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

Maryborough Surrounds' population is approximately 5,714 as of May 2026. From the 2021 Census which reported a population of 5,526, this reflects an increase of 188 people (3.4%). This growth is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,714 in June 2025 and an additional 52 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is around 3.5 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough Surrounds' growth of 3.4% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth of 2.8%. Interstate migration contributed approximately 83.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, the area's population is projected to decline by 220 persons. However, specific age cohorts are expected to grow; notably, the 25 to 34 age group is projected to increase by 104 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 another seven approved so far in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has attracted about 2.5 new residents per year over these five years, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these 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 Victoria, Maryborough Surrounds shows 14.0% lower construction activity per person and ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally for areas assessed.

Recent development has been exclusively detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking spacious family homes. With around 300 people per dwelling approval, Maryborough Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Given that the population is expected to remain stable or decline, there may be reduced pressure on housing in the area, potentially creating opportunities for buyers.

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

AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact the local area. Key projects include the 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 details 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.

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

Maryborough Surrounds has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, strong manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 6.5%. Over the past year, employment has been relatively stable. As of December 2025, there are 2,272 residents employed, but the unemployment rate is higher than Regional Vic.'s at 6.5% compared to 3.7%.

Workforce participation is lower at 49.2%, versus Regional Vic.'s 61.0%. Only 12.0% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture. Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 1.6 times the regional average.

Construction, however, is under-represented at 6.6%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 10.4%. The area may offer limited local employment opportunities. Between December 2024 and December 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7% and employment fell by 0.2%, lowering the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project a 6.6% growth over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough Surrounds' employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The median taxpayer income in Maryborough Surrounds SA2 was $42,805 and the average was $49,291 according to AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023. This is lower than national averages; Regional Vic had a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728 during the same period. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $46,923 (median) and $54,033 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Maryborough Surrounds fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 31.8% of the community (1,817 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 faced by a significant portion of the community. While housing costs are modest, with 89.2% of income retained, 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

Maryborough Surrounds' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.0% houses and 4.0% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough Surrounds stood at 55.6%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (34.0%) or rented (10.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,046, below Regional Vic.'s average. The median weekly rent was $200, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Maryborough Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 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 account for the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.4%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which 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's university qualification rate is 12.4%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.9%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 42.1% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.8%) and certificates (32.3%). Educational participation is high at 25.8%, with 10.8% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Maryborough Surrounds has 14 active public transport stops offering a mix of train services. These are covered by 6 routes providing 92 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have limited transport accessibility, with an average distance of 1695 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transport, used by 94% of residents. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.8 per dwelling, higher than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 12.0% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, service frequency is 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

Maryborough Surrounds faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~2,628 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Vic.

and a national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (13.6%) and mental health issues (10.3%). Conversely, 55.4% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Vic. The working-age population has notably high chronic condition rates. As of 2021, 30.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,736 people), higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present additional 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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 88.1% of its population being Australian citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Maryborough Surrounds, accounting for 47.0% of its population. Notably, Judaism had an overrepresentation compared to regional Victoria, comprising 0.1% of Maryborough Surrounds' population.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (35.4%), Australian (31.3%), and Scottish (9.8%). There were notable divergences in certain ethnic groups: Hungarian was overrepresented at 0.4%, Dutch was equally represented at 1.7%, and Irish showed a slight underrepresentation at 9.3%.

Maryborough Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Maryborough Surrounds is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Regional Vic.'s average of 43 years and also above the national norm of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort is notably over-represented at 18.3% locally compared to Regional Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.3%. This concentration of the 55-64 age group is well above the national average of 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 8.6% to 10.3%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 8.9% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.6% to 10.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Maryborough Surrounds. The 25-34 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 23%, adding 96 residents to reach 514. However, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 75-84 cohorts.