The economy of the town is primarily based on coal mining services and export and agricultural industries. Mackay is one of the largest sugar producing regions in Australia and is home to several sugar mills, including the largest bulk sugar terminal in the world. The city is also an important administrative centre for the beef, grain and tourism industries, which underpin the economy and play an important role in supporting the nearby mines, which produce 85 per cent of Queensland's coal.

With an annual mean temperature of 23 degrees celsisus, Mackay offers residents and visitors alike a relaxed tropical lifestyle, howver combines all the facilities of a modern regional city with an array of natural wonders such as some of Queensland best rainforest, 55 minutes from Mackay city. The city boasts numerous beachside suburbs, an international class marina which includes 600 plus births with apartments and commercial precincts as well as inner-city living and residential acreages close to town.