Marleston

Population growth drivers in Marleston are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

As of November 2025, the Marleston statistical area (Lv2) has an estimated population of around 2,212. This reflects a growth of 262 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,950. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 2,081 as of June 2024, along with an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2,280 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Marleston's growth rate of 13.4% since the 2021 Census exceeds both the state (8.7%) and metropolitan area averages, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, the SA State Government's Regional/LGA projections by age category are adopted, based on 2021 data and released in 2023. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a significant population increase for the Marleston (SA2). Aggregated SA2-level projections indicate an expected growth of 565 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 20.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Marleston recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis shows Marleston averaging approximately 31 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 155 homes. By FY26, 8 approvals have been recorded. Historically, roughly one person has moved to the area per year for each dwelling built between FY21 and FY25, indicating balanced supply and demand dynamics. New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $379,000, suggesting a focus on premium properties.

This financial year has seen $10.0 million in commercial development approvals, reflecting steady investment activity. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Marleston exhibits 140.0% higher building activity per capita, offering buyers greater choice. However, construction activity has recently eased. Nationally, Marleston's activity is above average, indicating strong developer confidence. New building activity comprises approximately 38.0% standalone homes and 62.0% attached dwellings, promoting affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. With around 198 people per dwelling approval, Marleston displays growth area characteristics.

AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Marleston to grow by 454 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond projections.

Marleston has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 34thth percentile nationally

No infrastructure changes significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch identified zero projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects include North South Corridor, Tram Grade Separation Projects, New Women's and Children's Hospital, and Goodwood Oval Sporting Precinct Revitalisation, with the following list highlighting those most relevant.

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

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Employment conditions in Marleston demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Marleston has a well-educated workforce. Essential services sectors are prominently featured.

The unemployment rate was 2.9% in September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.7%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 1,259 residents were employed.

Marleston's unemployment rate was 1.0% below Greater Adelaide's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was 64.9%, compared to Greater Adelaide's 61.7%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, accommodation & food, and retail trade. The area has a notable concentration in accommodation & food, with employment levels at 1.8 times the regional average. Construction is under-represented, with only 5.6% of Marleston's workforce compared to 8.7% in Greater Adelaide. There are 1.9 workers for every resident, indicating an employment hub status. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.7%, while labour force increased by 4.6%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Adelaide saw employment rise by 3.0% and unemployment fall by 0.1 percentage points. State-level data to 25-Nov shows SA employment grew by 1.19% year-on-year, with the state unemployment rate at 4.0%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Marleston's employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.1% over ten years.

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

Marleston suburb's income level is lower than average nationally, per latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Marleston's median taxpayer income is $49,507 and average income stands at $59,045, compared to Greater Adelaide's figures of $54,808 and $66,852 respectively. With an 8.8% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 are approximately $53,864 (median) and $64,241 (average). Census 2021 income data shows Marleston's household, family, and personal incomes rank modestly, between the 30th and 38th percentiles. The earnings profile indicates that 31.4% of the population fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the surrounding region at 31.8%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 28th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 5th decile.

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

In Marleston, as per the latest Census evaluation, 50.2% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 49.8% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is in contrast to Adelaide metro's figures, which showed 63.9% houses and 36.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marleston stood at 22.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.3% and rented ones at 47.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,528, lower than Adelaide metro's average of $1,745. The median weekly rent in Marleston was $290, compared to Adelaide metro's $310. Nationally, Marleston's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 54.9% of all households, consisting of 19.7% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 8.5% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 45.1%, with lone person households at 36.7% and group households making up 8.5%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Greater Adelaide average of 2.3.

Marleston faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 35.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the South Australian average of 25.7% and that of Greater Adelaide at 28.9%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.4%) and graduate diplomas (3%). Trade and technical skills are prominent with 27.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (9.3%) and certificates (18.5%).

Educational participation is high at 25.5%, comprising 9.5% in tertiary education, 6.5% in primary education, and 3.6% pursuing secondary education.

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

Marleston has 13 active public transport stops. All of these are bus stops. They are served by 15 different routes that together provide 1,111 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Marleston is rated as good. Residents typically live 217 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 158 trips per day across all routes. This means each stop gets about 85 weekly trips.

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

Marleston faces significant health challenges. Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but to a considerably higher degree among older cohorts.

Approximately 50% of Marleston's total population (~1,113 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.7%. The most common medical conditions in Marleston are mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 10.7 and 8.0% of residents respectively. 67.1% of Marleston residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 70.9% across Greater Adelaide. As of the last census (2016), 16.3% of Marleston's residents are aged 65 and over (360 people), which is lower than the 17.6% in Greater Adelaide. Health outcomes among seniors in Marleston require more attention than those for the broader population.

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

Marleston's population shows high cultural diversity, with 40.2% born overseas and 40.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 41.8%. The category 'Other' is overrepresented in Marleston compared to Greater Adelaide, at 4.1% versus 3.1%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian is the top group at 20.7%, followed by English at 19.7% and Other at 14.5%. Notably, Greek (5.0%), Indian (6.3%) and Korean (0.8%) groups are overrepresented in Marleston compared to regional averages of 6.1%, 3.7% and 0.3% respectively.

Marleston's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Marleston is 36 years, which is slightly below Greater Adelaide's average of 39 and also slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Adelaide, Marleston has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.4%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (7.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly above the national average of 14.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Marleston's population aged 25 to 34 has increased from 20.1% to 21.4%. Conversely, the proportion of residents aged 65 to 74 has decreased from 6.8% to 5.8%. By 2041, Marleston is projected to experience significant changes in its age distribution. Notably, the number of residents aged 25 to 34 is expected to grow by 16%, from 473 to 548 people.