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

Maryborough's population is 19,284 as of November 2025. This figure shows an increase of 726 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,558. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 19,258 in June 2024 and an additional 83 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 228 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 81.6% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied where necessary. By 2041, the population is expected to increase by just below the median of national regional areas, reaching 20,301 persons, reflecting a gain of 5.1% over 17 years based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Maryborough has seen approximately 36 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 182 homes. As of FY-26, 23 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed yearly between FY-21 and FY-25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially influencing prices and competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average cost of $312,000, below regional levels. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $112.4 million, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maryborough has significantly less development activity, with 71.0% fewer approvals per person. This constrained new construction may reinforce demand and pricing for existing homes. Nationally, development is lower in Maryborough, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints.

New development consists of 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 561 people. Looking ahead, Maryborough is expected to grow by 991 residents through to 2041. 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 30% nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Mary Harbour Development, Energy Storage Industries (ESI) Battery Manufacturing Facility, Homes for Queenslanders - Maryborough Social Housing, and Maryborough Manufactured Home Park Development. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Maryborough has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar employment, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 8.3%, and estimated employment growth of 8.8% over the past year as of September 2025. There are 7,696 residents in work, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is 0.1 percentage points higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation lags at 42.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 130% compared to the regional level. Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 7.2% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data analysis. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 8.8%, labour force increased by 9.7%, resulting in an unemployment rise of 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment. As of 25-Nov-25, Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Job and Skills Australia projects national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Maryborough SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $42,669 and an average of $49,261. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Rest of Qld had a median income of $50,780 and an average of $64,844. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Maryborough as of September 2025 would be approximately $48,638 (median) and $56,153 (average). The 2021 Census reveals that incomes in Maryborough fall between the 2nd and 4th percentiles nationally. Income analysis indicates that the largest segment comprises 32.2% earning $400 - $799 weekly, with 6,209 residents. This differs 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) suggests 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 nationally.

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

Maryborough's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld had 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough stood at 39.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.1% and rented ones at 32.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent in Maryborough was $255, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,083 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were 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 account for 62.2% of all households, including 18.7% couples with children, 27.7% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households comprising 3.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 9.9%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This difference presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.3%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas account for 8.5% and certificates for 31.6%.

Educational participation is 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

Maryborough has 111 active public transport stops. These are served by buses running along seven different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 527 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of public transport in Maryborough is moderate, with residents generally located 472 meters away from the nearest stop. On average, services run 75 times daily across all routes, translating to roughly four weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Maryborough faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 46% (~8,889 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (11.9%), while 52.6% report no medical ailments, compared to 54.0% in Rest of Qld. Residents aged 65 and over comprise 26.3% (5,077 people), lower than the 29.9% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of 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's population showed low cultural diversity, with 87.7% being citizens, 90.3% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 51.7%. This figure is slightly lower than the regional average of 52.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (32.7%), Australian (31.2%), and Irish (8.0%). Notably, German ancestry was slightly higher in Maryborough at 6.5% compared to the regional figure of 6.6%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry was also higher at 3.8%, compared to 3.4% regionally. Scottish ancestry was marginally lower at 8.0% versus 8.2% regionally.

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

Maryborough's median age is 47 years, which exceeds Rest of Qld's 41 years and is considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 cohort is notably over-represented at 13.6% locally, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 0-4 age group has grown from 4.3% to 4.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 10.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Maryborough's age profile will evolve significantly. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to expand by 411 people (19%) from 2,119 to 2,531. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 55% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.