Maryborough (Qld)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address files validated by Districts since the Census, indicates the population of the suburb of Maryborough (Qld) is approximately 15,771 as of May 2026. This represents an addition of 484 residents (3.2%) relative to the 2021 Census, which registered 15,287 individuals. The calculation relies on a resident base of 15,741, calculated by Districts using the latest ABS ERP release (June 2025) plus 28 validated new addresses added since the Census. This population level yields a density of 595 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and room for potential expansion. Interstate migration served as the primary growth driver, accounting for roughly 82.0% of the recent population gains.

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Maryborough features a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar employment, where essential services sectors are well represented. The unemployment rate stands at 7.9%, and estimated employment growth over the past year reached 9.3%, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 6,219 residents are in work, and the unemployment rate is 4.0% above Regional Qld's rate of 3.9%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation lags significantly at 50.3% compared to Regional Qld's 64.3%. Based on Census responses, a low 5.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

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Taxpayer data from the ATO for financial year 2023 indicates local income levels are below the national average. The median taxpayer income is $40,935 and the average is $47,260, compared to $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be $45,585 for the median and $52,629 for the average. In the 2021 Census, local household, family, and personal incomes ranked between the 1st and 3rd percentiles nationwide. The weekly earnings band of $400 - 799 contains 34.1% of the community (5,377 individuals), whereas the wider region has 31.7% of its population in the - range. A high concentration of earning under weekly highlights local financial challenges. Housing costs consume a significant portion of income, leaving only remaining, which ranks in the rd percentile.

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The local housing stock at the last Census consisted of 85.0% separate houses and 15.0% alternative dwellings (townhouses, apartments, or other structures), compared to 76.4% houses and 23.6% other options in Regional Qld. Home ownership rates reached 39.5%, outperforming the Regional Qld average, while mortgaged properties accounted for 25.1% and rental housing made up 35.4%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,008, and the median weekly rent was $250, compared to regional averages of $1,655 and $345 respectively. Locally, mortgage repayments are lower than the national average of $1,863, and rents are below the Australian median of $375.

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Family units constitute 59.5% of households, consisting of 16.3% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 15.6% single-parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 40.5%, with lone-person households representing 36.7% and group houses making up 3.9%. The average household size is 2.2 residents, which is smaller than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

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Educational attainment levels show a university graduation rate of 9.9%, which is lower than the national average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are held by 7.2% of residents, while postgraduate degrees and graduate diplomas are held by 1.4% and 1.3% respectively. Technical training is common, with 41.1% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, split between advanced diplomas at 8.8% and certificates at 32.3%.

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Public transport services include 108 bus stops operating locally. These are serviced by 7 routes that run a total of 527 weekly passenger trips. Access to transit is convenient, with residents living an average of 199 meters from the nearest stop. Commuting is mostly outward, with private vehicles used by 90% of workers and walking chosen by 6%. Average vehicle ownership is 1.1 per household, below the regional average, while 5.4% of residents work from home based on 2021 Census data.

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Significant health issues are visible, with mortality and chronic illness rates impacting both younger and older cohorts, and private health insurance coverage is low at 46% of the population (approximately 7,243 people). This compares to a coverage rate of 52.5% across Regional Qld and a national average of 55.7%.

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Cultural diversity measures are below average, with citizenship at 90.8%, Australian-born residents at 90.2%, and households speaking only English at 97.3%. Christianity is the dominant religion at 51.3% of the population, compared to 52.2% across Regional Qld.

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The median age of 49 years is higher than the Regional Qld average of 41 and the national average of 38. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 14.8%, compared to 9.4% nationally, while the 25 - 34 bracket is smaller at 9.8%. Since 2021, the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 9.4% to 10.2%, whereas the 5 to 14 cohort decreased from 11.3% to 10.5%. By 2041, demographic shifts will see the 85+ cohort grow by 52% (adding 354 people) to reach 1,033 from . Seniors aged + will account for of total growth, while the to and to brackets are projected to contract.

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Maryborough currently has an estimated 741 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 460 children aged 0-2 and 307 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 18% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 837 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,307. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been low, with approximately 8.2 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area among the bottom 30% of areas assessed nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.