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, based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validation as of May 2026, is estimated at around 8,231. This reflects a growth of 71 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,160. The change is inferred from an estimated resident population of 8,229 in June 2025 and 97 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 178 persons per square kilometer. Since the Census, Maryborough's growth of 0.9% positions it within 1.9 percentage points of its SA3 area (2.8%). Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 79.0%.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by this data. Future population growth is anticipated to be lower outside capital cities, with the suburb expected to grow by 96 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 1.1% over the 16 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 shows Maryborough recorded around 45 residential properties granted approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 226 homes were approved, with an additional 15 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, on average, 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded.

This suggests supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential population growth above projections. The average construction value of new properties was $409,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, there have been $13.6 million in commercial approvals, showing steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Rest of Vic., Maryborough maintains similar construction rates per person, supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, although building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity shows 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 234 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. Population forecasts indicate Maryborough will gain 94 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified nine projects that may impact the area. 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. The following list details those most likely to be 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 has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Its unemployment rate is 8.1%. This rate has remained stable over the past year according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of December 2025, 2,972 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.4% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Maryborough is significantly lower at 45.2% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Census responses show that only 6.5% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data comparing working population to local population. Over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8% and employment remained stable at 0%, leading to a 0.7 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced a 0.6% employment decline and a 0.7% labour force decline with a 0.1 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Maryborough's employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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 taxpayer income of $42,118 and an average of $49,812. Both figures are below the national averages. Regional Vic.'s median was $50,954 with an average of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Maryborough would be approximately $46,170 (median) and $54,604 (average) as of March 2026. The 2021 Census reports that incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows 36.1% of residents earn between $400 - 799 weekly, compared to Regional Vic.'s predominant category of $1,500 - 2,999. Notably, 46.1% of Maryborough residents earn below $800 weekly after housing costs, 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, comprised 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings. This compares to Regional Vic.'s 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 Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Maryborough was $240, compared to Regional 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, which is smaller than the Regional 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 Victoria's average of 33.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15 and above holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.5%).

A substantial 23.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 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 serving a mix of train services. These stops are covered by 11 routes, offering a total of 541 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents on average located 196 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily, predominantly by car at 91%, while 7% walk. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.2, 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 6 weekly trips per 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 assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~3,838 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

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% report being completely clear of medical ailments, lower than Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. 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 31.7% (2,609 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with 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's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 91.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (90.6%), and speaking English only at home (96.5%). Christianity was the predominant religion, making up 50.0% of Maryborough's population. The most notable overrepresentation was seen in the 'Other' category, comprising 0.8% compared to Regional Vic.'s 0.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.1%), Australian (33.2%), and Scottish (8.8%). Notably, Maltese were overrepresented at 0.4%, Hungarian at 0.2%, and Irish at 8.2% compared to regional averages.

Maryborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maryborough's median age is 50, surpassing Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and exceeding the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 11.9%, higher than Regional Vic., while the 35-44 cohort stands at 9.1%. This 75-84 concentration is significantly above the national figure of 6.1%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.2%, while the 65 to 74 cohort has decreased from 15.9% to 14.6% and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Maryborough's age profile. The 25 to 34 age cohort is forecast to grow by 274 people (31%), reaching 1,172 from the current 897. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 5 to 14 cohorts.