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 and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, as of May 2026, the estimated population of Marion is around 4,153. This reflects an increase of 52 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,101. The change is inferred from the resident population of 4,063, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, and an additional 30 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,076 persons per square kilometer, above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for Marion was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 87.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Moving forward, demographic trends project an above median population growth for statistical areas across the nation. Marion is expected to increase by 836 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a gain of 18.0% in total over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Marion when compared nationally

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Marion shows around 39 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, approximately 196 homes were approved, with a further 53 approved so far in FY26. On average, 1.2 new residents arrive per new home built over these five years, indicating a balanced supply and demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction value of new properties is $335,000. In the current financial year, Marion has recorded $26.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting steady commercial investment activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Marion's construction levels are 34.0% higher per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity consists of 44.0% detached dwellings and 56.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 68.0% houses. This trend may be due to diminishing developable land availability and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Marion has a low density population, with around 108 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Marion is projected to add 746 residents by 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should 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 32ndth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects likely impacting the area. Key projects include Tonsley Innovation District, Oaklands Green, Westfield Marion Expansion, and Little Bang Brewery at Tonsley Boiler House. 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 a well-educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.3% and there was an estimated employment growth of 2.9% over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation from statistical areas. As of December 2025, 1,963 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.8%.

However, workforce participation in Marion lags behind Greater Adelaide at 57.1% compared to 66.0%. According to Census responses, only 10.6% of residents work from home, but Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries among Marion residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Marion has a particular specialization in health care & social assistance with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, manufacturing has limited presence with 4.9% employment compared to 7.0% regionally. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between December 2024 and December 2025, employment levels increased by 2.9% and labour force increased by 2.2%, leading to a decrease in unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment growth of 4.2%, labour force expansion of 3.9%, and a decrease in unemployment rate of 0.3 percentage points. 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 Marion's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

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

The suburb of Marion had an income level below the national average according to ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year ended June 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Marion was $48,947 and the average income stood at $56,303. For Greater Adelaide, these figures were $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates for Marion would be approximately $53,925 (median) and $62,029 (average) as of March 2026. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Marion all fall between the 20th and 25th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates with 29.2% of residents (1,212 people), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 24th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Marion's dwellings, as per the latest Census evaluation, consisted of 68.0% houses and 32.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Adelaide metro's 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marion stood at 38.7%, with the rest being mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,712, higher than Adelaide metro's average of $1,562. Median weekly rent in Marion was $355, compared to Adelaide metro's $320. Nationally, Marion's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were less at $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute 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%, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and the SA4 region average of 28.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 20.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 28.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 18.2%.

Educational participation is high, with 26.5% currently enrolled in formal education, including 7.8% in secondary, 7.7% in tertiary, and 6.4% in primary education.

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

Marion has 23 operational public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 36 distinct routes, facilitating 2,214 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing 178 meters from the nearest stop. Predominantly residential, most Marion residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 81%, followed by buses (7%) and trains (6%). Average vehicle ownership per dwelling stands at 1.1, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 10.6% of Marion residents work from home, potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions. On average, service frequency across all routes is 316 trips per day, 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, particularly among older age cohorts. Private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49%, with around 2,047 people covered, compared to Greater Adelaide's 52.7% and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common conditions are arthritis (10.5%) and mental health issues (8%). Approximately 64.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 67.9% in Greater Adelaide. Under-65s have better health outcomes than the national average. Marion has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 28.3%, or around 1,175 people, compared to Greater Adelaide's 19.2%. Health outcomes among seniors present 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's population was found to be more culturally diverse than most local markets, with 29.4% born overseas and 22.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Marion, making up 47.4% of its population. Hinduism was notably overrepresented, comprising 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%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: German was slightly more prevalent at 5.0% in Marion versus 5.1% regionally, Russian was marginally higher at 0.4% compared to 0.3%, and Serbian remained similar at 0.4%.

Marion hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Marion is 43 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Adelaide's average of 39 years and Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Marion has a higher percentage of residents aged 85 and above at 7.2%, but fewer residents aged 5 to 14 at 7.8%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 grew from 11.2% to 13.2%, while the 15 to 24 age group declined from 13.3% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Marion's age structure will undergo significant shifts. The 85 and above group is projected to grow by 71% (212 people), reaching a total of 512 residents from the previous count of 299. Meanwhile, the 65 to 74 age cohort is expected to grow by a modest 2% (10 people).