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 approximately 8,721 as of February 2026. This figure represents an increase of 561 people, a growth rate of 6.9%, since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 8,160. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 8,229 in June 2024 and an additional 90 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 191 persons per square kilometer. Maryborough's growth rate of 6.9% since the census is within one percentage point of the SA3 area's growth rate of 7.9%, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Interstate migration contributed approximately 78.9% 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 the 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. According to demographic trends, non-metropolitan areas nationally are expected to have lower quartile growth. Maryborough is projected to grow by 176 persons by 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 approximately 45 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling 226 homes. As of FY-26 so far, 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, indicating that supply met or exceeded demand. The average expected construction cost value of new properties was $248,000, aligning with regional patterns.

In this financial year, $13.6 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to the Rest of Vic., Maryborough maintains similar construction rates per person, preserving market balance. However, construction activity has recently eased.

Of new building activity, 83.0% were detached dwellings and 17.0% medium or high-density housing, preserving the area's low density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The location had approximately 255 people per dwelling approval, suggesting 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

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that are expected to impact this area. Notable 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 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, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate was 8.9% in September 2025, showing room for improvement compared to the Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 2.6%.

As of September 2025, 2,925 residents were employed, with workforce participation at 45.1%, significantly lower than the Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. Only 6.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing is particularly specialized, with an employment share 1.9 times the regional level.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing has limited presence, at 3.7% compared to 7.5% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.6%, labour force increased by 1.4%, and unemployment fell by 1.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Maryborough SA2 is $44,112, with average income at $50,898. This is below the national average. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s median income is $50,954 and average income is $62,728. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated current incomes for Maryborough are approximately $47,751 (median) and $55,097 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Maryborough fall between the 1st and 4th percentiles nationally. Income distribution reveals that 36.1% of locals (3,148 people) earn between $400 - $799 weekly, differing from the region where the $1,500 - $2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. The concentration of 46.1% in sub-$800 weekly brackets indicates economic challenges for a significant portion of Maryborough's community. After housing costs, 85.4% of income remains, ranking at 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 Non-Metro Vic.'s figures of 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 Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,430. Median weekly rent in Maryborough was $240, lower than Non-Metro Vic.'s $285 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Maryborough's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,000 compared to Australia's average of $1,863.

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 account for the remaining 41.8%, with lone person households making up 39.0% and group households comprising 2.9%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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 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 operating within its boundaries. These comprise a mix of train services and are serviced by 11 individual routes. Together, these routes provide 541 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Maryborough is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 196 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward. 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, only 6.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 77 trips per day, 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 assessed by AreaSearch. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46% of the total population (around 4,020 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

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 no medical ailments, compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. Working-age population health is notably challenging due to high chronic condition rates. Maryborough has a higher proportion of seniors, with 31.1% aged 65 and over (2,709 people), compared to 23.9% in Rest of Vic.. While national rankings for senior health outcomes are broadly similar to the general population, some challenges exist.

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

Maryborough, when assessed for cultural diversity in the year 2016, showed a majority population with 91.6% being citizens, 90.6% born within Australia, and 96.5% speaking English as their primary language at home. Christianity was identified as the predominant religion in Maryborough, accounting for 50.0% of its residents, which is slightly higher than the regional average of 47.3%. When considering ancestry based on parents' country of birth, the top three groups in Maryborough were English (35.1%), Australian (33.2%), and Scottish (8.8%).

Notably, some ethnic groups showed variations from their regional representation: Maltese at 0.4% compared to 0.5%, Irish at 8.2% versus 9.7%, and Australian Aboriginal at 1.8% against 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 well above the national average of 38. The 75-84 age group makes up 11.5% of Maryborough's population, compared to Rest of Vic.'s figure, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 9.3%. This concentration in the 75-84 age group is significantly higher than the national average of 6.1%. Post the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 9.5% to 11.4%, and the 35 to 44 cohort has risen 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 age group has dropped from 10.6% to 9.3%. By 2041, Maryborough's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 25 to 34 age cohort is expected to grow by 243 people (25%), reaching 1,200 from the current 956. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 5 to 14 age cohorts.