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 16,483 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,727 people (11.7%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,756 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,448 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 302 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 6.5 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Maffra's 11.7% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (8.1%) and the Rest of Vic., marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 53.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers, including overseas migration and natural growth, were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising 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 also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to increase by 5,129 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 24.8% in total over the 17 years.

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

Maffra has seen around 96 new homes approved annually, totalling 484 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 59 approvals have been recorded. With an average of 2.1 new residents per year for each dwelling over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average value of $262,000. Additionally, $23.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Maffra maintains similar construction rates (per person), supporting market stability in line with regional patterns, though development activity has moderated in recent periods. New development consists of 96.0% detached dwellings and 4.0% townhouses or apartments, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. At around 223 people per approval, Maffra reflects a transitioning market.

Future projections show Maffra adding 4,094 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 18 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Maffra Aged Care Facility, Maffra Northern Growth Precinct, Maffra Heavy Vehicle Bypass Route, and Maffra Retarding Basins and Wetlands, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of just 3.0%, and 5.9% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,564 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% below Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 13.6% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. The area shows particularly strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Meanwhile, health care & social assistance has a limited presence with 15.1% employment compared to 16.8% regionally. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 5.9% and the labour force increased by 5.3%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.6 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Maffra. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Maffra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Maffra SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $48,541 with the average level standing at $58,620. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $50,954 and $62,728 across Regional Vic. respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $52,546 (median) and $63,456 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Maffra all fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The data shows 30.9% of the population (5,093 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the region where 30.3% occupy this bracket. While housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, 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

Dwelling structure within Maffra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Maffra was higher than that of Regional Vic., at 43.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (17.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was below the Regional Vic. average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $250, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Maffra's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 70.0% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.4 people matches the Regional Vic. average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (15.6%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (2.6%) and postgraduate qualifications (2.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (32.9%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 26 active transport stops operating within Maffra, comprising a mix of train. These stops are serviced by 7 individual routes, collectively providing 91 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility 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 car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 13.6% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,977 people). This compares to 50.5% across Regional Vic. The national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.7% and 8.4% of residents, respectively, while 64.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. Working-age residents show an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.3% of residents aged 65 and over (3,838 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 89.7% of the population being citizens, 91.1% born in Australia, and 97.2% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Maffra is Christianity, which makes up 46.5% of the population. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Maffra are Australian, comprising 34.2% of the population, English, comprising 32.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.4% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Dutch is notably overrepresented at 2.2% of Maffra (vs 1.7% regionally), Scottish at 8.7% (vs 8.8%) and Macedonian at 0.1% (vs 0.2%).

Maffra's median age exceeds the national pattern

At 42 years, Maffra's median age is similar to the Regional Vic. average of 43 while considerably older than Australia's 38 years. The age profile shows 5 - 14 year-olds are particularly prominent (12.6%), while the 45 - 54 group is comparatively smaller (10.5%) than in Regional Vic.. In the period since 2021, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 7.8% of the population. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.3%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Maffra. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 51%, adding 983 residents to reach 2,930. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort grows by a modest 2% (43 people).