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

Maryborough's population was 8,231 as of May 2026, reflecting a 71-person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 8,229 in June 2025 and 97 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density was 180 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough's 0.9% growth since census compares to the SA3 area's 2.8%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 82.7% of overall population gains recently. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for each SA2 area, and VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 for areas not covered by this data.

For years 2032 to 2041, growth rates by age group are applied across all areas. Based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, Maryborough is expected to grow by 91 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 1.1% over the 16 years.

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

Maryborough has seen approximately 45 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 226 homes. As of FY-26, 15 approvals have been recorded. On average, 0.3 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built between FY-21 and FY-25. This suggests that supply is meeting or exceeding demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

The average construction value of new properties was $248,000, consistent with regional patterns. In FY-26, $13.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, indicating steady commercial investment activity. When compared to the Rest of Vic., Maryborough maintains similar construction rates per person, maintaining market balance with the broader area, although recent construction activity has eased slightly.

Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location has approximately 255 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Maryborough is projected to add 89 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

AreaSearch has identified nine 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 Maryborough Municipal Olympic Swimming Pool Upgrade. The following list details those likely to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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

Maryborough has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, well-represented essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 8.1% as of December 2025, and relative employment stability over the past year. This rate is 4.4% higher than Regional Vic.'s rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Maryborough lags at 45.6%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 61.0%.

Census responses show that only 6.5% of residents work from home, potentially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key industries for employment are health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly strong, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level. However, agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented at 3.7%, compared to Regional Vic.'s 7.5%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work. Over a 12-month period ending December 2025, Maryborough's labour force decreased by 0.8% and employment remained stable at 0.0%, leading to an unemployment rate drop of 0.7 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Maryborough's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 13.0% over ten years, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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

The Maryborough SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $44,112 and an average income of $50,898 in the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. This was below the national average, compared to Regional Vic.'s median income of $50,954 and average income of $62,728. By March 2026, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $48,356 and the average income would be around $55,794, based on a 9.62% growth in wages since financial year 2023. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Maryborough fell between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis showed that the $400 - $799 bracket dominated with 36.1% of residents (2,971 people), unlike regional levels where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket led at 30.3%. The concentration of 46.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets highlighted economic challenges faced by a significant portion of the community. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remained, ranking at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

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

Maryborough's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional Vic.'s 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Maryborough stood at 45.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.6% and rented ones at 28.8%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,000, below Regional Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Maryborough was $240, compared to Regional Vic.'s $285. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 constitute 58.2% of all households, including 16.3% couples with children, 28.2% couples without children, and 12.6% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households at 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, 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's university qualification rate is 11.7%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.6%, followed by graduate diplomas (1.8%) and postgraduate qualifications (1.3%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (29.5%). A total of 23.8% of the population is currently engaged in formal education, comprising 9.2% in primary, 8.0% in secondary, and 1.9% in tertiary education.

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

Maryborough has 85 active public transport stops operating, offering a mix of train services. These are serviced by 11 different routes, providing a total of 541 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility to these stops is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest one. In this primarily residential area, most commuting is outward-bound. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 91%, while walking accounts for 7%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.2 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a relatively low 6.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The 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

Maryborough faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Several health conditions impact both younger and older age groups, with private health cover at approximately 46% of the total population (around 3,794 people), compared to 50.5% in Regional Victoria and a national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and mental health issues are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 13.2% and 11.7% of residents respectively, while 53.0% report having no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Regional Victoria.

The working-age population experiences notable health challenges due to high chronic condition rates. Maryborough has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.4%, with approximately 2,583 people, compared to 23.9% in Regional Victoria. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, aligning broadly with national rankings for 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 have a below average level of cultural diversity, with 91.6% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The majority religion in Maryborough is Christianity, practised by 50.0% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic. The top three ancestry groups are English (35.1%), Australian (33.2%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Notably, Maltese, Irish, and Australian Aboriginal populations are higher in Maryborough than regionally, at 0.4%, 8.2%, and 1.8% respectively.

Maryborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maryborough's median age is 50, surpassing Regional Victoria's figure of 43 and the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group comprises 11.9% of Maryborough's population, higher than Regional Vic.'s percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 9.0%, less than Regional Vic.'s figure. Nationally, the 75-84 age group constitutes 6.1%. Post-2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group grew from 9.5% to 11.2%, while the 65 to 74 cohort declined from 15.9% to 14.5% and the 5 to 14 group fell from 10.6% to 9.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Maryborough's age profile, with the 25 to 34 cohort expected to grow by 281 people (32%), from 888 to 1,170. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 75 to 84 and 5 to 14 cohorts.