Maffra (Vic.)

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Based on demographic assessments of ABS regional updates and subsequent home addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) has a population of approximately 5,511 as of May 2026. This indicates a rise of 127 people (2.4%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 5,384 residents. The estimate is calculated from the resident population of 5,490, which Districts determined after studying the ABS ERP numbers from June 2025, alongside an additional 88 validated new addresses recorded after the Census. This population level corresponds to a density of 69 persons per square kilometer, indicating a low-density environment with room for expansion. The growth of 2.4% since the census is within 1.9 percentage points of the Rest of Vic. average (4.3%), showing robust development. Net gains in the local population were driven mostly by interstate relocations, which accounted for roughly 53.0% of the growth, although natural increase and overseas migration also made positive contributions.

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The suburb of Maffra (Vic.) features a diverse labor force encompassing both white and blue-collar occupations, with a solid presence in essential services. The local unemployment rate stands at 2.8%, accompanied by a 2.8% expansion in total employment over the last year, based on statistical area aggregations. As of March 2026, there are 2,493 employed residents. This unemployment figure is 0.9% lower than the Regional Vic. average of 3.7%, whereas the participation rate of 57.5% is below the Regional Vic. benchmark of 61.1%. Data from the Census showed that a modest 10.2% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure was likely influenced by pandemic containment measures.

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According to tax data from the ATO aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023, the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) has a median taxpayer income of $46,565 and an average of $56,663. These figures are below the national benchmarks and compare to a median of $50,954 and average of $62,728 for Regional Vic. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated figures for March 2026 are approximately $51,045 for the median and $62,114 for the average. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and personal incomes sat between the 19th and 22nd percentiles nationwide. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket accounts for 30.1% of the population, which represents 1,658 residents and is comparable to the regional proportion of . Although residents retain of their income due to manageable housing costs, overall disposable income remains low, placing in the rd percentile nationally.

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At the time of the latest Census, residential structures in the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) consisted of 93.2% free-standing houses and 6.8% other dwelling types, such as townhouses, flats, or alternative options, compared to 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings in Regional Vic. The home ownership rate matched the regional average of 41.0%, while the remaining properties were held with a mortgage (36.8%) or rented (22.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was $1,300, which is below the Regional Vic. average of $1,430. Similarly, the median weekly rent of $250 was lower than the regional figure of $285. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are also well below the national median of $375.

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Families make up 67.4% of households, consisting of couples with children (24.7%), couples without children (30.9%), and single-parent households (10.9%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 32.6% of households, consisting of single-person households at 30.7% and group homes at 2.0%. The median household occupancy is 2.3 people, which is slightly smaller than the Regional Vic. average of 2.4.

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Educational attainment profiles show that 16.1% of residents hold university qualifications, which is below the VIC average of 33.4%. This highlights a clear gap and potential focus area for learning programs. Bachelor degrees account for 11.0% of qualifications, followed by graduate diplomas at 2.6% and postgraduate credentials at 2.5%. Vocational and technical training is common, with 41.1% of the population aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (32.0%).

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Analysis of local transit shows 16 active stops located within the suburb of Maffra (Vic.), serviced by 2 distinct routes that provide a combined total of 40 weekly passenger journeys. Public transport accessibility is good, with dwellings situated an average of 373 meters from the nearest stop. The suburb is primarily commuter-oriented, with 94% of residents using private cars to travel to work. Households own an average of 1.5 vehicles. A relatively low share of 10.2% of residents worked from home, based on 2021 Census data which was influenced by COVID-19 rules.

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Based on Districts analysis of mortality statistics and the prevalence of chronic health issues, the population faces notable health difficulties. These conditions affect both older and younger demographics, and the rate of private health insurance coverage is low at about 49% of the population, which equates to roughly 2,716 people, compared to the national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Maffra (Vic.) has a lower level of cultural diversity compared to national averages, with citizenship at 91.0%, Australian-born residents at 91.4%, and English-only speakers at home at 96.9%. Christianity is the most common religious affiliation, representing 48.6% of the population, compared to 47.3% across Regional Vic.

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The median age in the suburb of Maffra (Vic.) is 42 years, which is close to the Regional Vic. average of 43 years but older than the Australian median of 38 years. Children aged 5 - 14 years make up a relatively large portion of the population at 12.8%, whereas the 45 - 54 age bracket is smaller at 9.5% compared to Regional Vic. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 7.5% to 9.0%, and the 15 to 24 age bracket has grown from 10.3% to 11.5%. In contrast, the 55 to 64 group decreased from 13.7% to 11.7%. Demographic projections for forecast significant shifts, with the to age bracket expected to grow by , adding residents to reach while the to cohort is projected to grow by , representing an increase of people.

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Maffra currently has an estimated 341 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 190 children aged 0-2 and 126 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 38% by 2041 (to approximately 471 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 548. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 11.7 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally.