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 is 11,403 as of November 2025. This is an increase of 1,855 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,548. The growth was inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,891 in June 2024 and an additional 307 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3.0 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough Surrounds - South's growth of 19.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the Rest of Qld's 8.8%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 94.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, the area is expected to grow by 1,339 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 7.2% over the 17 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, from FY21 to FY25. In total, 446 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 35 approvals in FY26 so far. On average, 3.9 new residents have arrived per dwelling constructed each year between FY21 and FY25.

This has resulted in demand outpacing supply, putting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of these new homes is $217,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In terms of commercial development, $14.4 million in approvals have been registered this financial year.

When compared to the rest of Queensland, Maryborough Surrounds - South has seen slightly more development, with 40.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. All new constructions in the area have been detached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low density character and focusing on family homes appealing to those seeking space. There are approximately 157 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate that Maryborough Surrounds - South will add 827 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, 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

The performance of a region can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified 22 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are the Bruce Highway - Tiaro Bypass, the Tiaro Bulls and Barrels Community Event, the Mungar Road Upgrade, and the Glenwood Playground, with the following list providing more details on those likely to be 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 performance in Maryborough Surrounds - South has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Maryborough Surrounds - South has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 6.4%. In the past year, employment growth was estimated at 9.8%. As of September 2025, 4,436 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 6.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation is lower at 49.9%, versus Rest of Qld's 65.7%. About 14.1% of residents work from home. Key industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly specialized with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level.

However, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 5.5%. Employment opportunities locally appear limited based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.8%, labour force by 10.6%, resulting in unemployment rising to 7.2%. Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7% and unemployment rise of 0.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but industry-specific projections suggest Maryborough Surrounds - South's employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

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

The median taxpayer income in Maryborough Surrounds - South SA2 is $44,599 according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The average income for this area is $52,278. Nationally, the median income is higher at $53,146 and the average is $66,593. By September 2025, estimates suggest that the median income in Maryborough Surrounds - South SA2 will be approximately $49,019 and the average will be around $57,459, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. Census data shows that incomes in Maryborough Surrounds - South fall between the 2nd and 2nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $400-$799 captures 31.7% of the community (3,614 individuals), while in metropolitan regions, the leading bracket is $1,500-$2,999 at 31.7%. Economic circumstances indicate financial pressure, with 41.7% of households operating on weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs allowing for 88.2% income retention, total disposable income ranks at just 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's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This is in contrast to Non-Metro Qld's structure of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in Maryborough Surrounds - South was 57.3%, with mortgaged properties at 32.2% and rented dwellings at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data, was $1,170, which is lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent figure for Maryborough Surrounds - South was recorded at $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, the area's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld 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's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (36.3%). A total of 23.7% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.2% in primary, 7.6% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 7.6% in secondary education, and 2.4% pursuing 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low, at approximately 46% of the total population (around 5,222 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.6%) and mental health issues (10.5%). Conversely, 54.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over (31.8%, or 3,623 people), compared to Rest of Qld at 20.0%. Senior health outcomes present challenges, ranking broadly in line with the general population nationally.

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, as per the data, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population composition was predominantly Australian-born citizens: 87.9% were citizens, 86.2% were born in Australia, and 97.8% spoke English at home exclusively. Christianity was the dominant religion, with 52.6% of residents identifying as Christian, slightly higher than the 52.2% regional average for Rest of Qld.

Ancestry-wise, the top three groups were English (34.2%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (8.5%). Notable differences existed in the representation of certain ethnicities: German was overrepresented at 6.7%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%; Australian Aboriginal was underrepresented at 2.7% versus 3.9%; New Zealand-born residents were also underrepresented, with 0.6% compared to the region's 0.9%.

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

The median age in Maryborough Surrounds - South is 54 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld's average of 41 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. The 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 21.4% locally, compared to the Rest of Qld average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.6%. This concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national figure of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.2% to 9.0% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 21.1% to 18.9%, and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 13.4% to 11.9%. By 2041, substantial demographic changes are forecast for Maryborough Surrounds - South. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to grow by 34%, adding 346 residents to reach 1,368. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 59% of population growth, indicating a trend towards demographic aging. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.