Maffra

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

Maffra's population is 15,609 as of May 2026. This shows an increase of 853 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,756. The change is inferred from ABS data: the estimated resident population was 15,549 in June 2025 and there were 321 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 6.2 persons per square kilometer. Maffra's growth rate of 5.8% since 2021 exceeded both its SA3 area (2.4%) and Rest of Vic., indicating it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 46.9% to population gains recently, with all drivers being positive factors.

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 forecasts anticipate a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas nationwide, with Maffra expected to grow by 4,862 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 30.8% over 16 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. Between FY21-FY25484 homes were approved, with an additional 75 approved in FY26 to date. Each dwelling has attracted an average of 2.1 new residents per year over the past five financial years.

The average construction cost value of these dwellings was $262,000. In FY26, there have been $23.0 million in commercial approvals. Maffra's development levels are similar to those of the Rest of Vic., maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas.

However, recent construction activity has eased. Of the new developments, 96% are detached houses and 4% are attached dwellings, preserving Maffra's low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 223 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Maffra is projected to gain 4,802 residents by 2041. If current construction levels persist, housing supply may lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price growth.

Maffra has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 18 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include 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 conditions in Maffra demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Maffra has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.0% in the past year, showing an estimated employment growth of 5.9%. As of December 2025, 7,564 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% lower than Regional Vic.'s 3.7%.

Workforce participation was at par with Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. According to Census responses, 13.6% of residents worked from home. Key industries included health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing had an employment share 1.7 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance was under-represented at 15.1%.

Employment opportunities appeared limited locally based on Census data comparison. In the 12-month period ending May-25, employment increased by 5.9% alongside labour force increasing by 5.3%, resulting in a 0.6 percentage point unemployment decrease. By contrast, Regional Vic. saw employment decline of 0.6%, labour force decline of 0.7%, and a 0.1 percentage point unemployment reduction. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Maffra SA2 is $48,541 and the average income stands at $58,620. In comparison, Regional Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average income is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Maffra SA2 would be approximately $53,211 (median) and $64,259 (average) as of March 2026. Census 2021 income data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Maffra all fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.9% of the community (4,823 individuals), which is similar to regional levels where 30.3% occupy this range. Housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, however, the total disposable income ranks at just the 27th percentile nationally.

Maffra is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Maffra's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s composition of 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maffra stood at 43.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 39.2% and rented ones at 17.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Maffra was $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Maffra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,300 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Maffra has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 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 make up the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 28.0% and group households comprising 2.0% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which matches the Regional Vic. average.

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 prominent among residents aged 15+, with 42.8% holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (32.9%). Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 11.5% in primary, 8.5% in secondary, and 2.2% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably 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 26 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train services and are serviced by 7 individual routes. Collectively, these routes provide 91 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to transport is rated as limited, with residents typically located 2283 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. The dominant mode of transport remains the car at 93%, with 4% walking.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. According to the 2021 Census, some 13.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maffra is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Maffra faces significant health challenges according to AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover was found to be very low at approximately 48% of the total population, which is around 7,554 people.

This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic., with a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in the area were arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.7 and 8.4% of residents respectively. Meanwhile, 64.8% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic.. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 24.0% of residents aged 65 and over, which is around 3,738 people. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 population showed low cultural diversity, with 89.7% being citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 46.5%. This is slightly lower than Regional Vic., where it makes up 47.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.2%), English (32.9%), and Irish (9.4%). Notably, Dutch ancestry was higher in Maffra at 2.2% compared to 1.7% regionally, Scottish ancestry was similar at 8.7%, and Macedonian ancestry was lower at 0.1% versus 0.2%.

Maffra's median age exceeds the national pattern

Maffra's median age is 42 years, similar to Regional Vic.'s average of 43 but older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent at 13.7%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 10.5% compared to Regional Vic.. Since 2021, the 75-84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 8.0% of the population, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 10.6% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Maffra. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 58%, adding 1,022 residents to reach 2,793. Meanwhile, the 55-64 cohort grows by a modest 7%, adding 137 people.