Maryborough Surrounds

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Maryborough Surrounds's population is around 5,883 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 357 people (6.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 5,526 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,703 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 50 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 3.6 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Maryborough Surrounds's 6.5% growth since the census positions it within 1.4 percentage points of the SA3 area (7.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration, which contributed approximately 87.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

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. Looking at population projections moving forward, projections indicate a decline in overall population, with the area's population expected to decline by 180 persons by 2041 according to this methodology. However, growth across specific age cohorts is anticipated, led by the 25 to 34 age group, which is projected to increase by 111 people. See the age section for more details.

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 around 24 new homes approved per year, with 123 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.5 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 $342,000. There have also been $15.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Maryborough Surrounds shows 14.0% lower construction activity (per person) while it places among the 52nd percentile of areas assessed nationally. Further, recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 300 people per dwelling approval, Maryborough Surrounds shows characteristics of a low density area.

With the population expected to remain stable or decline, Maryborough Surrounds should see reduced pressure on housing, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

Maryborough Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 28thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Maryborough and District Hospital Redevelopment, the Central Goldfields Land Use Planning Framework, the Maryborough Central Activity District (MCAD), and the Deledio Recreation Reserve Pavilion (Dunolly Football Netball Club), 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.

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Employment conditions in Maryborough Surrounds face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Maryborough Surrounds has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 6.5%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,272 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 2.8% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, and workforce participation lags significantly (49.5% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.0% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The dominant employment sectors among residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Conversely, construction is under-represented, with only 6.6% of Maryborough Surrounds's workforce compared to 10.4% in Regional Vic.. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% combined with employment decreasing by 0.2%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Regional Vic. experienced an employment decline of 0.6% and a labour force decline of 0.7%, with a 0.1 percentage point drop. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Maryborough Surrounds. 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 Maryborough Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Maryborough Surrounds SA2 shows a median taxpayer income of $42,805 and an average of $49,291 according to the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. This is lower than average on a national basis, contrasting with Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $46,336 (median) and $53,358 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Maryborough Surrounds all fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. The data shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 31.8% of the community (1,870 individuals), contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. The concentration of 42.4% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest with 89.2% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 5th percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Maryborough Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 96.0% houses and 4.0% 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 Maryborough Surrounds was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 55.6%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (10.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,046, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $200, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Maryborough Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Maryborough Surrounds features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 63.9% of all households, comprising 20.8% couples with children, 31.6% couples without children, and 10.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.2 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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 (12.4%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (32.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.9% 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 14 active transport stops operating within Maryborough Surrounds, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 92 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as limited, with residents typically located 1695 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward, and the car remains the dominant mode at 94%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 12.0% 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 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Maryborough Surrounds is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Maryborough Surrounds, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,706 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 mental health issues, impacting 13.6% and 10.3% of residents, respectively, while 55.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% across Regional Vic. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 29.4% of residents aged 65 and over (1,732 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.1% of its population being citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Maryborough Surrounds is Christianity, which makes up 47.0% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.1% of the population, compared to 0.1% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Maryborough Surrounds are English, comprising 35.4% of the population, Australian, comprising 31.3% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 9.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.4% of Maryborough Surrounds (vs 0.2% regionally), Dutch at 1.7% (vs 1.7%) and Irish at 9.3% (vs 9.7%).

Maryborough Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The 52-year median age in Maryborough Surrounds is significantly above Regional Vic.'s average of 43 and similarly well above the national norm of 38. Compared to the Regional Vic. average, the 55 - 64 cohort is notably over-represented (18.8% locally), while 25 - 34 year-olds are under-represented (7.5%). This 55 - 64 concentration is well above the national 11.2%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.6% to 9.8% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.5% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Maryborough Surrounds. The 25 to 34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 20%, adding 88 residents to reach 528. In contrast, population declines are projected for the 5 to 14 and 75 to 84 cohorts.