Maitland, Australia

The city of Maitland is situated in the Lower Hunter region of New South Wales, Australia, near two national highways, a 90-minute drive to Sydney and 30 minutes to the Hunter Valley Vineyards, Newcastle and Port Stephens. Consists of largely rural surroundings with an approximate 60.000 inhabitants, spread over an area of 396 km², although the main built up area predominantly forms a strip between the suburbs of Rutherford and Metford respectively.

The key demographic characteristics of the Maitland Local Government Area (LGA) are considered to have remained consistent over the last ABS Census period (1996-2001) and are summarised as follows:

• Relatively strong population growth averaging 1.57% p/a compared to the Hunter at 0.9% and NSW at 1.1%.
• Younger age structure when compared to the Hunter and NSW.
• Traditional household structure, with two parent families dominant.
• Relatively stable population in terms of residential mobility with the predominant dwelling structure being the separate house at 84% compared with NSW`s 64%.
• Slightly higher levels of home ownership or home purchase when compared with the Hunter and NSW.
• Population with a relatively low level of tertiary educational attainment.
• Annual household incomes generally consistent with State averages, but a slightly higher percentage of middle-income households and a lower percentage of high-income families.
• Maitland`s main industries are agriculture (174 establishments with agricultural activity2), tourism, mining, manufacturing, transport and construction industries. It is also an important service centre for the agricultural hinterland.

The main religion is the Anglican Church of Australia, and Roman Catholic Churches. The minority ethnic population is relatively low compared with other parts of the state of New South Wales.

Surrounding areas include the cities of Cessnock and Singleton LGAs.