Marsden
Statistical Area - sa2

Marsden lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Marsden's population was around 17,424 as of Aug 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 1,436 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 15,988. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 17,319 in June 2024 and an additional 144 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 2,517 persons per square kilometer, placing Marsden in the upper quartile nationally according to AreaSearch assessments. The area's growth rate of 9.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average of 8.6%. Natural growth contributed approximately 52.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses 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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. These state projections lack age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Future population dynamics suggest a median increase, with Marsden expected to grow by 2,304 persons to 2041 based on current numbers, reflecting a total increase of 12.6% over the 17 years.

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

Marsden averaged approximately 57 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25. A total of 287 homes were approved during this period, with an additional 22 approved so far in FY26. On average, 4.4 people moved to Marsden for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating a significant lag in supply compared to demand.

This has likely led to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $277,000, which is below regional levels, offering more affordable housing options. Commercial approvals totalled $4.7 million this financial year, reflecting Marsden's predominantly residential character. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Marsden has significantly less development activity, with 80.0% fewer approvals per person. This scarcity of new dwellings typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New building activity in Marsden comprises 54.0% detached houses and 46.0% attached dwellings.

The increasing blend of attached housing types offers choices across various price ranges, from spacious family homes to more compact options. This shift indicates decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and the need for diverse, affordable housing options. Marsden currently has approximately 323 people per dwelling approval, suggesting room for growth. Population forecasts project Marsden will gain 2,199 residents by 2041. Given current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current projections.

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 has identified 16 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Logan Motorway Upgrade (Gateway Motorway to Murtha Road), Avenue Heights Estate, Crestmead Logistics Estate, and Third Avenue Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

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

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

Marsden has a balanced workforce with both white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent, with an unemployment rate of 6.9% and employment growth of 6.1% in the past year as of June 2025.

There are 7,855 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.8% higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 55.9%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade, with manufacturing employment being particularly high at twice the regional average. Professional & technical services have limited presence, at 2.0% versus the regional 8.9%.

The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by Census data. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 6.1%, labour force grew by 4.9%, and unemployment decreased by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane had employment growth of 4.4% and a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment. Statewide in Queensland as of Sep-25, employment contracted by 0.23%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.5% with employment growth of 0.26%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from May 2025 project national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marsden's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.8%% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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's median income is $46,603 and the average income is $48,917. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's median income of $55,645 and average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022, Marsden's estimated median income as of March 2025 is approximately $52,060 and the average income is $54,645. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Marsden fall between the 16th and 30th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 35.7% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, consistent with broader trends across the region where 33.3% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Marsden, with only 78.7% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 23rd percentile nationally.

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 evaluation, consisted of 79.1% houses and 20.9% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Brisbane metro's 89.2% houses and 10.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marsden was at 13.0%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (32.3%) or rented (54.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Marsden was $1,470, lower than Brisbane metro's average of $1,600. The median weekly rent figure in Marsden was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro'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 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 comprise the remaining 22.6%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households at 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 of 10.2% is 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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 9.1% and certificates at 29.8%. Educational participation is high, with 38.1% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 14.9% in primary, 12.5% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

Burrowes State School and Marsden State School serve a total of 2,300 students and focus on primary education only; secondary options are available nearby. Educational conditions vary across Marsden.

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 these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 304 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 73 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 Marsden residents have a relatively low prevalence of common health conditions compared to the general population. However, prevalence is 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 (~7,997 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. Conversely, 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 (1,648 people), which is lower than 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 cultural diversity is notable, with 34.5% speaking a language other than English at home and 39.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Marsden, comprising 45.3%. Islam is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane average, making up 12.3%.

Top ancestry groups include Other (24.2%), English (20.6%), and Australian (19.1%). Samoan, Maori, and New Zealand ethnicities are notably higher than regional averages.

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

Marsden's median age is 28 years, 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 proportion 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, Marsden's population aged 15-24 has grown from 16.3% to 17.4%, while the 25-34 age group has decreased from 15.0% to 13.8%. By 2041, significant demographic changes are forecast for Marsden. The 75-84 age group is expected to grow by 93%, reaching 1,030 people from 534. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.