Maffra
Statistical Area - sa2

Population growth drivers in Maffra are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Maffra's population was approximately 15,688 as of August 2025. This figure represents an increase of 932 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 14,756. The growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 15,460 in June 2024 and an additional 253 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 6.2 persons per square kilometer. Maffra's 6.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's (4.5%) and non-metro areas, indicating it as a regional growth leader. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.1% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses 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 adjusted employing weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels for areas not covered by the data. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on latest population numbers, a significant increase in the top quartile of regional areas is forecasted, with Maffra expected to grow by 5,129 persons to 2041, representing a total increase of 31.2% over the 17 years.

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

Maffra has averaged approximately 99 new dwelling approvals annually. Development approval data is provided by the ABS on a financial year basis, with 496 dwellings approved over the past five financial years from FY20 to FY25, and 11 so far in FY26. On average, each dwelling has resulted in 2.1 new residents per year over the past five financial years. This suggests solid demand that supports property values, with new homes being built at an average expected construction cost value of $434,000.

There have also been $23.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating balanced commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Maffra has slightly more development, at 10.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period from FY20 to FY25. This balances buyer choice while supporting current property values, though construction activity has eased recently.

New development consists of 96.0% detached houses and 4.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 223 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Population forecasts indicate Maffra will gain 4,889 residents through to 2041. Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Maffra has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects that could impact this region. Notable projects include the Maffra Aged Care Facility, Maffra Northern Growth Precinct, Maffra Heavy Vehicle Bypass Route, and Maffra Retarding Basins and Wetlands. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, Maffra has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Maffra has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 3.3% as of June 2025. There are 7,203 residents employed, with an unemployment rate 0.5% lower than Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation is similar to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, agriculture, forestry & fishing, and construction. Maffra has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing (1.7 times the regional level), but lower representation in health care & social assistance (15.1% vs regional average of 16.8%). Local employment opportunities appear limited based on Census data comparison.

In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 0.8%, employment declined by 1.3%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9%, labour force fell by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data (Sep-25) shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, adding 39,880 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia indicate national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maffra's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

Maffra's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $46,635. The average income stood at $56,748 during the same period. This compares to figures for Rest of Vic.'s of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. According to Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $51,350 (median) and $62,485 (average) as of March 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Maffra all fall between the 22nd and 23rd percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.9% of the community (4,847 individuals). Housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained. However, total disposable income ranks at just the 28th percentile nationally.

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

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 compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s 91.9% houses and 8.1% 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, aligning with Non-Metro Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $260. Nationally, Maffra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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, which is 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 prominent, with 42.8% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (32.9%). Educational participation is high, at 27.9%, comprising primary (11.5%), secondary (8.5%), and tertiary education (2.2%).

Eleven schools serve 1,699 students in Maffra, which has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 977). There are ten primary and one secondary school serving distinct age groups. School places per 100 residents is 10.8, below the regional average of 14.7. Some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

Maffra has 26 operational public transport stops, serving a mix of train and bus services. These stops are covered by 16 distinct routes, offering a total of 148 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed limited, with residents on average being located 2427 meters away from the nearest transport stop.

The service frequency averages 21 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly 5 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 with common health conditions prevalent among both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,577 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

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 completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 62.7% across Rest of Vic. As of 2016, 23.6% of Maffra's population is aged 65 and over (3,694 people). Health outcomes among seniors in the area are above average, performing better than 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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. Only 10.3% of its residents were born overseas, with the majority (97.2%) speaking English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, practised by 46.5% of Maffra's population, slightly lower than the regional average of 46.9%.

Regarding ancestry, Australian parents comprised 34.2%, English 32.9%, and Irish 9.4% of the population. Notably, Dutch ancestry was higher in Maffra at 2.2%, compared to 2.1% regionally; similarly, Scottish ancestry was at 8.7% versus 8.6%. Macedonian ancestry remained consistently low at 0.1% in both locations.

Maffra hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Maffra's median age is 42 years, similar to Victoria's average of 43 but older than Australia's average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are prominent at 13.8%, while the 45-54 group is smaller at 10.6% compared to Victoria's average since 2021. The 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.7% to 7.7% of the population, while the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.5% to 12.6%. By 2041, forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Maffra. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow by 63%, adding 1,127 residents to reach 2,930. Meanwhile, the 55 to 64 cohort is expected to grow by a modest 5% (91 people).