Maryborough (Vic.)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Maryborough reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Maryborough's population is estimated at around 8,371 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 211 people (2.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,160 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,256 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 181 persons per square kilometer for Maryborough (Vic.). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year for each SA2 area. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future trends, lower quartile growth is anticipated for regional areas nationwide, with Maryborough expected to expand by 176 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 0.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Maryborough has averaged approximately 45 new dwelling approvals per year. Between FY21-FY25, around 226 homes were approved, with an additional 10 approved in FY26 so far. On average, each new home attracts about 0.3 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost of new homes is around $409,000, aligning with regional patterns. In FY26, there have been approximately $13.6 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the rest of Victoria, Maryborough demonstrates similar construction activity per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, recent data shows a slight decrease in construction activity. The majority of new developments consist of standalone homes (84.0%), with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 16.0%, preserving the area's traditional low-density character. Maryborough has approximately 234 people per dwelling approval, suggesting a low-density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maryborough is projected to grow by around 34 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified nine projects that may impact the local area. These include 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 considered 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.

AreaSearch assessment indicates Maryborough faces employment challenges relative to the majority of Australian markets

Maryborough has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 8.5% as of June 2025, and estimated employment growth of 8.7% over the past year. The area's residents have an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Maryborough is at 42.6%, significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with notable concentration in manufacturing at 1.9 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data.

Over the year ending June 2025, employment increased by 8.7%, while labour force grew by 6.8%, reducing unemployment by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment fall by 0.9% and unemployment rise by 0.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from Sep-22 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 5.9% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation 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 2022 shows Maryborough's median income among taxpayers is $42,118. The average income in Maryborough for the same period was $49,812. Both figures are below the national averages. Rest of Vic.'s median income was $48,741 with an average of $60,693 during this time. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Maryborough as of September 2025 would be approximately $47,240 (median) and $55,869 (average). Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The largest segment comprises 36.1% earning $400 - $799 weekly, with 3,021 residents falling into this category. This is unlike regional trends where 30.3% earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 range. Lower income households are prevalent in Maryborough, with 46.1% earning below $800 weekly. After housing expenses, 85.4% of income remains for residents, which ranks at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

In Maryborough, as per the latest Census, 87.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.6% being semi-detached, apartments or other types. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough was at 45.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, below Non-Metro Vic's average of $1,127. Median weekly rent in Maryborough was $240 compared to Non-Metro Vic's $230. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,000 vs 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 account for 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

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 Victoria's 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 at 8.0% and certificates at 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.

Maryborough has four schools with a combined enrollment of 1,638 students, operating under typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 985) with balanced educational opportunities. The schools include one primary, one secondary, and two K-12 institutions. The area serves as an education hub with 19.6 school places per 100 residents, well above the regional average of 10.7, attracting students from nearby communities. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrollments, please refer to the parent campus.

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. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 16 routes operating in total, providing 578 weekly passenger trips collectively.

Residents have excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 196 meters to the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 82 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 6 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 private health cover rate stands at approximately 47%, covering around 3,903 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, impacting 13.2% and 11.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 53.0% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 56.8% across the Rest of Vic.. The proportion of seniors aged 65 and over is higher than the state average at 31.2%, with around 2,611 people falling into this age category. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Maryborough are better than those of the general 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 a lower 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 'Other' religious group was overrepresented at 0.8%, compared to 0.6% regionally.

For ancestry, English (35.1%), Australian (33.2%), and Scottish (8.8%) were the top groups. Maltese (0.4%) was notably higher than regional levels (0.6%), as was Hungarian (0.2%). Irish ancestry was slightly underrepresented at 8.2% compared to 9.2%.

Maryborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maryborough's median age is 50, which exceeds Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and is above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 11.6% of Maryborough's population, higher than Rest of Vic.'s percentage but lower than the national 6.0%. The 35-44 cohort makes up 9.2%, less prevalent than in Rest of Vic. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.2%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort decreased from 15.9% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Maryborough's age profile will significantly change. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 328 people (38%), reaching 1,199 from the current 870. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts.