It had a population of 343 according to the 2011 census. The population over the last 50 years has remained stable, with Great Maplestead having a population of 331 in 1961. The population of Great Maplestead has not dramatically varied since the census taken in 1801, to the one taken in 2011. The population in 1801 was 331, the same as in 1961, and only a small difference in the population from 2011. However, there have been some fluctuations that have occurred through time. Between 1801 and 1851 there was a steady increase in the population until it reached its highest recorded population of 494 in 1851. Between this time and 1881 Great Maplestead experienced a significant decrease, with the population dropping to 394. From 1881 onwards the population remained at a relatively constant rate with no dramatic changes.
Housing
In 1831 there was a recorded 88 houses, this links to the changing population as the number of houses began to rise, with the highest number being 111 households in 1851, with 105 of these occupied and six vacant. 1851 was also the year with the highest recorded population. Over the next couple of decades the number of households declined, also seeing the highest number of vacant houses, with there being the highest number of 14 in 1881. However the housing rate again increased in the mid twentieth century.
Employment
Employment in Great Maplestead has changed significantly between 1881 and 2011, with the most change shown in the change in occupation over the years. In 1881 there were a high number of occupations that were unknown, with 55 females having an unknown occupation. Whereas in 2011, 172 residents were recorded in Great Maplestead aged between 16 and 74 in employment. Great Maplestead’s largest sectors in 1881 were mainly primary and secondary, representative of the time. A high proportion of the population were employed in agriculture, with around 57 males working in this sector. Other popular occupations in 1881 were domestics and textile workers, with 45 females working within households performing domestic services. Employment in Great Maplestead differs in 2011 as the sectors of work have changed significantly, with employment being more heavily based in the tertiary sector. Around 95 people in Great Maplestead have a job as managers, directors, senior officials, associate, technical, administrative and secretarial roles. Over time the main occupations of the population have moved away from the primary and secondary role, towards occupations such as these, with a large proportion of Great Maplestead involved within such occupations. However the 'skilled trade' sector in 2011, like manual workers dohave a relatively large number of people, around 30, working in this sector.
