Macleay Island Demographics: Population, Age & Income Profile (QLD)
Liveability Score
5.8/10Macleay Island has a medium demographic profile typical of Queensland suburbs
Key Facts
- Median Age
- 38 years (state avg)
- Median Household Income
- $1,310/wk (state avg)
- Families with Children
- 28.3% of households
- Home Ownership
- 65.4% own — 31.9% rent
- Postcode
- 4184
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 16.4% of land (riverine flood)
Demographics Analysis
Macleay Island in Queensland reflects the broader demographic characteristics of the region. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2021 Census, the typical household in Queensland has a median weekly income of around $1,310, with a median age of 38 years.
The ABS reports that 28.3% of households in Queensland are couples with children, while 26.5% are couples without children. Lone person households account for 23.9% of households. This family composition data helps home buyers understand the neighbourhood character and amenity demand.
Home ownership rates in Queensland show that 65.4% of households own their home (with or without a mortgage), while 31.9% rent. These tenure patterns affect property turnover rates, rental demand, and neighbourhood stability — all important factors for home buyers evaluating Macleay Island.
Climate risk is an increasingly important factor for property buyers evaluating suburbs like Macleay Island. Different demographic groups face different climate exposure profiles — families may prioritise heat safety near schools, while retirees may be more concerned about insurance costs in flood-prone areas. Get an address-level climate risk report for your Macleay Island property to understand how climate projections may affect your investment.
Macleay Island (postcode 4184) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are riverine flood (16.4% of land in high-risk zones), tropical cyclone (14.9% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (11.8% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Macleay Island — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve drainage infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall.
Est. cost: Medium
Protect coastal ecosystems
Near-termPreserve and restore mangroves and other coastal vegetation to provide natural protection against erosion and storm surges.
Est. cost: Low
Develop a heatwave management plan
ImmediateImplement strategies to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, such as establishing cooling centers and providing public health information.
Est. cost: Low
Raise awareness of climate risks
Long-termEducate the community about the impacts of climate change and encourage proactive adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Strengthen building codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to ensure that new construction is resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Macleay Island Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Macleay Island:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Macleay Island?
Population data for Macleay Island comes from the ABS 2021 Census, the most recent national census. For the most current suburb-level population data, refer to ABS QuickStats or consult the Queensland state government's population projections. Understanding population trends helps home buyers assess housing demand, infrastructure investment, and neighbourhood character.
What is the median age in Macleay Island?
The median age for Queensland is 38 years according to the 2021 ABS Census, which serves as a reference point for Macleay Island. A younger median age often indicates more families and first home buyers, while older demographics suggest established households and potentially lower turnover. Both have implications for property demand and investment strategy.
What is the average household income in Macleay Island?
The median weekly household income in Queensland is $1,310 per week (ABS 2021 Census). Household income affects serviceability for mortgage lending, rental affordability, and the type of housing stock in demand within a suburb. Higher-income areas typically support stronger property values and faster capital growth. Combine demographic research with a climate risk report from ClimateNest for a complete property assessment.
What type of people live in Macleay Island?
The demographic profile of Macleay Island is broadly shaped by its location within Queensland. According to the ABS Census, 28.3% of households in the state are couples with children, while 26.5% are couples without children. The overall population of Queensland has a median age of 38 — use this as context when assessing the demographic character of Macleay Island.
What share of Macleay Island is exposed to high riverine flood risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 16.4% of Macleay Island in high-risk zones for riverine flood, with a further 55.3% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Macleay Island Safe from Climate Risk?
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