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 8,718 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 558 people (6.8%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,160 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 8,229 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 189 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Maryborough's growth since census positions it within 1.0 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.8%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 79.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the 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 from these aggregations are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Anticipating future population dynamics, lower quartile growth is anticipated, with the area expected to expand by 176 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a decrease of 3.6% 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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Maryborough averaged around 45 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past 5 financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 226 homes were approved, with a further 15 approved so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents arriving per new home over these years was approximately 0.3.

This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average construction cost value of new homes being built is $409,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market with high-end developments. There have also been $13.6 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When compared to Rest of Vic., Maryborough shows comparable construction activity per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. However, recent construction comprises 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 234 people per dwelling approval, Maryborough shows a developing market. Given that population is expected to remain stable or decline, Maryborough should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Maryborough has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely impacting the region. Key projects include Maryborough and District Hospital Redevelopment, Central Goldfields Land Use Planning Framework, Maryborough Central Activity District (MCAD), and Maryborough Municipal Olympic Swimming Pool Upgrade. Below is a list of 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 conditions in Maryborough face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Maryborough has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs. The unemployment rate is 8.9%.

Employment growth over the past year is estimated at 2.6%. As of September 2025, 2,925 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 5.1%, above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Maryborough is 42.6%, significantly lower than Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing employment is particularly high at 1.9 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing employment is lower at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 2.6%, labour force increased by 1.4%, and unemployment rate fell by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment contraction, labour force decrease, and marginal unemployment increase. State-level data shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year to 25-Nov with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 13.0% over ten years.

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 Maryborough had a median income among taxpayers of $42,118 and an average of $49,812. This is below the national average. Rest of Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average 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. Census data reveals household, family, and personal incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The largest income segment consists of 36.1% earning $400 - 799 weekly (3,147 residents). Unlike regional trends, only 30.3% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 range. Lower income households are prevalent, with 46.1% earning below $800 weekly, indicating affordability pressures. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking 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

As per the latest Census evaluation in Maryborough, 87.4% of dwellings were houses with the remaining 12.6% being semi-detached, apartments, or other types. This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 93.8% houses and 6.2% 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 $1,127. 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 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 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, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.5%). A total of 23.8% of the population is currently engaged in formal education, comprising 9.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.0% 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 85 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 11 different routes, collectively facilitating 541 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically residing 196 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 77 trips per day across all routes, translating 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 health conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 47% (around 4,065 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (13.2%) and mental health issues (11.7%). About 53.0% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 56.8%. Maryborough has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 31.2% (2,720 people), compared to Rest of Vic's 27.9%. While health outcomes among seniors are challenging, they perform better than the general population in certain metrics.

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

Maryborough's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.6% of its population being citizens and 90.6% born in Australia as of the latest available data. English was spoken by 96.5% at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 50.0%.

The most notable overrepresentation was observed in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.8% compared to the Rest of Vic's 0.6%. In terms of ancestry, English parents comprised 35.1%, Australian 33.2%, and Scottish 8.8%. Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 0.4% (vs regional 0.6%), Hungarian at 0.2% (vs 0.3%), and Irish at 8.2% (vs 9.2%).

Maryborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maryborough's median age is 50, which exceeds the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and is above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group is strongly represented at 11.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s percentage, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.2%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is higher than the national figure of 6.0%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 15.9% to 14.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Maryborough's age profile will significantly evolve. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow by 292 people (32%), from 906 to 1,199. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 75 to 84 cohorts.