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 was approximately 17,418 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,430 people, equivalent to an 8.9% rise since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,988. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 17,319 in June 2024 and an additional 142 validated new addresses since the Census date. 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 exhibited resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%, outperforming the metropolitan area. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted 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, were used. However, these state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applied proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 and based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population dynamics anticipate a median increase, with Marsden expected to grow by 2,304 persons to 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 12.7% over the 17-year period.

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 a further 28 approved so far in FY26. On average, 4.4 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during this period.

This supply lagged demand significantly, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties were constructed at an average expected cost of $215,000, which was below regional levels, suggesting more affordable housing choices for buyers. In FY26, $4.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating the area's residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Marsden had significantly less development activity, at 80.0% below the regional average per person as of FY26. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthened demand and prices for existing properties. Nationally, Marsden also reflected lower levels of development activity, indicating market maturity and possible development constraints.

New building activity in Marsden showed a mix of detached houses (54.0%) and attached dwellings (46.0%), offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options. This represented a notable shift from the area's existing housing stock, which was currently 79.0% houses. This trend indicated decreasing availability of developable sites and reflected changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. As of FY26, Marsden had approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth in the area's housing supply. Population forecasts suggested that Marsden would gain 2,205 residents by 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling population growth that exceeds current forecasts.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact 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 expected to be 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's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 6.6% and estimated employment growth of 4.9% in the past year as of September 2025.

There are 7,692 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 2.6% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment is particularly high, at 2.0 times the regional average.

Professional & technical services have limited presence, with only 2.0% of employment compared to the regional average of 8.9%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited, as indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 4.9%, while labour force grew by 2.3%, reducing the unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points. In Greater Brisbane, employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Statewide in Queensland as of 25-Nov, employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years and ten years, employment should increase by 6.6% and 13.7% respectively. Applying these projections to Marsden's employment mix indicates local employment could grow by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's data for financial year 2022 shows Marsden SA2 had median income of $46,603 and average income of $48,917. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. By September 2025, estimates based on Wage Price Index growth suggest Marsden's median income will be approximately $53,123 and average income $55,760. The 2021 Census indicates Marsden's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 16th and 29th percentiles nationally. Most residents (6,218) earn $1,500 - $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader regional trends. Housing affordability is severe; only 78.7% of income remains, 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

Marsden's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.1% houses and 20.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Brisbane metro had 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marsden was at 13.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 32.3% and rented ones at 54.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Marsden was $1,470, below Brisbane metro's $1,600. Median weekly rent in Marsden was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $360. Nationally, Marsden's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and 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 constitute 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 account for 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 prominent, 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.

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

Marsden has 46 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 515 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents on average being located 304 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 73 daily trips, which equates to about 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 for Marsden shows a relatively positive picture with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, certain cohorts such as older adults and those at higher risk have higher prevalence rates.

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 (8.4%) and mental health issues (8.1%), while 71.9% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Marsden has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 9.5% (1,647 people), compared to the 12.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those for 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's population shows high cultural diversity, with 39.4% born overseas and 34.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 45.3%. Islam is notably overrepresented, comprising 12.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane's average of 5.8%.

In terms of ancestry, 'Other' tops at 24.2%, higher than the regional average of 15.4%. English and Australian follow with 20.6% and 19.1% respectively. Samoan (6.1%) and Maori (4.8%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages of 3.0% and 3.2%, respectively. New Zealand also shows a slight divergence at 1.7%.

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. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Marsden has a higher percentage of residents aged 5-14 (18.6%) 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, the population aged 15 to 24 has increased from 16.3% to 17.4%, while the 25 to 34 age group has decreased from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, Marsden's demographic is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 age group is expected to grow by 93%, adding 495 people and reaching a total of 1,030 from the current 534. Conversely, the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 age groups are forecasted to experience population declines.