Maryborough (Qld)

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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the population of Maryborough (Qld) was estimated at 15,815 as of February 2026. This figure reflects a growth of 528 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,287. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 15,773 residents in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 597 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82% of overall population gains during recent periods.

For projections, AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia data for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted, with proportional growth weightings applied for age cohorts. By 2041, the suburb is projected to increase by 859 persons, reflecting a total increase of 5.7% over 17 years, aligning with Australia's regional areas median growth rate.

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 19 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 98 homes from FY-20 to FY-25. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 6.3 people moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25.

Commercial approvals this financial year amounted to $56.2 million, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the rest of Queensland, Maryborough has significantly reduced construction activity, with 81.0% below the regional average per person. New development consists mainly of detached houses (85.0%) and attached dwellings (15.0%), maintaining the area's traditional low-density character focused on family homes. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 609 people. Population forecasts indicate Maryborough will gain 899 residents by 2041, potentially leading to increased competition among buyers and stronger price growth if current development rates continue.

Population forecasts indicate Maryborough will gain 899 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 very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 11 projects likely affecting this region. Notable projects are 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 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's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with essential services well-represented. The unemployment rate was 9.6% in the past year, showing an 8.3% employment growth. As of September 2025, 6,208 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.6%, compared to Rest of Qld's 4.1%.

Workforce participation was 51.1%, significantly lower than the regional average of 65.7%. A low 5.4% of residents worked from home as of Census responses in September 2025, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area shows strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level) but lower representation in construction (6.8% vs regional average of 10.1%).

Employment opportunities locally appear limited, with a higher resident population than working population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 8.3%, labour force grew by 9.4%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment rise by 1.7%, labour force grow by 2.1%, and unemployment increase by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) 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 simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The suburb of Maryborough's median income among taxpayers was $40,935 and average income stood at $47,260 in financial year 2023. These figures are lower than Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $44,992 and average income $51,943 based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91%. 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 individuals earn between $400 - 799 weekly, unlike surrounding regions where 31.7% earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly. This concentration highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 84.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Maryborough's dwelling structures, 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 76.4% houses and 23.6% 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 $1,655. The median weekly rent figure in Maryborough was $250, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $345. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,008 than 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 make up the remaining 40.5%, comprising 36.7% lone person households and 3.9% group households. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5 people.

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%. This disparity presents both challenges and opportunities for targeted educational programs. 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 and above 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.

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 collectively facilitate 527 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is considered excellent, with residents on average located just 199 meters from the nearest stop. Most journeys in this predominantly residential area involve outward commuting, with cars being the primary mode of transportation at a rate of 90%. Six percent of residents walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.1 vehicles per dwelling, which is lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 5.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 75 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately four weekly trips per stop. A map accompanying this analysis displays the locations of the 100 nearest stops to the area's centerpoint.

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, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Multiple health conditions affect both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 7,263 people), compared to 52.5% in the rest of Queensland and a national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.2%) and mental health issues (12.4%), while 50.8% report being free from medical ailments, lower than the 67.6% reported in the rest of Queensland. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.8% (4,554 people), compared to 20.4% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning with national rankings for the general 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 was found to have low cultural diversity, with 90.8% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home: 90.2% and 97.3%, respectively. Christianity is the predominant religion in Maryborough, accounting for 51.3% of the population, slightly lower than the regional average of 52.2%. The top three ancestry groups are English (32.7%), Australian (31.1%), and Irish (8.1%).

Notably, German ancestry is overrepresented at 6.4%, compared to the regional average of 4.7%. Australian Aboriginal ancestry is also slightly higher at 4.1% versus 3.9%, while Scottish ancestry is nearly equal at 8.1% versus 7.8%.

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

Maryborough's median age is 49 years, which is significantly higher than Queensland's average of 41 years and exceeds Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 65-74 are particularly prominent in Maryborough, making up 14.5% of the population, compared to the Rest of Qld's figure and the national average of 9.5%. Meanwhile, those aged 35-44 constitute only 10.0%, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld figure. Between 2021 and present, Maryborough has seen an increase in its 25 to 34 age group from 9.1% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.3% to 10.1%. By 2041, Maryborough's population is expected to undergo significant changes in its age composition. Notably, the 85+ group is projected to grow by 53%, adding 353 people and reaching a total of 1,018 from its current figure of 664. The aging population trend is evident with those aged 65 and above contributing to 59% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are forecast for individuals aged 5 to 14 and those aged 55 to 64 years old.