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, as of May 2026, is approximately 19,290. This figure represents an increase of 732 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 18,558. The change is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 19,255 in June 2025 and an additional 81 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 78.1% of overall population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Demographically, Maryborough is expected to experience a population increase just below the national regional median by 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, the area is projected to expand by 956 persons by that year, reflecting a total gain of approximately 4.8% over the 16-year period.

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 FY26, 36 approvals have been recorded. On average, 3.9 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year between FY21 and FY25. This demand outpaces supply, potentially putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $312,000, which is under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY26, there have been $112.4 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maryborough has significantly less development activity, 71.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. The area's new development consists of 81.0% detached dwellings and 19.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character focused on family homes.

With an estimated 561 people in the area per dwelling approval, it reflects a quiet, low activity development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maryborough is expected to grow by 921 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely impacting 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. The following list details 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.

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

Maryborough has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 7.9%, with an estimated employment growth of 8.3% over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,736 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.9% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Maryborough lags at 51.5%, compared to Regional Qld's 64.5%. Census responses indicate that only 5.9% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Maryborough has a particular 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%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.3%, labour force grew by 8.7%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Qld experienced employment growth of 0.7% and labour force growth of 1.0%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Maryborough's employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.5% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 2023 shows Maryborough SA2's median income among taxpayers is $44,431. The average income is $51,511. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Regional Qld has a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Maryborough are approximately $49,478 (median) and $57,363 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reveals household, family, and personal 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 (6,211 residents), differing from the surrounding region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category is predominant 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 after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Maryborough's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 86.5% houses and 13.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in Maryborough was $255, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian 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 constitute 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 comprise the remaining 37.8%, with lone person households at 34.1% and group households making up 3.7%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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 Australia's average of 30.4%. This disparity 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 prevalent, with 40.1% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas comprise 8.5% while certificates account 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, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 527 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is rated as moderate, with residents typically living about 472 meters away from the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most people commute outward using their cars, which remain the dominant mode of transportation at 91%. Five percent of residents walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.9% of residents work from home, a figure that might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the hundred nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 8,892 people), compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.0%) and mental health issues (11.9%). Conversely, 52.6% of residents report no medical ailments, lower than the 67.6% across Regional Qld. Working-age population health challenges include high chronic condition rates. Maryborough has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.0% (5,212 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Senior health outcomes align with national rankings for 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 cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 87.7% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Maryborough, comprising 51.7%, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.7%), Australian (31.2%), and Irish (8.0%).

Notably, German ethnicity is overrepresented at 6.5% in Maryborough versus 4.7% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal is slightly underrepresented at 3.8% compared to 3.9%. Scottish ancestry is also slightly higher than the regional average, at 8.0% versus 7.8%.

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

Maryborough's median age is 47 years, which exceeds Regional Qld's average of 41 years and is considerably older than the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Maryborough at 14.0%, while the 5-14 year-olds are under-represented at 10.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.7% to 9.4% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age cohort has declined from 11.3% to 10.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Maryborough's age profile will evolve significantly. The 85+ age cohort is projected to grow by 371 people (54%), from 694 to 1,066. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 57% 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.