Maryborough (Qld)

Maryborough is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Maryborough's population is around 19,302 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 744 people (4.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 18,558 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,258 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 229 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 81.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of national regional areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 1,017 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 5.0% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Maryborough when compared nationally

Maryborough has seen around 36 new homes approved each year, totalling 182 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 29 approvals have been recorded. Given an average of 3.9 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $312,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. There have also been $112.4 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maryborough has significantly less development activity (71.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% percentage attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 561 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Maryborough is expected to grow by 973 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Maryborough has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 12 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Mary Harbour Development, Energy Storage Industries (ESI) Battery Manufacturing Facility, Homes for Queenslanders - Maryborough Social Housing, and Maryborough Manufactured Home Park Development, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

Employment drivers in Maryborough are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Maryborough has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 7.9%, and 8.3% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,736 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 3.9% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (51.4% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 5.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a particular employment specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.2% versus the regional average of 10.1%. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.3% and the labour force increased by 8.7%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Maryborough. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Maryborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

As per AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Maryborough SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,431, with an average of $51,511. This is lower than average on a national basis, and compares to Regional Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $48,834 (median) and $56,616 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Maryborough all fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals the largest segment comprises 32.2% earning $400 - 799 weekly (6,215 residents), diverging from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 31.7%. The prevalence of lower-income residents (40.7% under $800/week) indicates constrained household budgets across much of the locality. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 4th percentile.

Maryborough is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Maryborough, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Maryborough was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 39.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (28.1%) or rented (32.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $255, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Maryborough features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 62.2% of all households, comprising 18.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households comprising 3.7% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Maryborough faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (9.9%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.5%) and certificates (31.6%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.9% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 111 active transport stops operating within Maryborough comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 527 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as moderate, with residents typically located 472 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average. A relatively low 5.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 4 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Maryborough is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Critical health challenges are evident across Maryborough, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~8,898 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.0 and 11.9% of residents, respectively, while 52.6% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 26.6% of residents aged 65 and over (5,143 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

The latest Census data sees Maryborough placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Maryborough was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.7% of its population being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Maryborough is Christianity, which makes up 51.7% of the population. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Maryborough are English, comprising 32.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.2% of the population, and Irish, comprising 8.0% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.5% of Maryborough (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 3.8% (vs 3.9%) and Scottish at 8.0% (vs 7.8%).

Maryborough hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Maryborough's median age of 47 years stands notably higher than Regional Qld's 41 and is similarly considerably older than the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (13.8% locally), while 5 - 14 year-olds are under-represented (10.0%). In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 10.4% to 11.3% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 10.0%. Demographic modeling suggests Maryborough's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow significantly, expanding by 364 people (54%) from 677 to 1,042. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 cohorts.