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 16,424 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,668 people from the 14,756 reported in the 2021 Census, a growth of 11.3%. The change was inferred from the ABS's estimated resident population of 15,448 as of June 2024 and an additional 264 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 6.5 persons per square kilometer. Maffra's growth exceeded the SA3 area (7.9%) and Rest of Vic., making it a growth leader in the region. Interstate migration contributed approximately 53.1% of overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including overseas migration and natural growth being positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 using 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Maffra is expected to grow by 5,129 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 25.3% 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. Between financial years FY21 and FY25484 homes were approved, with an additional 54 approved in FY26 to date. Each year, on average, 2.1 new residents have been associated with each dwelling approval over the past five financial years.

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

However, recent construction activity has eased. New developments consist of 96% detached houses and 4% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature. There are approximately 223 people per dwelling approval in Maffra. By 2041, Maffra is forecasted to gain 4,153 residents. 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 likely impacting the area. Key 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 performance in Maffra exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Maffra has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4%. As of September 2025, 7,503 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.7% below Rest of Vic.'s 3.8%.

Workforce participation was on par with Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. 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.

However, health care & social assistance was under-represented at 15.1% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 16.8%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census working population vs resident population. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, labour force by 4.1%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.7% and unemployment rise marginally. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maffra's employment mix suggests local employment should grow 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. These figures compare to those for Rest of Vic., which are $50,954 and $62,728 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $52,546 (median) and $63,456 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family, and personal incomes in Maffra all fall between the 21st and 22nd percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band captures 30.9% of the community (5,075 individuals), reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 30.3% similarly occupy this range. Housing costs are modest with 87.9% of income retained, but 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 in Maffra, as evaluated at the 2016 Census, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.6% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure was 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maffra stood at 43.7%, with the rest either mortgaged (39.2%) or rented (17.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Maffra was $1,300, below Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,500. The median weekly rent figure in Maffra was $250, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $290. Nationally, Maffra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Maffra has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical 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 comprise the remaining 30.0%, with lone person households at 28.0% and group households making up 2.0%. The median household size is 2.4 people, aligning with the average in Rest of Vic.

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 the Victorian average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are 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, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (32.9%). Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 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

Transport analysis shows 26 active public transport stops in Maffra. These comprise a mix of train services operated by 7 routes, offering 91 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is limited with residents typically located 2283 meters from the nearest stop. In this primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Car remains the dominant mode at 93%, while 4% walk. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 13.6% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 13 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 3 weekly trips per 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 as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is low at approximately 48% of the total population (~7,949 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and 55.7% nationally.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (9.7%) and asthma (8.4%). 64.8% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 63.4% in Rest of Vic. Working-age residents have an above-average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 23.6% of residents aged 65 and over (3,867 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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, and speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Maffra is Christianity, comprising 46.5% of the population, compared to 47.3% across the Rest of Vic. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.2%), English (32.9%), and Irish (9.4%).

Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented in Maffra at 2.2%, compared to 1.7% regionally, while Scottish ancestry is slightly higher at 8.7%. Macedonian ancestry is present but lower than the regional average at 0.1%.

Maffra's median age exceeds the national pattern

Maffra's median age is 42 years, similar to the Rest of Vic.'s average of 43 and older than Australia's median age of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 make up a significant portion (13.8%) while those aged 45-54 are relatively smaller (10.6%) compared to the Rest of Vic.. Between 2021 and now, the proportion of those aged 75-84 has increased from 6.7% to 7.7%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 55-64 has decreased from 14.5% to 12.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate substantial demographic changes for Maffra. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 55%, adding 1,042 residents to reach a total of 2,930. Meanwhile, the number of those aged 55-64 is projected to decrease.