Maryborough (Qld)

Maryborough has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Maryborough (Qld) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 15,802 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 515 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,287. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 15,773 residents after examining June 2024 ABS ERP data release and 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 597 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 82.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are applied where utilised. Looking ahead, a population increase just below Australia's regional areas median is expected, with the area projected to expand by 841 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.7% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Maryborough recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Maryborough has seen approximately 19 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 98 dwellings. As of FY26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, around 6.3 people move to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY21 and FY25. This indicates substantial demand outstripping supply, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures.

The average expected construction cost of new dwellings in Maryborough is $431,000. In the current financial year, commercial approvals valued at $56.2 million have been registered, suggesting strong local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maryborough shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings, although recent construction activity has intensified slightly. However, this activity remains below the national average, suggesting the area's established nature and potential planning limitations.

New development in Maryborough consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% attached dwellings, maintaining its traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 609 people, reflecting its quiet and low-activity development environment. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Maryborough's population is forecasted to grow by 905 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.

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

Eleven projects identified by AreaSearch are expected to impact the area significantly, with changes to local infrastructure being a key influencer on performance. Notable projects include Mary Harbour Development, Energy Storage Industries (ESI) Battery Manufacturing Facility, Homes for Queenslanders - Maryborough Social Housing, and Maryborough Manufactured Home Park Development. The following list details those most likely to be 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 drivers in Maryborough are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Maryborough has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate was 9.7% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 8.2%.

As of September 2025, 6,198 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's at 5.6%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags behind at 42.6% compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, but construction shows lower representation at 6.8% versus the regional average of 10.1%.

Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as shown by the count of Census working population vs resident population. In the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 8.2%, and labour force grew by 9.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Qld, where employment rose by 1.7% and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows QLD employment contracted by 0.01%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.2%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Maryborough's employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

The suburb of Maryborough had a lower than average national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers was $40,935 and the average income stood at $47,260. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median of $53,146 and average of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Maryborough are approximately $44,992 (median) and $51,943 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 34.1% of individuals earn within the $400 - 799 range (5,388 individuals), unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. A significant portion of the community faces economic challenges with 43.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 84.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

Maryborough is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Maryborough's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 85.0% houses and 15.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's figures of 91.8% houses and 8.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough stood at 39.5%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.1% and rented ones at 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,008, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. The median weekly rent in Maryborough was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's figure of $260. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,008 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 59.5% of all households, including 16.3% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 15.6% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 40.5%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households comprising 3.9%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.3.

Maryborough faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 9.9%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (32.3%). A total of 24.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, comprising 9.6% in primary, 8.7% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Maryborough has 108 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by seven different routes that together facilitate 527 weekly passenger trips. The average distance residents live from the nearest stop is 199 meters, indicating excellent transport accessibility.

On average, there are 75 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately four weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Maryborough faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 7,257 people, significantly lower than the national average of 55.7%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 13.2% and 12.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 50.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 54.0% in the rest of Queensland. The population aged 65 and over comprises 28.5%, or approximately 4,503 people, slightly lower than the 29.9% recorded in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors generally align with those of the broader population.

The latest Census data sees Maryborough placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Maryborough's cultural diversity was below average, with 90.8% citizens, 90.2% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity dominated Maryborough, comprising 51.3%, compared to 52.8% across Rest of Qld. Top ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German was overrepresented at 6.4% in Maryborough versus regionally at 6.6%. Australian Aboriginal representation was higher at 4.1% compared to the regional average of 3.4%. Scottish ancestry was slightly underrepresented at 8.1%, while regionally it stood at 8.2%.

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

Maryborough's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 14.3% of the population, while the 35-44 age group is comparatively smaller at 9.8%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds has grown from 9.1% to 9.8%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 10.3%. By 2041, Maryborough's age composition is expected to shift notably. The number of people aged 85 and above will grow by 53%, reaching 1,018 from 663, leading the demographic shift. Those aged 65 and above are projected to comprise 60% of population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for the 5 to 14 age group and those aged 55-64 years.