Maryborough (Vic.)

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

Maryborough's population is approximately 8,371 as of Nov 2025. This figure represents an increase of 211 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,160. The change is inferred from ABS estimated resident population figures: 8,256 in June 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 183 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration, contributing approximately 78.9% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future demographic trends anticipate lower quartile growth in non-metropolitan areas nationally. The area is expected to grow by 176 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 0.4% over the 17-year period based on latest annual ERP population numbers.

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, 12 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, indicating that supply is meeting or surpassing demand. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $248,000, aligning with regional patterns.

In this financial year, $13.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, showing steady investment activity. Maryborough maintains similar construction rates per person compared to the Rest of Vic., preserving market balance. Recent construction comprises 83.0% detached dwellings and 17.0% attached dwellings, reflecting the area's low density nature.

The location has approximately 255 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Maryborough adding 34 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand.

Maryborough has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 9 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include 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 projects 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Key sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing stands out with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is under-represented, at 3.7% compared to Rest of Vic.'s 7.5%. As of September 2025, 2,925 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 8.9%, and estimated employment growth of 2.6% over the past year. The unemployment rate is 5.1% above Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation lags at 42.6%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Over a 12-month period, employment increased by 2.6% while labour force grew by 1.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic. saw employment decline by 0.7% and labour force decline by 0.6%. State-level data to 25-Nov shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with a state unemployment rate of 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall 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, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2022, Maryborough SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $42,118 and an average income of $49,812. These figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Vic had median and average incomes of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, estimated median and average incomes for Maryborough as of September 2025 are approximately $47,240 and $55,869 respectively. Census 2021 income data shows that incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution indicates that 36.1% of the population (3,021 individuals) earn within the $400 - $799 range, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket leads at 30.3%. Economic circumstances show that 46.1% of households operate on modest weekly budgets below $800 after housing costs, ranking at only the 3rd percentile nationally.

Maryborough is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Maryborough's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 87.4% houses and 12.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Vic.'s 93.8% houses and 6.2% 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, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,127. Median weekly rent in Maryborough was recorded at $240, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $230. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 account for 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 make up the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households at 39.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

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 substantial 23.8% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 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 offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 16 routes that together facilitate 578 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 196 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency across all routes averages 82 trips per day, equating to roughly 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 with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. The rate of private health cover stands at approximately 46%, covering around 3,859 people, which is lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 13.2% and 11.7% of residents respectively. Conversely, 53.0% of residents reported having no medical ailments, compared to 56.8% across the rest of Victoria. Maryborough has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 31.3%, totaling around 2,620 people, compared to the state average of 27.9%. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors in Maryborough are better than those of 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, surveyed in 2016, had a culturally diverse population that was below average. 91.6% of its residents were Australian citizens, with 90.6% born in Australia and 96.5% speaking English at home. Christianity dominated the religious landscape, with 50.0%, compared to the regional average of 47.6%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (35.1%), Australian (33.2%), and Scottish (8.8%). Notably, Maltese residents made up 0.4% in Maryborough versus 0.6% regionally, Irish residents were at 8.2% compared to the regional 9.2%, and Australian Aboriginal residents stood at 1.8% against a regional average of 1.4%.

Maryborough ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Maryborough has a median age of 50, which is higher than the Rest of Vic.'s figure of 43 and above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 11.6% of Maryborough's population, compared to Rest of Vic.'s figure, while the 35-44 cohort is at 9.2%. This 75-84 concentration is significantly higher than the national average of 6.0%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.5% to 11.2%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has increased from 8.1% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 15.9% to 14.4%. Demographic modeling indicates that Maryborough's age profile will change significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age group is projected to grow strongly, adding 327 people (38%) from 872 to 1,200. Conversely, population declines are expected for the 75 to 84 and 65 to 74 cohorts.