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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Maryborough Surrounds - South's population is around 11,408 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,860 people (19.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 9,548 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 10,891 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 307 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.0 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Maryborough Surrounds - South's 19.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (9.1%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 94.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of regional areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,339 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 7.2% 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 around 89 new homes approved each year, with 446 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 37 so far in FY-26. Given an average of 3.9 new residents per year arriving per dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new homes are being built at an average value of $217,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. Additionally, $14.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Maryborough Surrounds - South has slightly more development (40.0% above regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though building activity has slowed in recent years. Furthermore, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The location has approximately 157 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Future projections show Maryborough Surrounds - South adding 822 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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 moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 22 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Bruce Highway - Tiaro Bypass, the Tiaro Bulls and Barrels Community Event, the Mungar Road Upgrade, and the Glenwood Playground, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 6.2%, and 8.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 4,455 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.2% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation lags significantly (49.9% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 14.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area has particular employment specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 2.8 times the regional level. On the other hand, accommodation & food is under-represented, with only 5.5% of Maryborough Surrounds - South's workforce compared to 8.3% in Regional Qld. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 8.8% and labour force increased by 9.0%, resulting in unemployment rise by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Maryborough Surrounds - South. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific 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 (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Maryborough Surrounds - South SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $44,599 and an average of $52,278 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $49,019 (median) and $57,459 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Maryborough Surrounds - South all fall between the 2nd and 2nd percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 31.7% of the community (3,616 individuals), contrasting with the metropolitan region where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 31.7%. Economic circumstances reflect widespread financial pressure, with 41.7% of households operating within modest weekly budgets below $800. While housing costs are modest with 88.2% of income retained, the 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

Dwelling structure within Maryborough Surrounds - South, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Maryborough Surrounds - South was well beyond that of Regional Qld, at 57.3%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.2%) or rented (10.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Qld average at $1,170, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Maryborough Surrounds - South's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 69.3% of all households, comprising 19.2% couples with children, 40.8% couples without children, and 8.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 30.7%, with lone person households at 26.8% and group households comprising 4.0% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.2%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 46.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.7%) and certificates (36.3%).

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Maryborough Surrounds - South, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,224 people). This compares to 52.5% across Regional Qld. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 14.6 and 10.5% of residents, respectively, while 54.3% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 32.2% of residents aged 65 and over (3,675 people), which is higher than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 87.9% of its population being citizens, 86.2% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Maryborough Surrounds - South is Christianity, which makes up 52.6% of people in the area. This compares to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Maryborough Surrounds - South are English, comprising 34.2% of the population, Australian, comprising 30.2% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 6.7% of Maryborough Surrounds - South (vs 4.7% regionally), Australian Aboriginal at 2.7% (vs 3.9%) and New Zealand at 0.6% (vs 0.9%).

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

The 54-year median age in Maryborough Surrounds - South is significantly above Regional Qld's average of 41 and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 65 - 74 cohort is notably over-represented (21.4% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.7%). This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.5%. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 7.2% to 9.3% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 21.1% to 18.4% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.4% to 11.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Maryborough Surrounds - South. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 29%, adding 307 residents to reach 1,368. Senior residents (65+) will drive 59% of population growth, underscoring demographic aging trends. Conversely, both 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups will see reduced numbers.