Maitland (NSW)

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for Maitland, NSW, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb's estimated population is around 2,286 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 314 people (15.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,972 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,157 estimated by AreaSearch 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 417 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Maitland's 15.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (5.1%) and the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and overseas migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period, placing Maitland among the top 10 percent of non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to expand by 1,724 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 68.7% 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 around 22 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 111 homes were approved, with a further 19 approved in FY-26. This averages out to approximately 3.2 new residents per home built over these years.

The demand for housing significantly exceeds the supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New dwellings are developed at an average expected construction cost of $321,000, which is below regional levels, indicating more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, $2.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting limited focus on commercial development compared to the rest of NSW. Maitland has 11.0% less new development per person than the rest of NSW but ranks among the 93rd percentile nationally for construction activity, reflecting strong developer confidence in the area. The current new development mix consists of 48.0% detached dwellings and 52.0% townhouses or apartments, a significant shift from the current housing mix of 72.0% houses. This skew towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The location has approximately 57 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Maitland is expected to grow by 1,571 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Maitland has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 14 projects likely influencing the region. Notable initiatives include the Maitland Mental Health Rehabilitation Project, Maitland Regional Sports Complex Redevelopment, Maitland Local Housing Strategy 2041, and Wallis Meadows Estate. 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 conditions in Maitland face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Maitland has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate was 6.8% as of June 2025, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

At this time, 951 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.1% higher than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation & food services, but agriculture, forestry & fishing was under-represented at 1.8% compared to Rest of NSW's 5.3%.

The worker-to-resident ratio of 1.0 indicated substantial local employment opportunities. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.9%, with employment decreasing by 5.9%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of NSW where employment contracted by 0.1%, the labour force grew by 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates varied significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Maitland's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and not accounting for localised population projections.

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

Maitland's median income among taxpayers was $42,040 and average income was $52,166 in financial year 2022. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest Maitland's median income will be approximately $47,341 and average income $58,744. Census data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Maitland fall between the 16th and 16th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 29.1% of locals (665 people) earn between $800 and $1,499, contrasting with the surrounding region where the predominant cohort falls into the $1,500 to $2,999 bracket at 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Maitland, with only 81.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 14th percentile nationally.

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 while 27.8% comprised 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%, mirroring Non-Metro NSW's rate. Mortgaged dwellings accounted for 29.5% and rented ones made up 41.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,517, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,862. The median weekly rent figure in Maitland was $320, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $375. Nationally, Maitland's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,517 versus Australia's 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 comprise the remaining 41.1%, with lone person households at 37.1% and group households making up 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 19.0%, substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 11.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 4.8% and graduate diplomas at 2.4%. Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 11.4% and certificates at 29.2%.

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. Maitland's 4 schools have combined enrollment reaching 1,986 students while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1004) with balanced educational opportunities. Educational provision follows conventional lines, split between 2 primary and 2 secondary institutions. The area functions as an education hub with 86.9 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 17.6 – attracting students from surrounding communities. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

Maitland has 56 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 131 different routes, collectively facilitating 8,528 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent with residents located an average of 175 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,218 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 152 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, affecting various age groups. The rate of private health cover in Maitland is approximately 48%, covering around 1,088 people, compared to 52.8% across Rest of NSW and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 14.9% and 9.6% of residents respectively.

Conversely, 54.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of NSW. Maitland has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.5%, or 491 people, than the 15.4% seen in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges largely consistent with those of the general population.

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 predominant religion in Maitland, comprising 49.8% of its population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, which made up 0.8% of Maitland's population compared to 0.7% across the rest of NSW.

Regarding ancestry, the top three represented groups were English (30.1%), Australian (28.4%), and Irish (11.1%). Notably, Welsh was overrepresented at 0.7%, Scottish at 9.0%, and Australian Aboriginal at 5.1%.

Maitland hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Maitland's median age is 42, similar to Rest of NSW's average of 43 but older than Australia's median age of 38. The age profile shows that 15.5% of Maitland's population are aged 35-44 years, while only 10.1% are aged 65-74 years. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of residents aged 35-44 has increased from 13.7% to 15.5%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 45-54 decreased from 14.6% to 13.2%, and the share of those aged 55-64 dropped from 12.0% to 10.8%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Maitland. The number of residents aged 35-44 is projected to grow by 79%, adding 281 individuals to reach a total of 636 in this age group.