Maitland (NSW)

Maitland has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

The population of the Maitland (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 2,420 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 448 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,972. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,214 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 46 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 442 persons per square kilometer. The Maitland (NSW) (SA2) has seen significant growth, with a 22.7% increase since the 2021 census, exceeding both the non-metro area's 5.7% and state growth rates. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 for areas not covered by this data. Considering projected demographic shifts, the Maitland (NSW) (SA2) is predicted to experience exceptional growth, placing it in the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. It is expected to expand by 1,730 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 59.6% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Maitland among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Maitland averaged approximately 23 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 118 homes were approved, with an additional 33 so far in FY-26. Each dwelling accommodated an average of 3 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value for new homes was $321,000. In FY-26, commercial approvals totaled $21.4 million. Compared to Rest of NSW, Maitland's development levels are similar per person, maintaining market equilibrium. However, recent construction activity has intensified, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consisted of 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% townhouses or apartments, indicating a shift from the current housing mix of 72.0% houses. This change reflects reduced development site availability and shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.

Maitland has approximately 65 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maitland is projected to grow by 1,443 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Maitland has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 14 such projects that could potentially impact the area. Notable among these are the Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation Project, the Maitland Regional Sports Complex Redevelopment, the Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041, and Wallis Meadows Estate. The following list details those projects likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Maitland face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Maitland has a skilled workforce with prominent essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 6.8%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025967 residents are employed while the unemployment rate stands at 3.8% higher than Rest of NSW's 3.8%. Workforce participation in Maitland is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food sectors.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing sector is under-represented with only 1.8% of Maitland's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The worker-to-resident ratio of 1.0 indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.9% and employment decreased by 3.3%, resulting in a rise of 0.4 percentage points in unemployment rate. In contrast, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maitland's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Maitland suburb's income level is lower than average nationally per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Maitland's median taxpayer income is $42,040, average is $52,166, compared to Rest of NSW's $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. As of September 2025, estimated incomes are approximately $45,765 (median) and $56,788 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. Census data shows Maitland's household, family, personal incomes at 16th to 16th percentiles nationally. Income distribution in Maitland has 29.1% (704 people) earning $800 - 1,499, contrasting with surrounding region's leading bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at 14th percentile.

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

In Maitland, as per the latest Census evaluation, 72.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 27.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This contrasts with Non-Metro NSW's figures of 87.1% houses and 13.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maitland stood at 29.0%, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's rate. Mortgaged properties accounted for 29.5%, while rented dwellings made up 41.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Maitland was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,862. Weekly rent in Maitland was recorded at $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Maitland's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Maitland features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 58.9% of all households, including 17.9% couples with children, 23.1% couples without children, and 14.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 37.1% and group households comprising 4.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.7.

Educational attainment in Maitland aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.0%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.8%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (29.2%). Educational participation is high at 28.0%, comprising primary education (8.7%), secondary education (7.3%), and tertiary education (4.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 4.9% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Maitland has 68 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 134 routes, collectively facilitating 8,373 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically located 175 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,196 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 123 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Maitland faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Approximately 48% (~1,152 people) have private health cover, lower than the 54.8% in Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are mental health issues (14.9%) and arthritis (9.6%), while 54.7% report being free from medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of NSW.

Maitland has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.5% (520 people), compared to 15.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are challenging but generally align with the overall population's health profile.

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

Maitland's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 90.9% of its population being citizens, 89.5% born in Australia, and 94.7% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion in Maitland, comprising 49.8% of the population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, with 0.8% of Maitland's population compared to 0.7% across Rest of NSW.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (30.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (11.1%). Notably, Welsh was overrepresented at 0.7% in Maitland compared to 0.6% regionally, Scottish at 9.0% versus 7.6%, and Australian Aboriginal at 5.1%.

Maitland hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Maitland's median age in 2021 was 42 years, comparable to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's 38 years. The age profile showed that the 35-44 year-olds were prominent at 15.5%, while the 65-74 group was smaller at 10.1% compared to Rest of NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group grew from 13.7% to 15.5% of Maitland's population. Conversely, the 45-54 cohort declined from 14.6% to 13.2%, and the 55-64 group dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate significant demographic changes in Maitland, with the 35-44 cohort projected to grow by 70%, adding 260 residents to reach a total of 636.