Marsden

Population growth drivers in Marsden are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Marsden's population is around 17,467 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,479 people (9.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,988 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,319 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 154 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,524 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Marsden has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a 2.3% compound annual growth rate, outpacing Greater Brisbane. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Looking at population projections moving forward, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 2,304 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 12.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Marsden among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Marsden has seen around 57 new homes approved annually, with 287 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 39 so far in FY-26. With an average of 4.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), supply is substantially lagging demand, which generally means heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $215,000—under regional levels—indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. Additionally, $4.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Compared to Greater Brisbane, Marsden has significantly less development activity (80.0% below regional average per person). This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New building activity shows 54.0% detached houses and 46.0% attached dwellings, featuring an increasing blend of attached housing types offering choices across price ranges, from spacious family homes to more accessible compact options. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 79.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. The location has approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth.

Population forecasts indicate Marsden will gain 2,156 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Marsden has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 17 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Logan Hospital Expansion, Logan Motorway Upgrade (Gateway Motorway to Murtha Road), Avenue Heights Estate, and Crestmead Logistics Estate, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment drivers in Marsden are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Marsden possesses a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 6.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 7,534 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 2.6% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation lags significantly (63.8% compared to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%). Based on Census responses, a low 6.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average. Meanwhile, professional & technical services have a limited presence with 2.0% employment compared to 8.9% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 0.3% while the labour force decreased by 1.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.6 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane, where employment grew by 3.2%, the labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment fell 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Marsden. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Marsden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Marsden SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $48,927 while the average income stands at $51,795. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $53,776 (median) and $56,928 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Marsden all fall between the 16th and 29th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows the largest segment comprises 35.7% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,235 residents), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 78.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

Marsden is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Marsden, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 79.1% houses and 20.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Marsden lagged that of Brisbane metro, at 13.0%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (54.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,470, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Marsden's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

Marsden features high concentrations of family households and group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 77.4% of all households, comprising 39.1% couples with children, 15.7% couples without children, and 20.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households comprising 3.9% of the total. The median household size of 3.3 people is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Marsden faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (10.2%) substantially below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (29.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 38.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in primary education, 12.5% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 48 active transport stops operating within Marsden, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 6 individual routes, collectively providing 644 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 256 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 92%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling. A relatively low 6.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 92 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 13 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Marsden is well below average with considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions and to an even higher degree among older age cohorts

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Marsden, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. There is a considerably higher than average prevalence of common health conditions, particularly among older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~7,999 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, impacting 8.4% and 8.1% of residents, respectively, while 71.9% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Working-age residents show an above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 9.9% of residents aged 65 and over (1,725 people), which is lower than the 15.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

Marsden is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Marsden scores highly on cultural diversity, with 39.4% of its population born overseas and 34.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Marsden is Christianity, which makes up 45.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 12.3% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Marsden are Other, comprising 24.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 9.4%, English, comprising 20.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, and Australian, comprising 19.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 6.1% of Marsden (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 4.8% (vs 1.1%) and New Zealand at 1.7% (vs 1.0%).

Marsden hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

At 28 years, Marsden's median age is notably under the Greater Brisbane average of 36 and also substantially under Australia's 38 years. Relative to Greater Brisbane, Marsden has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (18.6%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (5.9%). This 5 - 14 concentration is well above the national 12.1%. Following the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 2.1% to 3.4% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 16.3% to 17.5%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 15.0% to 13.2%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Marsden. Leading the demographic shift, the 45 to 54 group will grow by 27% (478 people), reaching 2,244 from 1,765. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 35 to 44 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.