Maryborough Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

An assessment of population growth drivers in Maryborough Surrounds reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Maryborough Surrounds' population is around 5,765 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 239 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,526. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5,713 in June 2024 and additional validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3.5 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough Surrounds' growth rate of 4.3% since the census is within 1.7 percentage points of the non-metro area's 6.0%, demonstrating competitive fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 87.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing 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. By 2041, projections indicate a decline in overall population by 180 persons. However, specific age cohorts like the 25 to 34 age group are expected to increase by 111 people.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Maryborough Surrounds recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Maryborough Surrounds has seen approximately 24 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 123 homes were approved, with an additional three approved in FY-26 so far. On average, each dwelling has accommodated about 2.5 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of new homes is approximately $342,000. This financial year has seen around $15.0 million in commercial approvals, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Maryborough Surrounds exhibits 14.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 53rd percentile nationally.

Recent development has been exclusively detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. With around 300 people per dwelling approval, Maryborough Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. The population is expected to remain stable or decline, reducing pressure on housing and potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Maryborough Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 24thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects potentially affecting this region. Notable initiatives include Maryborough and District Hospital Redevelopment, Central Goldfields Land Use Planning Framework, Maryborough Central Activity District (MCAD), and Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion (Dunolly Football Netball Club). The following list specifies those most likely to be 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.

The labour market performance in Maryborough Surrounds lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Maryborough Surrounds has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 7.2%. In the past year, employment growth was estimated at 7.7%.

As of June 2025, 2,243 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 3.4% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 44.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

However, construction employs only 6.6% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 7.7%, while labour force grew by 6.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.9% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 suggest Maryborough Surrounds' employment could grow approximately 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

Maryborough Surrounds had a median taxpayer income of $40,557 and an average income of $48,744 in the financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average for that year. The Rest of Vic., however, had a median income of $48,741 and an average income of $60,693 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Maryborough Surrounds as of September 2025 would be approximately $45,489 (median) and $54,671 (average). Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Maryborough Surrounds all fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. The income band of $400 - 799 captures 31.8% of the community (1,833 individuals), unlike regional levels where the dominant band is $1,500 - 2,999 at 30.3%. The concentration of 42.4% in sub-$800 weekly brackets suggests economic challenges for a significant portion of the community. Despite modest housing costs with 89.2% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 6th percentile nationally.

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

Maryborough Surrounds had 96.0% houses and 4.0% other dwellings in its latest Census evaluation. Non-Metro Vic., meanwhile, had 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough Surrounds was 55.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.0% and rented ones at 10.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,046, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,127. Weekly rent in Maryborough Surrounds was $200, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $230. Nationally, mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $1,863 and rents were substantially higher at $375.

Maryborough Surrounds features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households account for 63.9% of all households, including 20.8% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households making up 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which matches the average for the Rest of Vic.

Maryborough Surrounds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates at 12.4%, significantly lower than the VIC average of 33.4%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas at 9.8% and certificates at 32.3%.

Educational participation is high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (10.8%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (1.9%). Maryborough Surrounds has 5 schools with a combined enrollment of 407 students, all focusing exclusively on primary education. Secondary options are available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents stand at 7.0, below the regional average of 10.7, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Maryborough Surrounds has 14 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 16 separate routes that together facilitate 140 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed limited, with residents generally situated 1695 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 20 daily trips across all routes, translating to roughly 10 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maryborough Surrounds is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Maryborough Surrounds faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older residents. Private health cover is low, at approximately 46% (around 2,646 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.6% and 10.3% of residents respectively. Conversely, 55.4% report having no medical ailments, slightly lower than the 56.8% in Rest of Vic.. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 29.8% (1,719 people), compared to 27.9% in Rest of Vic.. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are challenging but perform better than the general population in certain health metrics.

Maryborough Surrounds is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Maryborough Surrounds had low cultural diversity, with 88.1% citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, at 47.0%. Judaism's representation was similar to the regional average, at 0.1%.

For ancestry, English (35.4%), Australian (31.3%), and Scottish (9.8%) were most common. Some ethnic groups showed slight overrepresentation: Hungarian (0.4% vs 0.3%), Dutch (1.7% vs 1.6%), Irish (9.3% vs 9.2%).

Maryborough Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maryborough Surrounds has a median age of 53, which is higher than the Rest of Vic's figure of 43 and substantially exceeds the national norm of 38. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Maryborough Surrounds has a higher concentration of residents aged 55-64 (18.5%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (7.3%). This 55-64 concentration is well above the national figure of 11.2%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 8.6% to 9.5% of the population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Maryborough Surrounds's age structure. The 25 to 34 group is expected to grow by 25%, reaching 528 people from 423 currently. Meanwhile, the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.