Maitland
Maitland ranks 126th of 128 overall in NSW, with community services the area most needing attention.
"Hunter Valley heritage city — Maitland Gaol, food scene, and river renewal"
See where Maitland ranks: Best Councils in New South Wales 2026
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 98,163
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
30 out of 100
#78 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#126 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 39/100 |
| Community Services | 19/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 28/100 |
| Core Operations | 34/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Maitland performs strongest in Sustainability (scoring 39 out of 100 against peers), with room to improve in Community Services (currently 19 out of 100).
What Makes This Place Unique
Hunter Valley heritage city — Maitland Gaol, food scene, and river renewal
Maitland is a heritage city in the Hunter Valley undergoing significant renewal and growth.
Known For
- Maitland Gaol — heritage prison museum
- Hunter Valley access
- Heritage riverside town centre
- Growing food and arts scene
Living Here
Maitland offers heritage city character at Hunter Valley prices. Growing rapidly with improving amenity.
Hidden Gem
Maitland Gaol — one of Australia's most atmospheric heritage sites, with tours and events in the former prison.