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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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2021 Census | -- people
Sales Activity
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Population
Maitland has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends
Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the estimated population of the suburb of Maitland (NSW) was around 2,169 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase of 197 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 1,972. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 2,104 in June 2025 and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 396 persons per square kilometer. Since the 2021 Census, Maitland's growth rate of 10.0% exceeded both the Rest of NSW (4.9%) and the state average. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.
AreaSearch uses 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 for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb of Maitland is expected to grow by 1,266 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 55.4% in total over this period.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Development
AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Maitland among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide
Based on AreaSearch analysis, Maitland averaged around 24 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 123 homes were approved, with a further 47 approved in FY-26 so far. Each dwelling accommodated approximately 2.3 new residents annually over the past five financial years.
The average construction cost value of these dwellings was $321,000. In FY-26, $21.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady investment activity. Compared to Rest of NSW, Maitland's development levels per person are similar, maintaining market equilibrium. However, recent construction activity has intensified, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. New developments consist of 50% detached dwellings and 50% townhouses or apartments, a shift from the current housing mix of 72% houses. This change reflects reduced development site availability and evolving lifestyle demands and affordability requirements.
Maitland has approximately 62 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maitland is expected to grow by 1,201 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Maitland (NSW)
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
Infrastructure
Maitland has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally
The performance of an area can significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of twelve projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable among these are the Maitland Regional Sports Complex Redevelopment, the Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041, Wallis Meadows Estate, and DA/2025/783 - Subdivision & Dual Occupancies at 12 Goldingham Street Tenambit. The following list provides details on those projects likely to be most relevant.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041
The Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041 is a comprehensive framework adopted by Council in June 2023 and endorsed by the NSW Government in September 2024. It manages residential growth to accommodate a projected population increase of 54,800 residents by 2041, requiring approximately 25,200 additional dwellings. The strategy prioritises housing diversity, infill development, and the 15-minute neighbourhood concept, seeking to shift from a 90:10 greenfield-to-infill ratio toward the Hunter Regional Plan target of 20:80 by 2041. Implementation milestones include the Residential Density Guide placed on public exhibition in March 2025, and the East Maitland Catalyst Area Structure Plan endorsed for public exhibition in October 2025, estimating 4,000 new homes for that precinct alone.
Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation Project
A purpose-built 64-bed mental health facility on the Maitland Hospital campus. It features a transitional model of care with three inpatient units: low-secure and medium-secure forensic units, and a rehabilitation and recovery unit. Designed by Bates Smart, the facility includes single bedrooms with ensuites, shared therapy spaces, and nature-integrated outdoor areas. The project serves to relocate and expand forensic services from the Morisset Hospital campus to a contemporary setting. Construction officially commenced with a sod-turning ceremony on March 12, 2026, led by Richard Crookes Constructions.
Dalmore Park Employment Hub
Dalmore Park is a 150-hectare master-planned employment and innovation precinct in Rutherford, serving as a major economic driver for the Hunter Region. The development is designed to integrate advanced manufacturing, logistics, health, education, and retail services. As of May 2026, the project is progressing through the strategic planning phase with the 'Draft Dalmore Business and Innovation Precinct Development Control Plan (DCP)' currently on public exhibition by Maitland City Council to guide the site's future layout and sustainable infrastructure.
New Maitland Hospital
A $470 million state-of-the-art 339-bed hospital featuring emergency care, maternity services, paediatric care, surgical services, chemotherapy chairs, and a rooftop helipad. The seven-storey, 50,000 square metre facility provides 150 additional beds and treatment spaces compared to the previous hospital, serving the growing health needs of the Maitland and Hunter Valley communities. Built on a decommissioned brick quarry site with contemporary design, the hospital includes critical care, mental health services, cardiac catheterisation, palliative care, outpatient clinics and dental services.
East Maitland Catalyst Area Structure Plan
The East Maitland Catalyst Area (EMCA) Structure Plan is a 20-year strategic land use framework guiding population growth and infill development across East Maitland. The precinct extends from Victoria Street Station in the north, south to Metford Station, and south-west to Ashtonfield and Green Hills, anchored by the new Maitland Hospital, Maitland Private Hospital and Stockland Green Hills regional shopping centre. The draft plan proposes rezoning land from R1 General Residential to a mix of low, medium and high-density zones to accommodate around 4,000 new dwellings and 6,000 additional residents by 2045. It also outlines shop-top housing and secondary dwellings, upgrades to Metford Road, a new northern access at Metford Station, and a new or significantly upgraded primary school. A supporting infrastructure needs analysis identifies utilities and social infrastructure required to support growth. The draft was placed on public exhibition from 27 October to 24 November 2025 following endorsement at the 21 October 2025 council meeting; council is reviewing community feedback to inform the final plan. The work is funded through a grant from the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure under the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.
