Maryborough Surrounds - South

Population growth drivers in Maryborough Surrounds - South are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Maryborough Surrounds - South's population was around 11,194 as of May 2026. This figure represents an increase of 1,646 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,548. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,170 in June 2025 and an additional 306 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2.9 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough Surrounds - South's growth rate of 17.2% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA3 area (9.0%) and the Rest of Qld, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 91.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 based on 2022 data. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 using 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts where state projections lack age category splits. Considering projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to grow by 1,216 persons to 2041 based on latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 10.7% over the 16 years.

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

Maryborough Surrounds - South has seen approximately 89 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. Specifically, 446 homes were approved between FY21 and FY25, with an additional 45 approved in FY26 to date. This results in an average of 3.9 new residents arriving per dwelling constructed each year during this period.

Consequently, demand for housing has outpaced supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average construction cost value of these new homes is $217,000, below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. Additionally, $14.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, indicating moderate levels of commercial development.

Comparatively, Maryborough Surrounds - South has seen slightly higher development activity than the rest of Queensland over the past five years, with 38.0% more approvals per person. This has preserved reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. Notably, all new construction in the area has been detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. The location currently has approximately 157 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate that Maryborough Surrounds - South will add 1,192 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Assuming current development patterns continue, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Maryborough Surrounds - South has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 23 projects that could impact the region. Notable initiatives include the Bruce Highway - Tiaro Bypass, the Tiaro Bulls and Barrels Community Event, the Mungar Road Upgrade, and the Glenwood Playground. The following list details those most likely to be 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 performance in Maryborough Surrounds - South has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Maryborough Surrounds - South has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, unemployment is at 6.2%, and employment growth over the past year is estimated at 8.8%. As of December 2025, 4,455 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.2% higher than Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation in Maryborough Surrounds - South lags behind Regional Qld at 48.7%. According to Census responses, 14.1% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area specializes in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 5.5% compared to Regional Qld's 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.8%, labour force grew by 9.0%, leading to a slight rise in unemployment at 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Regional Qld saw employment growth of 0.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough Surrounds - South's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Maryborough Surrounds - South SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $44,599 and an average of $52,278 in financial year 2023, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This is lower than national averages; Regional Qld's median was $53,146 with an average income of $66,593. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $49,665 (median) and $58,217 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36%. Census data shows that incomes in Maryborough Surrounds - South fall between the 2nd and 2nd percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captures 31.7% of the community (3,548 individuals), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Economic circumstances indicate financial pressure; 41.7% of households operate within modest weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs with 88.2% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at the 5th percentile nationally.

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

Maryborough Surrounds - South had 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings in the latest Census, compared to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership was at 57.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, below Regional Qld's average of $1,655. Median weekly rent was $250, compared to Regional Qld's $345. Nationally, Maryborough Surrounds - South had significantly lower mortgage repayments at $1,170 versus the Australian average of $1,863 and substantially lower rents at $250 compared to the national figure of $375.

Maryborough Surrounds - South features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 69.3% of all households, including 19.2% couples with children, 40.8% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households making up 4.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Regional Queensland average of 2.5.

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

The area has university qualification rates of 10.2%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (36.3%).

A substantial 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.2% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

Health performance in Maryborough Surrounds - South is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Maryborough Surrounds - South faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. The area has approximately 46% of its total population (~5,126 people) with private health cover, compared to 52.5% in Regional Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.6%) and mental health issues (10.5%). However, 54.3% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 32.9% of residents aged 65 and over (3,682 people), compared to 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for the general population.

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

Maryborough Surrounds - South had a cultural diversity index below average, with 87.9% of its population being citizens, 86.2% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.6% of people, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.7%, while Australian Aboriginal was underrepresented at 2.7%. New Zealand ancestry was also lower than the regional average, at 0.6%.

Maryborough Surrounds - South ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Maryborough Surrounds - South is 54 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Queensland's average of 41 years and the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 21.6% locally compared to Regional Queensland's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.2%. This concentration of the 65-74 cohort is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 7.2% to 9.7%, while the 15-24 age group increased from 7.4% to 8.5%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 21.1% to 18.0%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 13.4% to 11.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Maryborough Surrounds - South, with the 75-84 age cohort projected to grow by 33%, adding 356 residents to reach 1,442. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 59% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 55-64 and 15-24 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.