Side by sideSuburb comparison

East Mackay vs South Mackay.

Comparing two suburbs with median house prices of $515,000 and $425,000. South Mackay edges out on more headline metrics in this comparison.

South Mackay (median $425,000) is roughly 21% cheaper to buy into than East Mackay ($515,000).

On school quality, the average ICSEA across schools serving South Mackay (979) sits above East Mackay (977).

The takeWhich suburb suits which buyer

For buyers

South Mackay is the lower entry point at $425,000 median, 21% below the other suburb. For first home buyers, that translates to a smaller deposit and lower stamp duty bill.

For investors

Rental or growth data is incomplete for one or both suburbs. Look at the full investor view on each suburb profile for a complete picture.

For families

South Mackay edges out on average school ICSEA (979 vs 977).

Common questionsEast Mackay vs South Mackay

Common questions

Is East Mackay or South Mackay cheaper to buy in?

South Mackay has the lower median house price at $425,000, roughly 21% below East Mackay ($515,000). The gap on units is usually similar but worth checking on the full suburb profiles.

Does East Mackay or South Mackay have better schools?

On average school ICSEA (the ACARA index that benchmarks educational advantage), South Mackay scores 979 vs 977 in East Mackay. ICSEA is a school-community indicator, not a quality rating, so always check NAPLAN results and catchment boundaries for the specific address you're considering.

The numbers behind the take

East Mackay
Metric
South Mackay

Price & Market

$515,000
Median house
$425,000
$305,000
Median unit
$290,000
+0.0%
Annual growth (house)
+0.0%
Days on market

Rental

Rent (house / wk)
$650/wk
Rent (unit / wk)
$500/wk
59.0%
Owner occupied
59.0%
37.0%
Renter occupied
38.0%

Lifestyle & Demographics

4
Walk score
4
0
Transit score
0
100
Bike score
100
3,725
Population
6,918
42
Median age
39

Risk & Hazard

Flood class
Bushfire risk

Schools

20
Schools nearby
20
977
Avg ICSEA
979

Climate

Annual rainfall
Mean max (Jan)

Green dot = better on that metric (lower price, higher growth, higher walkability, lower risk).