Maffra

Population growth drivers in Maffra are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Maffra's population is around 15,683 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 927 people (6.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,756 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,458 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 264 validated new addresses since the Census date. Maffra's population equates to a density ratio of 6.2 persons per square kilometer. Its 6.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (5.0%) and the non-metro area, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 53.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusting 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. Future population dynamics anticipate a significant increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation, with Maffra expected to grow by 5,129 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 31.2% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Maffra among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Maffra averaged approximately 96 new dwelling approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25484 homes were approved, with an additional 48 approved so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, there was an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling, indicating solid demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these dwellings was approximately $262,000. In commercial development activity, Maffra has seen $23.0 million in approvals this financial year. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Maffra's development levels are similar per person, preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas.

However, construction activity has eased recently. The new development consists of 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 223 people per dwelling approval in Maffra, indicating room for growth. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maffra is forecasted to gain 4,894 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Maffra has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects potentially impacting the area. Key projects are Maffra Aged Care Facility, Maffra Northern Growth Precinct, Maffra Heavy Vehicle Bypass Route, and Maffra Retarding Basins and Wetlands. The following list details 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 performance in Maffra exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Maffra has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented.

The unemployment rate was 3.1% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.4%. There were 7,503 residents employed in September 2025, with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, which is 0.7% lower than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation was similar to Rest of Vic.'s at 57.4%.

Key industries for employment among residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Maffra has a particular specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented at 15.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. In the 12 months prior, employment increased by 4.4%, labour force by 4.1%, leading to a decrease in unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., which saw employment and labour force declines of 0.7% and 0.6% respectively, with a marginal rise in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13%, adding 41,950 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts suggest growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maffra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The Maffra SA2's income level is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended 30 June 2022. The median income among taxpayers in Maffra SA2 was $46,635 with an average income of $56,748. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic., which were $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year ended 30 June 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $52,306 (median) and $63,649 (average). According to Census data from 2021, income levels in Maffra fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. The earnings profile shows that 30.9% of the community (4,846 individuals) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, reflecting regional patterns where 30.3% occupy this range. Housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, however total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

Maffra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Maffra's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.9% houses and 8.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maffra was at 43.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (17.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average, while the median weekly rent was $250 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $1,300 and $260 respectively. Nationally, Maffra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Maffra has a typical household mix, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 70.0% of all households, including 27.0% couples with children, 32.8% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 28.0% and group households comprising 2.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, larger than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Educational outcomes in Maffra fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 15.6%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 32.9%. Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 2.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is very low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

The analysis of public transport in Maffra shows that there are currently 26 active transport stops operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 16 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 148 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located approximately 2.4 kilometres from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 21 trips per day across all routes, which equates to roughly five weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maffra is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data indicates significant challenges for Maffra, with high prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (around 7,574 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.7% and 8.4% of residents respectively. A total of 64.8% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the Rest of Vic's figure of 62.7%. Maffra has 23.6% of its population aged 65 and over (3,693 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area are above average, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

The latest Census data sees Maffra placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Maffra's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.7% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (91.1%), speaking English only at home (97.2%). Christianity was the predominant religion in Maffra, comprising 46.5%, slightly lower than the regional figure of 46.9%. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.2%), English (32.9%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Dutch ancestry was marginally higher at 2.2% compared to 2.1% regionally, Scottish ancestry was similarly slightly higher at 8.7%, and Macedonian ancestry was at 0.1%.

Maffra's median age exceeds the national pattern

Maffra's median age is 42 years, similar to Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 but considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 13.8%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 10.6% compared to Rest of Vic.. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 7.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Maffra. The 25-34 age group is projected to grow by 63%, adding 1,128 residents to reach 2,930. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort grows by a modest 5%, adding 91 people.