Marion

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

The population of the Marion statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 4,681 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 580 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,101. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 4,302 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, along with an additional 25 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,340 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Marion's growth rate of 14.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region (7.3%) and 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 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, based on 2021 data and adjusted using a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the Marion (SA2) is expected to increase by 957 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 14.6% 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 in Marion shows approximately 38 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 193 homes were approved, with a further 37 approved so far in FY-26. On average, 1.8 new residents arrive per year for each new home constructed 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. This financial year has seen $26.5 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Marion records 28.0% higher construction levels per person over the past five years, offering good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. New building activity comprises 42.0% detached dwellings and 58.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a shift from the current 68.0% houses. This trend suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs.

With around 115 people per approval, Marion reflects an area experiencing development. Future projections estimate Marion will add 683 residents by 2041, with current construction levels expected to meet demand adequately, 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

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 8 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Tonsley Innovation District, Oaklands Green, Westfield Marion Expansion, and River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project - Southern Precinct. The following list details those projects likely to be 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. Its unemployment rate is 3.5%, lower than Greater Adelaide's 3.9%.

Over the past year, Marion saw an estimated employment growth of 3.8%. As of September 2025, 2,148 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.5% below Greater Adelaide's. Workforce participation in Marion is 52.8%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance has a significant presence with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level, while manufacturing has limited presence at 4.9% compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population versus resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Marion's employment levels increased by 3.8%, and labour force increased by 3.6%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Adelaide saw employment grow by 3.0% and labour force expand by 2.9%, with a 0.1 percentage point decrease in unemployment. State-level data to November 25 shows South Australia's employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, adding 10,710 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.0%. This compares favourably to the national unemployment rate of 4.3%, with South Australia's employment growth outpacing the national average of 0.14%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Marion's employment should increase by 7.1% over five years and 14.7% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Marion's employment mix.

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 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Marion was $48,947 and the average income stood at $56,303. These figures compared to those for Greater Adelaide which were $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.8% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $53,254 (median) and $61,258 (average) as of September 2025. Census data revealed that household, family and personal incomes in Marion all fell between the 20th and 25th percentiles nationally. The data showed that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominated with 29.2% of residents (1,366 people), consistent with broader trends across the region showing 31.8% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 5th decile.

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

In Marion, as per the latest Census evaluation, 68.0% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 32.0% consisting of other types such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Adelaide metro had a slightly higher percentage of houses at 70.8%, with 29.2% being other dwelling types. Home ownership in Marion stood at 38.7%, which was higher than Adelaide metro's level. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (33.4%) or rented (27.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Marion was $1,712, exceeding the Adelaide metro average of $1,700. The median weekly rent figure in Marion was recorded at $355, compared to Adelaide metro's $330. Nationally, Marion's median monthly mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while median weekly 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 2.4.

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 Australia (SA) 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 also prominent, with 28.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas account for 10.1% and certificates for 18.2%.

Educational participation is 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 operating within its boundaries. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. There are 36 individual routes serving these stops, collectively providing 2,214 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 178 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 316 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 96 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Marion is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Marion faces significant health challenges, with common conditions prevalent across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 49% of Marion's total population (~2,307 people) has private health cover, lower than Greater Adelaide's 51.4% and the national average of 55.7%. The most frequent medical issues are arthritis (affecting 10.5% of residents) and mental health concerns (8.0%).

However, 64.3% of Marion's residents report being free from medical ailments, compared to 68.1% in Greater Adelaide. Marion has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 27.6% (1,291 people), compared to 19.2% in Greater Adelaide. The health outcomes among seniors are broadly similar to those of the general 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 showed high cultural diversity, with 29.4% born overseas and 22.7% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion in Marion as of 20XX, accounting for 47.4%. Hinduism had higher representation in Marion compared to Greater Adelaide, comprising 4.7% versus 4.1%.

Ancestry-wise, English (28.7%), Australian (23.5%), and Other (9.4%) were the top groups. Notable differences existed for German (5.0% vs regional 5.0%), Russian (0.4% vs 0.3%), and Serbian (0.4% vs 0.3%).

Marion hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Marion has a median age of 42, which is slightly higher than Greater Adelaide's figure of 39 and significantly higher than the national average of 38. The percentage of people aged 85 and above in Marion stands at 6.7%, compared to Greater Adelaide. However, the 5-14 age group is less prevalent in Marion, with a percentage of 7.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the population aged 35 to 44 has grown from 11.2% to 12.9%, while the 25 to 34 age group increased from 14.4% to 15.8%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 age group has decreased from 10.2% to 9.2%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Marion's age profile will change significantly. The 85+ age group is projected to grow by 67%, reaching 524 people from the current 313. Meanwhile, the number of people in the 65 to 74 age range is expected to decrease by 6%.