Marden

Population growth drivers in Marden are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

The estimated population of the suburb of Marden is around 2,793 as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census population of 2,645 people, marking a rise of 148 individuals (5.6%). The current resident population estimate of 2,782 by AreaSearch is based on examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and validation of an additional 18 new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 2,634 persons per square kilometer, placing Marden in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, from 2016 to 2026, Marden has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%, outperforming its SA3 area. The primary driver for population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the suburb are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a base year of 2022 for SA2 areas. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, projections from the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, Marden is expected to increase its population by just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with an anticipated rise of 283 persons to reach approximately 3,076 inhabitants by 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.7% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Marden when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis indicates Marden has around 15 residential properties granted approval per year. Approximately 77 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with 12 so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 3 new residents per home built over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $836,000, indicating a focus on premium segment development. In FY-26, $11.3 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, suggesting steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to Greater Adelaide, Marden has 13.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 60th percentile nationally. New development consists of 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating an expanding range of medium-density options across various price brackets. Marden shows characteristics of a low density area with around 253 people per dwelling approval. Future projections estimate Marden to add 272 residents by 2041 based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering favorable conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Marden has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

Infrastructure changes significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely impacting the region: Broad Street Reserve Playground Upgrade, Marden Connect Development, Felixstow Intergenerational Community Centre, and Klemzig Interchange Upgrade. The following list details those 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.

The exceptional employment performance in Marden places it among Australia's strongest labour markets

Marden has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, lower than the national average. Over the past year, employment grew by 5.1%.

As of December 2025, 1,684 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.5% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation is 70.6%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 66.0%. Census data shows that 11.1% of residents work from home. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services, with a notable concentration in the latter at 1.3 times the regional average.

Construction employment is limited at 5.6%, compared to 8.7% regionally. Many residents commute elsewhere for work. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 5.1% alongside labour force growth of 5.1%, maintaining a stable unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marden's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Marden has a high national income level according to the latest Australian Taxation Office data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Marden is $50,282 and the average income stands at $75,821. These figures compare to those for Greater Adelaide, which are $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on a 10.17% growth in wages since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $55,396 and the average income $83,532 as of March 2026. Census data shows personal income ranks at the 52nd percentile with a weekly income of $818, while household income sits at the 36th percentile. The largest income bracket comprises 32.1% of residents earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (896 residents), similar to broader trends across the broader area showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.6% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 37th percentile. The suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Marden displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

As of the latest Census evaluation in Marden, 44.1% of dwellings were houses while 55.8% consisted of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Adelaide metro's figures of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marden stood at 26.0%, with mortgaged properties at 30.0% and rented dwellings at 44.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,668, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. The median weekly rent figure in Marden was recorded as $305, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Marden's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower at $1,668 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and median weekly rents were substantially lower at $305 compared to the national figure of $375.

Marden features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 57.9 percent of all households, including 21.0 percent couples with children, 26.4 percent couples without children, and 8.9 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.1 percent, with lone person households at 37.6 percent and group households comprising 4.1 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

The educational profile of Marden exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

Educational attainment in Marden is notably high. As of the latest data, 43.9% of residents aged 15 and above hold university qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 28.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 12.6% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Vocational credentials are also common, with 25.1% of residents aged 15 and above holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (14.9%).

Educational participation is high, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 9.4% in tertiary education, 7.6% in primary education, and 5.0% pursuing secondary education.

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

Marden has 12 active public transport stops, all bus services. These stops are served by 16 routes providing a total of 1,285 weekly passenger trips. Residents have excellent accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 195 meters to the nearest one. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 79%, while buses account for 15%. The average vehicle ownership is 0.9 per dwelling, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 11.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 183 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 107 weekly trips per individual stop.

Marden'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 positive outcomes for Marden residents. Mortality rates and health conditions are largely in line with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions' prevalence is low among the general population but higher among older, at-risk cohorts. Private health cover rate is high at 57% (1,590 people), compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7%. Mental health issues and arthritis are most common, affecting 8.1% and 7.7%, respectively. 72.1% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Adelaide's 67.9%. Under-65s have better than average health outcomes. Marden has 17.6% seniors (491 people), lower than Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Senior health outcomes present challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

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

Marden's cultural diversity is notable, with 39.6% of its population born overseas and 37.8% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Marden, accounting for 43.9% of the population. However, the category 'Other' is overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 3.7% versus 1.8%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (20.7%), Australian (17.2%), and Other (13.3%), each lower than their respective regional averages. Notably, Italian (10.8%) Vietnamese (1.6%), and Korean (0.7%) ethnicities are overrepresented compared to Greater Adelaide's 5.2%, 1.2%, and 0.3% respectively.

Marden's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Marden's median age is 35, which is younger than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and Australia's average of 38 years. The 25-34 age group makes up 22.2% of Marden's population, higher than Greater Adelaide but lower than the national average of 14.6%. Meanwhile, the 5-14 cohort is less prevalent at 7.9%. From 2021 to present, the 15-24 age group has grown from 10.9% to 13.2%, while the 35-44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.9%. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort declined from 10.7% to 9.3%, and the 45-54 group dropped from 10.7% to 9.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Marden's age structure. The 85+ group is projected to grow by 82% (71 people), reaching 158 from the current 86. This growth will contribute to a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and above, who are expected to comprise 51% of the population growth. The 0-4 age group is projected to grow at a more modest rate of 1%, adding only 1 resident.