Marsden

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch as of Nov 2025, Marsden's estimated population is around 16,347. This reflects an increase of 1,552 people (10.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,795. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 16,242 following examination of ABS' latest ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 142 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 2,640 persons per square kilometer, placing Marsden statistical area (Lv2) in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Marsden's 10.5% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 52.0% 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, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for areas not covered by this data or years post-2032. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings are applied in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort when utilised. Moving forward, demographic trends indicate a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas by 2041, with Marsden (SA2) expected to expand by 2,184 persons over this period, reflecting a gain of 12.6% in total.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Marsden among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Between FY21 and FY25, Marsden averaged approximately 57 new dwelling approvals annually, totalling around 286 homes. As of FY26, there have been 33 approvals recorded. Each year, an average of 4.1 people moved to the area for each dwelling built during this period. This demand significantly exceeded new supply, leading to price growth and increased buyer competition.

The average construction cost value of new properties was around $278,000, aligning with regional trends. In FY26, there were $4.7 million in commercial approvals, indicating the area's residential character. New developments consisted of 54.0% standalone homes and 46.0% townhouses or apartments, offering choices across price ranges from spacious family homes to more affordable compact options.

This marked a significant shift from existing housing patterns, which were currently 79.0% houses. With around 289 people per dwelling approval, Marsden showed a developing market with future projections estimating an addition of 2,058 residents by 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Marsden has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects that may impact the area. Notable projects include Logan Hospital Expansion, Crestmead Logistics Estate, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail, and Water and Wastewater Capital Works Program. The following details those likely 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 reveals Marsden recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Marsden's workforce is balanced across white and blue collar jobs, with significant representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.9%.

As of September 2025, 7,163 residents were employed, while the unemployment rate stood at 2.6% above Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Marsden was 55.5%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key industries included health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing employment was particularly high, at twice the regional level.

Professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 2.1% of Marsden's workforce compared to 8.9% in Greater Brisbane. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited, as indicated by Census data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment levels increased by 4.9%, and the labour force grew by 2.4%, reducing the unemployment rate by 2.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% and a 0.5 percentage point drop in unemployment. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01%, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national job growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but local projections suggested Marsden's employment could increase by 5.8% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that Marsden's median income is $46,187 and average income is $48,477. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $50,764 (median) and $53,281 (average), based on a 9.91% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. The 2021 Census shows household, family, and personal incomes in Marsden fall between the 15th and 29th percentiles nationally. In Marsden, 35.5% of locals (5,803 people) earn between $1,500 - 2,999, similar to the broader area at 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Marsden, with only 78.8% of income remaining, ranking at the 22nd percentile.

Marsden is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a predominantly rental market

Marsden's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.4% houses and 20.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marsden stood at 13.5%. Of the dwellings, 32.6% were mortgaged and 53.9% were rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,457, with a median weekly rent of $350. Nationally, Marsden's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Marsden features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a median household size of 3.3 people

Family households constitute 77.3% of all households, including 39.2% couples with children, 15.5% couples without children, and 20.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.7%, with lone person households at 18.7% and group households comprising 4.0%. The median household size is 3.3 people.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 10.0%, significantly lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.0%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (29.8%). Educational participation is high, with 38.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.9% in primary, 12.4% in secondary, and 3.0% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 38.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.9% in primary education, 12.4% in secondary education, and 3.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Marsden has 45 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 510 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents on average being located 259 meters from the nearest stop.

On a daily basis, there are an average of 72 trips across all routes, which works out to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Marsden's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Marsden's health data shows relatively positive results, with low prevalence of common health conditions among its general population compared to national averages. However, certain cohorts such as older residents have higher rates of these conditions.

Only approximately 46% (~7,586 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 8.5 and 8.2% respectively. Around 71.7% claim to be free from any medical ailments, higher than the 0% reported in Greater Brisbane. About 9.6% of residents are aged 65 and over (1,569 people). While health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to specific challenges they face.

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

Marsden has a high level of cultural diversity, with 39.4% of its population born overseas and 34.3% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Marsden, accounting for 45.8% of the population. Islam is overrepresented in Marsden compared to Greater Brisbane, making up 11.7% of the population.

The top three ancestry groups are Other (24.1%), English (20.9%), and Australian (19.1%). Notably, Samoan (6.1%), Maori (4.6%), and New Zealand (1.6%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Marsden compared to the regional averages.

Marsden hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Marsden's median age is 28 years, which is lower than Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Marsden has a higher proportion of residents aged 5-14 years (18.6%) but fewer residents aged 45-54 years (10.2%). This concentration of 5-14 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.2%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Marsden's population aged 15-24 has increased from 16.2% to 17.3%, while the proportion of residents aged 25-34 has decreased from 15.0% to 13.8%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Marsden, with the 75-84 age group expected to grow by 96%, reaching 991 people from 506. Conversely, the 25-34 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.