Maryborough Surrounds - South
Statistical Area - sa2

Maryborough Surrounds - South lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Maryborough Surrounds - South's population was around 10,931 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 1,383 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,548 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,892 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 307 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 2.9 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough Surrounds - South's growth of 14.5% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.2%), along with the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 94.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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 released in 2023 were used, based on 2021 data but without age category splits. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation was expected by 2041, with the area expected to grow by 1,339 persons and recording a gain of 11.9% in total 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 FY-21 to FY-25. This totals 446 homes approved during this period, with an additional 23 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 3.9 new residents arrive per dwelling constructed each year within these five years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, potentially exerting upward pressure on prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction value of new homes is $217,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. In FY-26, commercial approvals have reached $14.4 million, indicating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maryborough Surrounds - South has seen slightly higher development activity, with a 40.0% increase in development per person over the five-year period ending FY-25. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. However, building activity has slowed in recent years. All new construction consists of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. The location currently has approximately 157 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Future projections estimate Maryborough Surrounds - South will add around 1,299 residents by 2041. Based on 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 limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 22 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Bruce Highway - Tiaro Bypass, Tiaro Bulls and Barrels Community Event, Mungar Road Upgrade, and Glenwood Playground. 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 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.

The unemployment rate was 7.3% in June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 5.3% over the past year. As of June 2025, 4,217 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 7.6%, which is higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 40.1% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Key industries of employment among residents are 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 were under-represented at 5.5% compared to Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 5.3%, labour force grew by 7.6%, resulting in a rise in unemployment by 2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of Qld recorded an employment growth of 1.8% and unemployment rose by 0.2 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough Surrounds - South's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

Maryborough Surrounds - South had a median taxpayer income of $42,851 and an average of $50,114 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld's median income being $50,780 and average income being $64,844. By September 2025, estimated incomes were approximately $48,846 (median) and $57,125 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. Census data showed that household, family, and personal incomes in Maryborough Surrounds - South fell between the 2nd and 2nd percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captured 31.7% of the community (3,465 individuals), contrasting with metropolitan regions where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket led at 31.7%. Economic circumstances indicated widespread financial pressure, with 41.7% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. Despite modest housing costs, with 88.2% of income retained, total disposable income ranked at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure in Maryborough Surrounds - South, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough Surrounds - South was 57.3%, with the rest either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (10.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. Median weekly rent was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Maryborough Surrounds - South'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 30.7%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households making up 4.0%. The median household size is 2.2 people, smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Maryborough Surrounds - South 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 at 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 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. Seven schools operate within Maryborough Surrounds - South, educating approximately 295 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. Local school capacity is limited at 2.7 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 12.3, resulting in many families traveling to nearby areas for schooling.

No public transport data available for this catchment area.

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

Maryborough Surrounds - South faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. The area has a low private health cover rate of approximately 46%, covering around 5,050 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (14.6%) and mental health issues (10.5%), while 54.3% of residents report having no medical ailments, similar to the 54.0% in Rest of Qld. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 31.8% or approximately 3,473 people, compared to Rest of Qld's 29.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are better than those of the general population in terms of health metrics.

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 score 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 in Maryborough Surrounds-South, making up 52.6% of people, compared to 52.8% across Rest of Qld. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (8.5%).

Notably, German ethnicity was slightly overrepresented at 6.7%, while Australian Aboriginal was lower at 2.7% compared to regional averages of 6.6% and 3.4% respectively. New Zealand ethnicity stood 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 the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and also well above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented in Maryborough Surrounds - South at 21.4%, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 7.6%. The concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average 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 age group has dropped from 13.4% to 11.9%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Maryborough Surrounds - South, with the 75 to 84 age cohort projected to grow by 40%, adding 388 residents to reach 1,368. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 57% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.