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, as of February 2026, is approximately 5,883, showing a 6.5% increase since the 2021 Census which recorded 5,526 people. This growth is inferred from ABS estimated resident population data of 5,703 in June 2024 and validated new addresses since then. The population density is around 3.6 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough Surrounds' growth rate of 6.5% is close to the SA3 area's 7.9%, indicating strong fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 87.1% of overall population gains recently. 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, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods. Looking ahead, population is projected to decline by 180 persons by 2041, but the 25 to 34 age group is expected to increase by 111 people during this period.

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. In total, 123 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 5 approvals in FY-26. On average, each dwelling has accommodated around 2.5 new residents per year since FY-21, indicating strong demand that supports property values.

The average construction cost value of these new homes is $342,000. This financial year, there have been $15.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting consistent commercial investment activity in the area. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Maryborough Surrounds has 14.0% lower construction activity per person but ranks among the 52nd percentile nationally when considering areas assessed.

Recent development has exclusively consisted of detached houses, preserving 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 the expected stable or declining population, housing pressure in Maryborough Surrounds is likely to remain relatively low, potentially presenting buying opportunities for interested parties.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones 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 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.

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

Maryborough Surrounds has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 7.4% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.8% over the past year. As of that date, 2,235 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 3.6% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Maryborough Surrounds lagged at 49.1%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Census responses showed that only 12.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries among residents were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and agriculture, forestry & fishing. Manufacturing was particularly strong, with an employment share 1.6 times the regional level.

In contrast, construction employed only 6.6% of local workers, below Rest of Vic.'s 10.4%. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census data comparison between working population and resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 1.8%, while labour force increased by 1.6%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. This contrasted with Rest of Vic., where employment contracted by 0.7%, the labour force fell by 0.6%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggested that national employment would expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough Surrounds's employment mix indicated local employment should increase by 5.4% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The Maryborough Surrounds SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $42,805 and an average of $49,291 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. This was below the national average, contrasting with Rest of Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 would be approximately $46,336 (median) and $53,358 (average). Census data reveals that household, family and personal incomes in Maryborough Surrounds all fall between the 2nd and 3rd percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 31.8% of the community (1,870 individuals), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 band dominates with 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, 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' dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.0% houses and 4.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic. had 90.1% houses and 9.9% 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. The median weekly rent figure was $200, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Maryborough Surrounds' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,046 versus Australia's $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 make up 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 constitute the remaining 36.1%, with lone person households at 34.0% and group households comprising 2.4% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of 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 prevalent, 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%, comprising primary education (10.8%), secondary education (8.0%), and tertiary education (1.9%).

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 served by 6 routes, providing a total of 92 weekly passenger trips. Residents have limited access to transport, typically living 1695 meters from the nearest stop. Most commute outward due to the area's residential nature. Cars dominate at 94%, with an average vehicle ownership of 1.8 per dwelling, above the regional norm. Only 12% work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 13 trips daily across all routes, equating to about 6 weekly trips per 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, as assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 2,706 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most prevalent 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 Rest of Vic.. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has a higher proportion of seniors: 29.4% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,732 people), compared to 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors present additional challenges, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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 lower cultural diversity, with 88.1% citizens, 88.7% born in Australia, and 97.3% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 47.0%. Judaism was slightly overrepresented at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.4%), Australian (31.3%), and Scottish (9.8%). Hungarian was notably overrepresented at 0.4% versus 0.2% regionally, Dutch remained the same at 1.7%, and Irish was slightly underrepresented at 9.3% compared to 9.7%.

Maryborough Surrounds ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Maryborough Surrounds is 52 years, which is significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 years and Australia's national norm of 38 years. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented at 18.8% compared to the Rest of Vic.'s average, while the 25-34 year-olds are under-represented at 7.5%. This concentration in 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 increased from 8.6% to 9.8%, while the 35 to 44 cohort has risen from 8.5% to 9.7%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has declined from 13.6% to 11.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes in Maryborough Surrounds. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to grow by 20%, adding 88 residents to reach a total of 528. Meanwhile, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 75-84 age cohorts.