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 11,408 as of February 2026, indicating a growth of 1,860 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 19.5% rise from the previous figure of 9,548 people. The change is inferred from 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 exceeded that of both its SA3 area (9.1%) and the Rest of Qld, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 94.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. 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. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with 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 just below the median of regional areas across the nation, with an increase of 1,339 persons to 2041, reflecting 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 approximately 89 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 446 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 35 approved in FY26 as of now. Each year, on average, around 3.9 new residents arrived per dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially influencing prices and competition among buyers. The average construction value of these new homes was $217,000, which is below the regional average, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY26, commercial approvals totaling $14.4 million have been registered, indicating moderate levels of commercial development in the area.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maryborough Surrounds - South has seen slightly higher development activity, with 40% more approvals per person over the five-year period ending FY25. This maintains reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. All new constructions in the area since FY21 have been detached dwellings, preserving its traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with space. As of now, there are approximately 157 people per dwelling approval in Maryborough Surrounds - South, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is projected to add 822 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, offering favorable 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 to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 22 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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.

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. The unemployment rate was 6.4% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 9.8% over the past year.

As of this date, 4,436 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.4% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation was significantly lower at 49.9%, compared to Rest of Qld's 65.7%. According to Census responses, 14.1% of residents worked from home, possibly influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. 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 Rest of Qld's 8.3%. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 9.8% while labour force grew by 10.6%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point rise in unemployment. In contrast, Rest of Qld had employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and an unemployment increase of 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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 simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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 was $44,599 and the average was $52,278 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Rest of Qld had a median income of $53,146 and an average of $66,593. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY2023, estimates for September 2025 would be approximately $49,019 (median) and $57,459 (average). Census data shows incomes in Maryborough Surrounds - South fall between the 2nd and 2nd percentiles nationally. The $400-$799 earnings band captures 31.7% of individuals (3,616), 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 on modest weekly budgets below $800. Housing costs are modest with 88.2% of income retained, but 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's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 97.9% houses and 2.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Non-Metro Qld's figures of 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough Surrounds - South stood at 57.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.2% and rented ones at 10.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,170, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,655. The median weekly rent in the area was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Maryborough Surrounds - South's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,170 against Australia's 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 make up 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, which is 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent 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. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~5,224 people), compared to 52.5% in Rest of Qld and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (14.6%) and mental health issues (10.5%), while 54.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.6% in Rest of Qld. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors at 32.2% (3,675 people), compared to 20.4% in Rest of Qld. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but are broadly in line 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, as per the 2016 Census, had a cultural diversity index below average. Its population comprised 87.9% citizens, 86.2% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 52.6%.

This figure is similar to the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups were English (34.2%), Australian (30.2%), and Scottish (8.5%). Notably, German ancestry was overrepresented at 6.7% compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal ancestry was underrepresented at 2.7%, while New Zealand ancestry was also lower 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's average of 41 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. Compared to the Rest of Qld average, the 65-74 age cohort is notably over-represented at 21.4% in Maryborough Surrounds - South, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.7%. The concentration of the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.5%. Between 2021 and present, 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 age group has dropped from 13.4% to 11.7%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Maryborough Surrounds - South, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to grow by 29%, adding 307 residents to reach 1,368. Senior residents aged 65 and above will drive 59% of population growth, underscoring trends towards demographic aging. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 55 to 64 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.