Maryborough (Vic.)

Maryborough is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Maryborough's population is around 8,721 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 561 people (6.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,160 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,229 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 90 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 191 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Maryborough's 6.9% growth since the census positions it within 1.0 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 78.9% 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. Regarding demographic trends, lower quartile growth of non-metropolitan areas nationally is anticipated, with the area expected to grow by 176 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a reduction of 3.6% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Maryborough according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Maryborough has seen around 45 new homes approved annually, totalling 226 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is meeting or surpassing demand, providing greater buyer choice and supporting potential for population growth above projections, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $248,000, consistent with regional patterns. Additionally, $13.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating steady commercial investment activity.

When measured against the Rest of Vic., Maryborough maintains similar construction rates (per person), maintaining market balance consistent with the broader area, though construction activity has eased recently. New building activity shows 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 255 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Maryborough may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Maryborough has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 9 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 Maryborough Municipal Olympic Swimming Pool Upgrade, 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.

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 face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Maryborough has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 8.1%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,972 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 4.4% above Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (45.5% compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.5%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area has a particular employment specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 3.7% employment compared to 7.5% regionally. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.8% alongside a 0.0% employment decline, causing unemployment to fall by 0.7 percentage points. This compares to Regional Vic., where employment fell by 0.6%, the labour force contracted by 0.7%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Maryborough. 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's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 13.0% 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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Maryborough SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $44,112 while the average income stands at $50,898. This contrasts with Regional Vic.'s figures of a median income of $50,954 and an average income of $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $47,751 (median) and $55,097 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Maryborough all fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the predominant cohort spans 36.1% of locals (3,148 people) in the $400 - 799 category, diverging from the region where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. The concentration of 46.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlights economic challenges facing a significant portion of the community. After housing, 85.4% of income remains, though this ranks at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Dwelling structure within Maryborough, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 87.4% houses and 12.6% 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 was well beyond that of Regional Vic., at 45.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (25.6%) or rented (28.8%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional Vic. average at $1,000, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $240, compared to Regional Vic.'s $1,430 and $285. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 58.2% of all households, comprising 16.3% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households comprising 2.9% of the total. The median household size of 2.1 people is smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

Maryborough 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 (11.7%) substantially below the VIC average of 33.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.5%).

A substantial 23.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 9.2% in primary education, 8.0% in secondary education, and 1.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 85 active transport stops operating within Maryborough, comprising a mix of train services. These stops are serviced by 11 individual routes, collectively providing 541 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 91%, with 7% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 6.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 77 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 6 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Critical health challenges are evident across Maryborough, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. A range of health conditions have marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~4,020 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 13.2% and 11.7% of residents, respectively, while 53.0% 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 31.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,709 people), which is higher than the 23.9% in Regional Vic. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Maryborough was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 91.6% of its population being citizens, 90.6% born in Australia, and 96.5% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Maryborough is Christianity, which makes up 50.0% of people in Maryborough. This compares to 47.3% across Regional Vic..

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Maryborough are English, comprising 35.1% of the population, Australian, comprising 33.2% of the population, and Scottish, comprising 8.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maltese is notably overrepresented at 0.4% of Maryborough (vs 0.5% regionally), Irish at 8.2% (vs 9.7%) and Australian Aboriginal at 1.8% (vs 1.4%).

Maryborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

With a median age of 50, Maryborough notably exceeds the Regional Vic. figure of 43 and is well above the 38-year national average. The 75 - 84 age group shows strong representation at 11.5% compared to Regional Vic., whereas the 35 - 44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. This 75 - 84 concentration is well above the national 6.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.4% of the population, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 8.1% to 9.3%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 14.4% and the 5 to 14 group dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. Demographic modeling suggests Maryborough's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to experience strong growth, expanding by 243 people (25%) from 956 to 1,200. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 cohorts.