Maryborough (Qld)

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

As of Nov 2025, Maryborough's population is estimated at around 15,828, reflecting an increase of 541 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for surrounding areas applied to Maryborough by AreaSearch in June 2024 showed a resident population of 15,804. This figure, combined with additional validated new addresses since the Census date, indicates the current estimated population. This results in a density ratio of 598 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.0% 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 Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by the former or years post-2032. Population projections indicate an increase just below Australia's regional median to 2041, with Maryborough expected to expand by 841 persons, reflecting a total increase of 5.5% over the 17-year period.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Maryborough had approximately 20 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 102 dwellings. As of FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, about six people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating supply lagging demand. New dwellings were developed at an average expected construction cost of $431,000, below the regional average.

This financial year has seen $29.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Maryborough shows significantly reduced construction activity, with 80.0% fewer approvals per person than the regional average. Recent construction comprises predominantly detached houses (86.0%) and townhouses or apartments (14.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 633 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Maryborough is projected to grow by approximately 879 residents through to 2041, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and stronger price growth if current development rates continue.

Looking ahead, Maryborough is expected to grow by 879 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Maryborough has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 31stth percentile nationally

Eleven infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. Key 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 likely to be 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.

The labour market performance in Maryborough lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Maryborough's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 10.4% as of June 2025, while employment grew by an estimated 4.6% over the past year.

There are 6,109 residents currently employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Rest of Qld's at 6.5%. Workforce participation in Maryborough is lower at 42.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction has lower representation at 6.8% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over a 12-month period ending in Sep-22, employment increased by 4.6%, while labour force grew by 7.1%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

Maryborough's median income among taxpayers was $40,935 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $47,260 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. By September 2025, current estimates project Maryborough's median income to be approximately $46,662 and average income to reach around $53,872, based on a Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 34.1% of the community (5,397 individuals) earn between $400 - $799 weekly, 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% concentrated in sub-$800 weekly brackets. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Maryborough, 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), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 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, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,179. Median weekly rent in Maryborough was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $260. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were 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 constitute 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 account for 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 faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 9.9%, substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.4%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 32.3%.

A substantial 24.8% of the population actively pursues formal education, including 9.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education. As of 2021, a robust network of 9 schools operates within Maryborough, educating approximately 3,362 students while the area demonstrates varied educational conditions (ICSEA: 934). The educational mix includes 5 primary, 3 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. As of 2021, the area functions as an education hub with 21.2 school places per 100 residents – significantly above the regional average of 12.3 – attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Maryborough's public transport analysis shows 108 active transport stops operating within the city. These stops are served by a mix of buses running along seven individual routes, collectively providing 527 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 199 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 residents. The rate of private health cover is notably low at approximately 46%, covering around 7,269 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 13.2% and 12.4% of residents respectively. Conversely, 50.8% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 54.0% reported across the rest of Queensland. The population aged 65 and over stands at 28.5%, or approximately 4,510 people, which is lower than the 29.9% seen 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, surveyed in June 2016, had a population with 90.8% citizens, 90.2% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 51.3%, compared to 52.8% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were English (32.7%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German ancestry was slightly overrepresented at 6.4% (vs regional 6.6%), Australian Aboriginal at 4.1% (vs 3.4%), and Scottish at 8.1% (vs 8.2%).

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

Maryborough's median age is 49 years, significantly higher than the Rest of Qld average of 41 and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 14.3%, while the 35-44 group is smaller at 9.8% compared to the Rest of Qld. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of Maryborough's population aged 25-34 has grown from 9.1% to 9.8%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 5-14 has declined from 11.3% to 10.3%. By 2041, Maryborough is expected to see notable demographic shifts. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 53%, reaching 1,018 from 664. Those aged 65 and above will comprise 60% of the projected population growth. Conversely, declines are projected for those aged 5-14 and 55-64.