Maryborough (Vic.)

Maryborough is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Maryborough's population was estimated at 8,721 as of February 2026, reflecting a growth of 561 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 6.9% change from the previous population count of 8,160. The resident population estimate by AreaSearch following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 was 8,229, with an additional 90 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a density ratio of 189 persons per square kilometer for Maryborough (Vic.). The suburb's population growth since the census is comparable to its SA3 area, demonstrating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods for areas not covered by the first data set. Future population growth is anticipated to be lower quartile for non-metropolitan areas, with Maryborough expected to grow by 176 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 3.6% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Maryborough according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Maryborough recorded around 45 residential properties granted approval per year. An estimated 226 homes were approved over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, with an additional 15 so far in FY-26. On average, only 0.3 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during these years, indicating that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand.

This offers ample buyer choice and creates capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes was $409,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $13.6 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When compared to Rest of Vic., Maryborough has similar development levels per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, development activity has moderated in recent periods. Recent construction comprised 84.0% detached dwellings and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional low density character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 234 people per approval, Maryborough reflects a transitioning market with population projections showing stability or decline, which should reduce housing demand pressures and benefit potential buyers.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include the Maryborough and District Hospital Redevelopment, Central Goldfields Land Use Planning Framework, Maryborough Central Activity District (MCAD), and Maryborough Municipal Olympic Swimming Pool Upgrade. 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 Maryborough face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Maryborough's workforce comprises both white and blue-collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 8.9% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 2.6%. As of September 2025, 2,925 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%, higher than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is lower at 45.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Only 6.5% of residents work from home, although Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with a notable specialization in manufacturing at 1.9 times the regional level. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 3.7%, below Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 2.6% while the labour force rose by 1.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contraction and unemployment rise marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows median income in Maryborough is $42,118 and average income is $49,812. This contrasts with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Maryborough are approximately $45,593 (median) and $53,921 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 36.1% of locals earn between $400 and $799 weekly, differing from metropolitan regions where the predominant category is $1,500 to $2,999 at 30.3%. With 46.1% earning under $800 per week, income constraints affect local spending patterns significantly. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains, 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 structure, as per the latest Census, comprised 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough stood at 45.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Maryborough was $240, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,000 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 58.2% of all households, including 16.3% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households making up 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 11.7%, significantly lower than the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them. Advanced diplomas account for 8.0% and certificates for 29.5%.

A substantial 23.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 9.2% in primary, 8.0% 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 85 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train services. These stops are served by 11 different routes, together providing 541 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically living 196 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 91%, while walking accounts for 7%. On average, there are 1.2 vehicles per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 6.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 77 trips per day, equating to approximately six 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A variety of health conditions impact both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,066 people), compared to 50.5% across the rest of Victoria and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.2%) and mental health issues (11.7%), while 53.0% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in the rest of Victoria. Working-age residents face notable health challenges with high chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors, with 31.1% aged 65 and over (2,712 people), compared to 23.9% in the rest of Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings generally aligned with the overall population.

Maryborough is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Maryborough had low cultural diversity, with 91.6% citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, comprising 50.0%. The most notable overrepresentation was Other, at 0.8%, compared to Rest of Vic's 0.8%.

Top three ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (33.2%), and Scottish (8.8%). Maltese was notably overrepresented at 0.4% versus regional 0.5%, Hungarian at 0.2% versus 0.2%, and Irish at 8.2% versus 9.7%.

Maryborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maryborough's median age is 50, surpassing Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group has a strong representation at 11.5%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s figure and the national average of 6.1%. Meanwhile, the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. Post the 2021 Census, Maryborough's population shifts include growth in the 15-24 age group from 9.5% to 11.4%, and an increase in the 35-44 cohort from 8.1% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 15.9% to 14.4%, and the 5-14 group dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Maryborough's age profile. The 25-34 age cohort is expected to grow by 239 people (25%), from 959 to 1,199. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45-54 and 5-14 cohorts.