow investors to secure multiple properties or enjoy higher rental yields.
• Future appreciation is expected as Mackay’s market continues to catch up to other QLD hotspots.

If you’re in search of residential properties for sale in Mackay, explore our current listings here.

Mackay is expanding rapidly, with new housing developments catering to growing demand.

7,622 km² of land is currently being developed for residential housing.

Top investment suburbs for new builds:

• Northern Beaches – Coastal lifestyle with strong rental demand.
• Eimeo – Mix of modern homes and lifestyle amenities.
• Ooralea – Proximity to Mackay’s CBD and key infrastructure.

With population growth and low vacancy rates, investors can expect quick tenant placements and long-term demand.

Mackay offers a unique combination of:

• Strong capital growth (+18.7% house price increase in the last year).
• High rental yields (6.2% for houses, 7.4% for units).
• Growing economy with job security and diverse industries.
• Major infrastructure projects driving long-term property demand.
• Affordable prices compared to Brisbane, Cairns, and Townsville.

With limited supply, high demand, and major growth drivers, Mackay presents an exceptional real estate investment opportunity in 2025.