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

As per ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the estimated population of Maryborough (Vic.) as of Feb 2026 is around 8721. This figure reflects a growth of 561 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 8160. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 8229 in Jun 2024, along with 90 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 189 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough's 6.9% growth since census is within 1.0 percentage point of its SA3 area's 7.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 79.0% to overall population gains recently.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future trends suggest lower quartile growth in national regional areas, with Maryborough (Vic.) expected to grow by 192 persons to 2041, reflecting a decrease of 3.4% 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 averaged around 45 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 226 homes. So far in FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. Over these five years, an average of 0.3 new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed. This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and enabling population growth.

The average value of new homes being built is $409,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. In FY-26, $13.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Maryborough has similar development levels per person, maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area.

However, building activity has slowed in recent years. New building activity comprises 84.0% detached houses and 16.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 234 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Given stable or declining population forecasts, Maryborough may experience less housing pressure in the future, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

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. 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.

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, prominent essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 8.1%, and stable employment over the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 2,972 residents are employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Regional Vic.'s by 4.4% (3.7%). Workforce participation in Maryborough is lower at 45.2%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%.

Census data shows 6.5% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with a strong specialization in manufacturing (1.9 times the regional level). However, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 7.5%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work.

Over the year to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.8%, with employment remaining stable (-0.0%), reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. saw an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%. Job forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) suggest national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough's industry mix indicates 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 2023 shows Maryborough had a median income among taxpayers of $42,118 and an average of $49,812. This is below the national average. 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 are approximately $45,593 (median) and $53,921 (average) as of September 2025. The 2021 Census reports household, family and personal incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Incomes of $400 - 799 dominate with 36.1% of residents (3,148 people). Lower income households are prevalent, with 46.1% earning below $800 weekly. After housing costs, 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

The dwelling structure in Maryborough, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared 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, below Regional Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent was $240, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285 respectively. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents 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 the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. 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%. 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 actively 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 services. These are covered by 11 different routes, collectively providing 541 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated excellent, with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest one. Most commuting in this primarily residential area is outward-bound. Cars remain the dominant mode at 91%, with 7% walking. 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 reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 77 trips per day across all routes, equating 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 as per AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (~4,066 people), compared to Regional Vic.'s 50.5% 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% claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to Regional Vic.'s 63.4%. Working-age residents face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.3%, with 2,729 people, compared to Regional Vic.'s 23.9%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings for 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 and 90.6% born in Australia. English was spoken exclusively at home by 96.5% of residents. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 50.0% of Maryborough's population.

The most notable overrepresentation was in the 'Other' category, with 0.8% of the population compared to the regional average of 0.8%. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.1%), Australian (33.2%), and Scottish (8.8%). Some ethnic groups showed notable divergences in representation: Maltese was overrepresented at 0.4% in Maryborough compared to 0.5% regionally, Hungarian remained consistent at 0.2%, and Irish was underrepresented at 8.2% compared to the regional average of 9.7%.

Maryborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maryborough has a median age of 50, which is higher than Regional Vic.'s figure of 43 and well above the national average of 38. The age group of 75-84 shows strong representation at 11.6%, compared to Regional Vic., while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.5%. This 75-84 concentration is significantly higher than the national figure of 6.1%. According to the 2021 Census, the age group of 15 to 24 has grown from 9.5% to 11.5%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 8.1% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 14.4%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.4%. Demographic modeling indicates that Maryborough's age profile will undergo significant changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 237 people (25%) from 968 to 1,206. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.