The local economy was, up in the middle of the 20th century, based on agriculture, even if a portion of the population worked in the quarries. Starting in the 18th century there was a major emigration to Italy, and later overseas. Between 1907 and 1965, Maggia was served by the railway line Locarno-Bignasco. The residential area initially clustered around the nucleus. The old village core included Casa Martinelli which was built in the 17th century, was used as a school house and then a retirement home. With the economic growth of Locarno the population of Maggia grew. The village expanded in the direction of the fields and grottos. In 1977-78, the Aurigeno school opened, which was a central school for the lower Vallemaggia. With the merger of 2004, Maggia has become a more important regional center.