Marion

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area around the suburb of Marion, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census, Marion's population is estimated at around 4,686 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 585 people (14.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,101 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,302, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,343 persons per square kilometer, placing Marion in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Marion's 14.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.4%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward with demographic trends, an above median population growth of statistical areas across the nation is projected, with the suburb of Marion expected to increase by 951 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 14.3% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Marion among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Marion recorded approximately 38 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 193 homes were approved, with an additional 37 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 1.8 new residents arrived per year for each new home constructed between FY21 and FY25, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction value of new properties was $335,000. In the current financial year, Marion recorded $26.5 million in commercial development approvals, demonstrating steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Marion's construction levels are 28.0% higher per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity comprises 42.0% detached dwellings and 58.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 68.0% houses. This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

Marion's population density is around 115 people per approval, reflecting its developing area status. Future projections estimate Marion will add 672 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Marion has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified eight projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones are Tonsley Innovation District, Oaklands Green, Westfield Marion Expansion, and River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project - Southern Precinct. 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Marion maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Marion has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than the Greater Adelaide average of 3.9%. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 3.7% based on AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 2,144 residents are employed with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Greater Adelaide's figure. Workforce participation in Marion is lower at 58.5%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.4%. Census responses indicate that only 10.6% of residents work from home, potentially influenced by Covid-19 lockdowns. Key employment industries include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Marion specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level, while manufacturing has limited presence at 4.9% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as suggested by the difference between Census working population and resident population counts. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 3.7%, labour force grew by 3.5%, and unemployment fell by 0.2 percentage points in Marion. In Greater Adelaide, employment grew by 3.0%, labour force expanded by 2.9%, and unemployment decreased by 0.1 percentage points during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, released in May-25, project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Marion's employment mix suggests local employment could increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years.

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

Marion suburb's income level is below national average per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year ended June 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Marion suburb was $48,947 with average income at $56,303. Comparing this to Greater Adelaide figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. By September 2025, estimates suggest median income will be approximately $53,254 and average income $61,258 based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8%. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes in Marion suburb fall between 20th to 25th percentiles nationally. Income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.2% of residents (1,368 people), consistent with broader regional trends at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures severe with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at 24th percentile. Area's SEIFA income ranking places it in fifth decile.

Marion displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Marion, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 68.0% houses and 32.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marion was 38.7%, with mortgaged dwellings at 33.4% and rented dwellings at 27.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Marion was $1,712, compared to Adelaide metro's $1,562. The median weekly rent figure in Marion was $355, while Adelaide metro recorded $320. Nationally, Marion's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 63.1% of all households, including 24.7% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 9.3% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 36.9%, with lone person households at 32.9% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.5.

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

The area's educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 30.9% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and the SA4 region rate of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 7.2% and graduate diplomas at 2.9%. Vocational credentials are widely held, with 28.3% of residents aged 15+ possessing them - advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 18.2%.

Educational participation is notably high, with 26.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 7.8% in secondary education, 7.7% in tertiary education, and 6.4% pursuing primary education.

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

Marion has 23 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 36 routes, providing a total of 2,214 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 178 meters to the nearest stop. As a primarily residential area, most commuters travel outward. Cars remain the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while buses account for 7% and trains for 6%. The average vehicle ownership is 1.1 per dwelling, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.6% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, there are 316 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 96 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Marion is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Marion faces significant health challenges, as assessed by AreaSearch through mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but more so among older cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,309 people), compared to 52.7% in Greater Adelaide and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (8.0%). 64.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% across Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes for the under-65 population are better than average. The area has 27.6% of residents aged 65 and over (1,293 people), higher than Greater Adelaide's 19.3%. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges but rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Marion was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Marion had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.4% of its population born overseas and 22.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Marion, accounting for 47.4% of the population. Hinduism, however, was more prevalent in Marion at 4.7%, compared to 2.8% across Greater Adelaide.

The top three ancestry groups were English (28.7%), Australian (23.5%), and Other (9.4%). Notably, German ethnicity was slightly overrepresented in Marion at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 5.1%, while Russian ethnicity was at 0.4% versus 0.3%. Serbian ethnicity remained relatively consistent between Marion and Greater Adelaide at 0.4%.

Marion hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Marion's median age is 42, which is slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly higher than the national norm of 38. The percentage of people aged 85 and above in Marion is 6.6%, compared to Greater Adelaide's figure. However, the 5-14 age group is less prevalent in Marion at 7.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of people aged 35 to 44 has increased from 11.2% to 13.1%, while the percentage of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 10.2% to 9.0%. By 2041, Marion's age profile is expected to change significantly. The number of people aged 85 and above is projected to grow by 69%, reaching 522 from the current figure of 309. Conversely, the population in the 65-74 age range is expected to decrease.