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

Marsden's population, as of November 2025, is approximately 17,418. This figure represents an increase of 1,430 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 15,988. The estimated resident population from the ABS in June 2024 was 17,319, with an additional 142 validated new addresses contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 2,517 persons per square kilometer, placing Marsden in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Marsden has exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%, surpassing the metropolitan area's growth rate. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections from 2023, based on 2021 data, are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so 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. Future population dynamics suggest a population increase just below the median of statistical areas analysed by AreaSearch, with Marsden expected to increase by 2,304 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 12.7% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Marsden averaged approximately 57 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25287 homes were approved, with an additional 26 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 4.4 people moved to Marsden for each dwelling built during these five years.

This indicates a substantial lag between supply and demand, which typically leads to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average construction value of new properties was $277,000, below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing options. In FY26, $4.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Marsden has significantly less development activity, with 80.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity of new dwellings often strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. The mix of new building activity shows 54.0% detached houses and 46.0% attached dwellings, indicating a shift from the area's current housing composition (79.0% houses).

This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyle needs. Marsden has approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, suggesting potential for growth. Population forecasts indicate that Marsden will gain around 2,205 residents by 2041. If current construction levels continue, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth to exceed current forecasts.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Logan Hospital Expansion, Logan Motorway Upgrade (Gateway Motorway to Murtha Road), Avenue Heights Estate, and Third Avenue Upgrade. The following list details those likely most relevant.

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 performance in Marsden has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Marsden has a balanced workforce with white and blue collar jobs, prominent manufacturing and industrial sectors, and an unemployment rate of 6.9%. Over the past year, there was estimated employment growth of 6.1%.

As of June 2025, 7,855 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 2.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Marsden is significantly lower at 55.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing has particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 2.0 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence in Marsden, with only 2.0% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 6.1%, while labour force increased by 4.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment grow by 4.4%, labour force expand by 4.0%, and unemployment fall by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Marsden's employment mix indicates potential local employment increases of 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that Marsden SA2 had incomes below the national average. The median income was $46,603 and the average income stood at $48,917. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures where the median income was $55,645 and the average income was $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes for Marsden as of September 2025 would be approximately $53,123 (median) and $55,760 (average). The 2021 Census data shows that household, family and personal incomes in Marsden all fall between the 16th and 29th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 35.7% of residents earn between $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (6,218 residents), which is consistent with broader trends across the region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Marsden, with only 78.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 22nd percentile nationally.

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

In Marsden, as per the latest Census evaluation, 79.1% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 20.9% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, Brisbane metropolitan area had 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marsden stood at 13.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 54.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,470, lower than Brisbane's $1,600 average. Weekly rent in Marsden was $350, compared to Brisbane's $360. Nationally, Marsden's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 account for 77.4% of all households, including 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%. The median household size is 3.3 people, larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 3.0.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.2%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.1%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high, with 38.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.9% in primary, 12.5% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis in Marsden shows 46 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with 5 individual routes in total providing 515 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents located an average of 304 meters from their nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 73 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Marsden's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data shows relatively positive health outcomes for Marsden residents. The prevalence of common health conditions is quite low among the general population but higher than the national average among older, at-risk cohorts.

Private health cover is extremely low in Marsden, with approximately 46% of the total population (~7,994 people) having it, compared to the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.4% and 8.1% of residents respectively. A total of 71.9% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Marsden has 9.5% of residents aged 65 and over (1,647 people), which is lower than the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges requiring more attention 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 has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.4% of its population born overseas and 34.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the main religion in Marsden, comprising 45.3% of people. Islam is overrepresented compared to the Greater Brisbane average, making up 12.3% of Marsden's population.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (24.2%), English (20.6%), and Australian (19.1%). Samoan, Maori, and New Zealand ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Marsden compared to regional averages.

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

Marsden's median age is 28 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Marsden has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (18.6%) compared to Greater Brisbane but fewer residents aged 45-54 (10.1%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.2%. According to the 2021 Census, Marsden's population aged 15 to 24 grew from 16.3% to 17.4%, while the 25 to 34 age group decreased from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecasted for Marsden. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 93% (an increase of 495 people), reaching a total of 1,030 from the current figure of 534. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.