Best Suburbs in Mackay, QLD for Families & Investors

If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of the big city, then Mackay may not be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for a place to set up shop, raise a young family, or invest in one of the top 20 fastest growing areas in Australia, then Mackay should definitely be on your radar.

Mackay has come a long way over the last decade. A burgeoning local population that has grown by some 60% over the last five years as well as continued economic development are credited with making Mackay one of the best places to invest in Far North Queensland right now.

But just like anywhere, there are different strokes for different folks. In this guide, we’ve put together a list of the best spots in Mackay for families and investors looking to make the move to Mackay. 

Best Suburbs in Mackay for Families 

Between 2016 and 2021 the number of families residing in Mackay increased by some 63%. Today, there are more than 32,000 families residing in Mackay with an average of 1.9 (let’s call it 2) children per household. So, what are the best suburbs for families in Mackay? Well, based on a mix of affordability, amenities, and proximity to schools, we would suggest looking in the following suburbs: 

Mount Pleasant

Ideally situated just 4.65km to the North of Mackay City to almost 5,000 local residents and has plenty of local amenities including Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, Northview State School, Emmanuel Catholic Primary School, and Holy Spirit College. For families, the combination of local amenities and schools make Mount Pleasant an appealing proposition.

Average House Price: $555,000 (17.6% growth Dec 23 – Nov 24)

Average House Rental Price: $600 (7.1% growth Dec 23 – Nov 24)

Rural View

Home to around 5,600 locals and situated around 11.7km from the centre of Mackay, Rural View has plenty of schools including Eimeo Road State School, St Brendan's Catholic Primary School, and Mackay Northern Beaches State High School making it ideal for families setting up shop. Close to Eimeo Beach, Lamberts Beach, and the Blue Water Trail make Rural View a nice mix of convenience and lifestyle.

Average House Price: $600,000 (15.4% growth Dec 23 – Nov 24)

Average House Rental Price: $650 (12.1% growth Dec 23 – Nov 24)

Glenella

Glenella remains predominantly rural and is home to around 4,500 locals. While the close proximity to the CBD makes Glenella an accessible proposition, young families should know that the Glenella State School is the only school in the area and is only a primary school with no secondary school in Glenella. 

Average House Price: $650,000 (11.6% growth Dec 23 – Nov 24)

Average House Rental Price: $690 (15.0% growth Dec 23 – Nov 24)

East Mackay

Surrounded by the Pioneer River to the north and the Coral Sea to the east, East Mackay is home to almost 4,000 locals and combines coastal living with east city accessibility. For families, the Victoria Park State School is the local K-6 school that is just 2-minutes from the centre of Mackay.

Average House Price: $549,000 (13.2% growth Dec 23 – Nov 24)

Average House Rental Price: $550 (-2.7% decline Dec 23 – Nov 24)

Best for Investors

Buy to live or buy to rent. Those looking to get into the Mackay real estate market in 2025 and beyond should be aware of the following hot spots for rental price and house price growth over the 12-month period between December 2023 and November 2024. 

Highest Growth Suburbs in Mackay by House Price (Dec 23 – Nov 24) 

For investors looking to buy and live in Mackay, the following suburbs have demonstrated the highest growth rate over the last 12-months.

Seaforth 

Average House Price: $575,000        

12 Month Growth Dec 23 – Nov 24: 43.8%

Slade Point 

Average House Price: $490,000        

12 Month Growth Dec 23 – Nov 24: 28.9%

North Mackay

Average House Price: $455,000        

12 Month Growth Dec 23 – Nov 24: 25.3%

Bucasia

Average House Price: $547,000        

12 Month Growth Dec 23 – Nov 24: 22.9%

Beaconsfield

Average House Price: $557,500        

12 Month Growth Dec 23 – Nov 24: 21.7% 

Richmond

Average House Price: $920,000        

12 Month Growth Dec 23 – Nov 24: 21.5%

Highest Growth Suburbs in Mackay by Rental Price

For investors looking to invest in rental opportunities, the following suburbs have demonstrated the highest rental price growth rate over the last 12-months.

Bakers Creek

21.4% Rental Price Growth

Slade Point

20.9% Rental Price Growth

Bucasia

16.5% Rental Price Growth

Eimeo

15.9% Rental Price Growth