Marden

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

As of November 2025, the estimated population for the Marden statistical area (Lv2) is around 2,900. This figure represents an increase of 255 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,645. The latest resident population estimate by AreaSearch, based on examination of the ABS's ERP data release from June 2024 and additional validated new addresses, is 2,806. This results in a population density ratio of 2,735 persons per square kilometer for the Marden (SA2), placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's population growth of 9.6% since the 2021 Census exceeded both the state average of 8.7% and the metropolitan area, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 92.0% of overall population gains during recent periods for the Marden (SA2).

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032, it uses the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category released in 2023 based on 2021 data with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to these projections, the Marden (SA2) is expected to increase by 303 persons to reach around 3,203 by 2041, reflecting an overall increase of 6.7% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Marden according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Marden recorded around 15 residential properties granted approval per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 78 homes. By FY-26, 11 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents were associated with each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25, indicating balanced supply and demand. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 5 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. New properties are constructed at an average value of $836,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, $11.3 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating balanced commercial development activity compared to Greater Adelaide where Marden shows 13.0% lower construction activity per person while placing among the 60th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 60.0% detached dwellings and 40.0% medium and high-density housing, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to compact options. This favours detached housing more than current patterns suggest (44.0% at Census), demonstrating ongoing robust demand for family homes despite increasing density pressures.

The location has approximately 252 people per dwelling approval, indicating room for growth. Looking ahead, Marden is expected to grow by 193 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Marden has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 27thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely to affect the region: Broad Street Reserve Playground Upgrade, Marden Connect Development, Felixstow Intergenerational Community Centre, and Klemzig Interchange Upgrade. The following details those expected to be most relevant.

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

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The labour market strength in Marden positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Marden has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.3%, with a 3.1% increase in employment over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of September 2025, there are 1,681 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 1.6% lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%. Workforce participation is at 65.9%, slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Notably, professional & technical services have employment levels that are 1.3 times the regional average.

However, construction is under-represented with only 5.6% of Marden's workforce compared to Greater Adelaide's 8.7%. While there are local employment opportunities, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population data. In the past year, employment increased by 3.1% while labour force grew by 3.2%, keeping unemployment relatively stable at 2.5%. Meanwhile, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 3.0% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a slight drop in unemployment to 3.8%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows SA's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%, with SA's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest total employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marden's employment mix indicates local employment could increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Marden's median income among taxpayers is $50,282. The average income is $75,821. Nationally, the median income is lower at $49,600 and the average is $64,700. In Greater Adelaide, the median income is $54,808 and the average is $66,852. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Marden would be approximately $54,707 (median) and $82,493 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, personal income ranks at the 52nd percentile with a weekly income of $818. Household income ranks at the 36th percentile. Income distribution shows that 32.1% of locals (930 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 category, similar to the regional trend of 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe with only 83.6% of income remaining, ranking at the 37th percentile. The area'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

The dwelling structure in Marden, as per the latest Census, consisted of 44.1% houses and 55.8% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Adelaide metro had 51.7% houses and 48.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marden was at 26.0%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (30.0%) or rented (44.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Marden was $1,668, below Adelaide metro's average of $2,000. The median weekly rent in Marden was $305, compared to Adelaide metro's $340. Nationally, Marden's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below 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% of all households, including 21.0% couples with children, 26.4% couples without children, and 8.9% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 42.1%, with lone person households at 37.6% and group households comprising 4.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.2.

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

In Marden, the percentage of residents aged 15 and above with university qualifications is notably higher than state and regional averages. Specifically, 43.9% of Marden's residents have such qualifications, compared to 25.7% in South Australia (SA) as a whole and 28.9% in Greater Adelaide. This educational attainment is predominantly composed of bachelor degrees (28.3%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.6%) and graduate diplomas (3.0%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 25.1% of residents holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.2%) and certificates (14.9%).

Educational participation is high in Marden, with 27.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.4% enrolled 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

Transport analysis shows 12 operational stops in Marden, serving mixed bus routes. These stops are covered by 16 distinct routes, facilitating 1,285 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed excellent, with residents positioned on average 195 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency stands at 183 daily trips across all routes, translating to about 107 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Marden is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Marden demonstrates above-average health outcomes with a low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population, although this is higher than the national average among older and at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very high in Marden, approximately 57% of the total population (around 1,651 people), compared to 62.2% across Greater Adelaide.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Marden, impacting 8.1% and 7.7% of residents respectively. A total of 72.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Adelaide. The area has 17.0% of residents aged 65 and over (493 people), which is lower than the 20.9% in Greater Adelaide. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of 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. The category 'Other' is overrepresented in Marden compared to Greater Adelaide, with 3.7% versus 1.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (20.7%), Australian (17.2%), and Other (13.3%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Italian (10.8% vs regional 11.1%), Vietnamese (1.6% vs 0.9%), and Korean (0.7% vs 0.5%) are overrepresented in Marden.

Marden's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Marden as of 2021 was 36 years, which is slightly lower than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and also lower than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Marden had a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.7%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds was significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Marden's population saw changes in certain age groups: the 15 to 24 group grew from 10.9% to 12.9%, while the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 14.7% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 group declined from 10.7% to 9.5%, and the 55 to 64 group also dropped from 10.7% to 9.5%. By the year 2041, Marden's age composition is projected to change significantly. The most notable shift will be an 83% increase in the number of residents aged 85 and above, reaching 159 from 87. This growth will be driven by an aging population dynamic, with those aged 65 and above comprising 69% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups.