Maitland

Maitland lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Maitland's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 10,005. This figure represents a growth of 1,394 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8,611. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,538 in June 2024 and an additional 550 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 311 persons per square kilometer. Maitland's growth rate of 16.2% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area (5.1%) and the state average, positioning it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.8% of overall population gains recently, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are used. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics predict exceptional growth, placing Maitland in the top 10 percent of Australia's regional areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 7,623 persons, reflecting a total gain of 71.5% over the 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

The level of residential development activity in Maitland was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Maitland has averaged approximately 147 new dwelling approvals annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, a total of 737 homes were approved, with an additional 129 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each dwelling has added around 2.3 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value for new homes is approximately $280,000, aligning with regional patterns. This financial year has seen $72.2 million in commercial approvals, reflecting high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Maitland exhibits moderately higher construction activity, at 35.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice while supporting current property values. This is notably higher than the national average, suggesting robust developer confidence in the location. New development consists of 49.0% standalone homes and 51.0% medium to high-density housing, providing accessible entry options that appeal to downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition (currently 82.0% houses) indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options.

With around 50 people per dwelling approval, Maitland displays characteristics of a growth area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maitland is projected to gain approximately 7,155 residents by 2041. If current development rates persist, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Maitland has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 27 projects that could impact the region. Notable projects include Maitland Regional Sports Complex Redevelopment, Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation Project, Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041, and Wallis Meadows Estate. Below is a list of those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Maitland has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Maitland's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025.

In this month, 4,686 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Maitland stood at 66.2%, significantly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in mining with an employment share 2.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 1.1% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio was 0.9 as per the Census, indicating substantial local employment opportunities. Over the year to September 2025, labour force levels decreased by 2.4% and employment declined by 2.6%, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced a 0.5% employment decline and a 0.1% labour force decline with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maitland's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

In AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2022, Maitland SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $54,885 and an average of $68,104. This was higher than the national average. Compared to Rest of NSW, Maitland's median income was $54,885 versus $49,459, and its average income was $68,104 compared to $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Maitland's median income would be approximately $61,806 and its average income would be around $76,692 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Maitland cluster around the 52nd percentile nationally. The earnings profile shows that 35.3% of locals (3,531 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 income category, similar to metropolitan regions where 29.9% occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Maitland, with only 82.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 49th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Maitland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Maitland's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 82.2% houses and 17.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maitland was at 24.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.8%) or rented (35.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Maitland was $1,872, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,862. The median weekly rent figure in Maitland was $390, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Maitland's mortgage repayments were higher at $1,872 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were also higher at $390 compared to the national figure of $375.

Maitland has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 73.0% of all households, including 32.7% couples with children, 25.2% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 27.0%, with lone person households at 24.5% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Maitland aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.7%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (11.3%) and certificates (31.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.9%, including 11.2% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.2% in primary education, 6.6% in secondary education, and 4.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Maitland has 94 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 137 routes, facilitating 8,558 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is considered good, with residents typically residing 225 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 1,222 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 91 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maitland is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Maitland faces significant health challenges with a higher prevalence of common health conditions compared to average.

This is particularly true for older age cohorts. Approximately 53% (~5,342 people) of Maitland's total population has private health cover. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 12.5 and 9.4% of residents respectively. However, 63.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% across Rest of NSW. Maitland has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.7% (1,268 people), compared to 15.4% in Rest of NSW. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than the broader population.

Maitland is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Maitland's cultural diversity was found to be below average as of the census conducted on 9 August 2016. A total of 90.7% of its population were born in Australia, with 92.6% being citizens and 94.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 50.7% of Maitland's population.

Notably, the 'Other' religious category had a higher representation in Maitland at 0.9%, compared to 0.7% across the rest of NSW. Regarding ancestry, the top three groups were Australian (32.6%), English (30.5%), and Scottish (7.6%). However, there were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Australian Aboriginal was overrepresented at 5.5%, compared to 5.1% regionally; Maltese were also overrepresented at 0.4%, versus 0.3%; and Sri Lankan individuals had a higher representation at 0.2%, compared to 0.1%.

Maitland hosts a young demographic, positioning it in the bottom quartile nationwide

Maitland has a median age of 34, which is lower than the Rest of NSW figure of 43 and Australia's figure of 38. Compared to the Rest of NSW average, the 25-34 cohort is over-represented in Maitland at 18.4%, while the 65-74 age group is under-represented at 7.2%. Between 2021 and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 14.6% to 15.8% of the population, and the 25-34 cohort has grown from 17.2% to 18.4%. Conversely, the 55-64 age group has decreased from 9.4% to 8.4%. Demographic modeling indicates that Maitland's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, increasing by 1,467 people (80%) from 1,835 to 3,303.