Stony Pinch Urban Development
A long-term conceptual urban transformation initiative covering the post-mining repurposing of the Bloomfield Colliery and adjoining landholdings southeast of Maitland in the Lower Hunter. The Stony Pinch Group is a consortium formed under a legal agreement between major landowners in the area - The Bloomfield Group, Ashtonfields and Yancoal (which acquired the adjoining Donaldson site) - to coordinate future land use and development outcomes across their combined holdings. Earlier conceptual structure planning referenced in Bloomfield's Modification 4 environmental assessment envisaged a substantial mixed-use precinct extending from John Renshaw Drive towards East Maitland, including residential, town centre, employment lands, and recreation, with significant bushland retention. The site sits within the Hunter Regional Plan 2041 'Four Mile Creek Precinct', which is identified for employment uses leveraging access to the M1 Pacific Motorway and rail, the repurposing of existing infrastructure to support transition to new uses, and the conservation of high environmental value lands. Bloomfield Colliery currently operates under Project Approval 07_0087 with mining permitted until 31 December 2030. A Modification 5 (Bloomfield Colliery Continuation Project) is under assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and the Commonwealth under the EPBC Act, seeking to extend mining to 31 December 2035, reduce the production rate to 0.9 Mtpa, and amend the approved final landform. The Environmental Impact Statement was on public exhibition from 22 April to 20 May 2025, and a Response to Submissions report was lodged in September 2025. The currently approved final land use is grazing pasture; any future urban development would require separate planning approvals through Maitland and Cessnock Councils and the NSW Government.
Rutherford Waste Oil Refinery
Australia's first Category 1 Product Stewardship for Oil (PSO) waste oil refinery facility that processes over 150 million litres of used automotive and lubricating oils annually, converting them into premium grade lubricant base oils and fuel oils. The facility serves automotive workshops, engineering facilities, and mine sites across the Hunter Valley and central coast regions.
Heritage Parc Estate
Heritage Parc is an award-winning residential land estate featuring 394 lots across 102 hectares with over 50% dedicated to open space, lakes, and recreational facilities. The completed development includes 11 parks and playgrounds, cycleways, sporting fields, community gardens, and an outdoor art gallery. Winner of the 2014 UDIA NSW Award for Excellence in Residential Development. Now includes Oak Tree retirement village and Stonybrook Village over-50s community.
Employment
The labour market performance in Maitland lags significantly behind most other regions nationally
Maitland has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 6.9%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025930 residents are employed, and the unemployment rate is 3.0% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.
Workforce participation in Maitland is lower at 55.3%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. A moderate 22.4% of residents work from home, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services, while agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 1.8%, compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%.
The worker-to-resident ratio of 1.0 indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.0% in Maitland, with employment decreasing by 2.6%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment contract by 1.2%, the labour force fall by 0.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 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 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 weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Income
The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data
Maitland suburb's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2023 was $42,040. Average income stood at $52,166. For Regional NSW, these figures were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. By March 2026, estimated median income would be approximately $46,379 and average income $57,550, based on a 10.32% growth in wages since financial year 2023. Census data shows Maitland's household, family, and personal incomes all fall between the 16th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.1% of locals (631 people) earn between $800 - 1,499, contrasting with the surrounding region where earnings in the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket lead at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 81.0% of income remaining after expenses, ranking at the 14th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Housing
Maitland is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region
Maitland's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 72.2% houses and 27.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maitland stood at 29.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (29.5%) or rented (41.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,517, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Maitland was $320, compared to Regional NSW's $330. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Household Composition
Maitland features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size
Family households account for 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 constitute 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 Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
Local Schools & Education
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 - advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 29.2%. Educational participation is high, with 28.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education: 8.7% in primary, 7.3% in secondary, and 4.9% in tertiary education.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Nearby Services & Amenities
Transport
Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility
Maitland has 69 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 rated excellent, with residents typically located 175 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while 9% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.1 per dwelling, below the regional average.
According to the 2021 Census, 22.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 1,196 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 121 weekly trips per individual stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
Health
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 as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions impacting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~1,033 people), compared to Regional NSW's 51.9% 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% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Maitland has 21.6% of residents aged 65 and over (468 people), lower than Regional NSW's 23.4%. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Cultural Diversity
Maitland is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics
Maitland had a lower-than-average cultural diversity, with 90.9% of its population being citizens born in Australia who spoke English only at home (89.5%, 94.7% respectively). Christianity was the predominant religion, practiced by 49.8% of Maitland's residents. The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.8% compared to Regional NSW's 0.8%.
In terms of ancestry, English (30.1%) and Australian (28.4%) were the top two groups, followed by Irish at 11.1%. Welsh (0.7%), Scottish (9.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (5.1%) were notably overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.5%, 8.0%, and 4.6% respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
Age
Maitland hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average
Maitland's median age in 2021 is 42 years, comparable to Regional NSW's average of 43 but higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 35-44 are notably prominent at 15.8%, while the 5-14 age group is relatively smaller at 10.2% compared to Regional NSW. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 13.7% to 15.8% of Maitland's population. Conversely, the 45-54 age cohort has decreased from 14.6% to 13.0%, and the 15-24 age group has fallen from 11.1% to 10.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest significant demographic changes in Maitland, with the 35-44 age cohort projected to grow by 62%, adding 212 residents to reach a total of 555.