Marleston (SA)

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Drawing from ABS population revisions for the surrounding region alongside new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the resident count for the suburb of Marleston is projected to be approximately 2,963 in May 2026. This represents a rise of 1,013 residents (51.9%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented 1,950 residents. The variation is calculated from a resident population of 2,961, determined by Districts through analyzing the ABS's latest ERP data publication from June 2025 in combination with 26 validated new addresses added after the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 3,054 persons per square kilometer, placing the locality in the top quartile of all Australian areas evaluated by Districts. The growth rate of 51.9% recorded for the suburb of Marleston since the 2021 census outpaced the state (7.5%) and the SA3 area, establishing the locality as a regional leader in population expansion. The primary catalyst for this demographic expansion was overseas migration, which accounted for approximately of the overall population increases during recent intervals.

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The local workforce is highly educated with a strong representation in essential service industries, experiencing an estimated job growth of 14.5% over the past year according to Districts' compiled regional statistics. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 1,869, while the unemployment rate was 1.0% below the 3.8% recorded for Greater Adelaide, and the labor force participation rate reached a high 74.3% compared to Greater Adelaide's 66.6%. Census data reveals that a low 9.5% of the workforce worked from home, though this figure should be viewed in light of Covid-19 restrictions.

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According to Districts' compilation of the most recent postcode-level ATO data released for financial year 2023, the suburb of Marleston had a median income among taxpayers of $49,507 with the average level standing at $59,045. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $54,808 and $66,852 across Greater Adelaide respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.17% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $54,542 (median) and $65,050 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Marleston, between the 30th and 38th percentiles. The data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 31.4% of residents (930 people), reflecting patterns seen the broader area where similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only of income remaining, ranking at the th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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The mix of housing in Marleston at the time of the last Census consisted of 50.2% houses and 49.8% other dwelling types (such as townhouses, flats, and alternative residences), compared to the metropolitan Adelaide average of 75.2% houses and 24.9% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership was lower than the metropolitan Adelaide benchmark, standing at 22.4%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (30.3%) or tenants (47.3%). The median monthly home loan payment was lower than the metropolitan Adelaide average at $1,528, while the median weekly rental cost was recorded at $290, compared to metropolitan benchmarks of $1,562 and $320 respectively. On a national scale, mortgage payments in the area are considerably lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices are notably below the nationwide figure of $375.

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Families make up the majority of households at 54.9%, consisting of couples with children at 19.7%, couples without children at 24.3%, and single parent households at 8.5%. The remaining 45.1% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 36.7% and group households comprising 8.5% of the total. The typical household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the average of 2.5 recorded across Greater Adelaide.

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The educational makeup of the area is distinct within the region, with university graduation rates representing 35.3% of residents aged 15 and older, which exceeds both the state average of 25.7% and the Greater Adelaide average of 28.9%. Among those with tertiary qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 22.9%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 9.4% and graduate diplomas at 3.0%. Practical and vocational qualifications are also highly represented, with 27.8% of residents aged 15 and older holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 9.3% and certificates at 18.5%.

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Public transport connectivity includes 13 active transit stops situated within Marleston, which are served by bus networks. These stops accommodate 15 distinct routes that run a combined 1,111 passenger services weekly. Accessibility is favorable, with residents living an average of 217 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers travel out of the suburb, with private vehicles serving as the primary mode of travel for 79% of commuters, while buses are utilized by 12%. Household vehicle ownership stands at an average of 1.0 per household, below the wider metropolitan average. A relatively low 9.5% of working residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect the impact of pandemic conditions.

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Health assessments point to notable difficulties in the area, based on Districts' evaluation of mortality patterns and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. The data indicates a higher than average presence of common medical conditions, with this trend becoming more pronounced in older demographics. Additionally, the proportion of residents with private health insurance is low, standing at approximately 50% of the population, which equals about 1,492 people. This is below the 52.7% rate in Greater Adelaide and the national average of 55.7%.

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The area shows a high degree of cultural variety, with overseas-born individuals making up 40.2% of the local population and 40.4% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 41.8% of the local community. The most notable deviation from regional patterns is in the Other category, which accounts for 4.1% of residents compared to 1.8% across Greater Adelaide.

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The median age of 36 years is slightly below the Greater Adelaide average of 39 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to the wider metropolitan area, there is a higher proportion of residents aged 25 - 34 (21.6%) and a smaller share of children aged 5 - 14 (7.9%). The concentration of residents aged 25 - 34 is significantly higher than the national average of 14.6%. Since the 2021 Census, this 25 to 34 demographic has increased from 20.1% to 21.6% of the population, while the group aged 85 and older has decreased from 5.6% to 4.9%. By 2041, significant changes in the age profile are anticipated, led by a increase in the to demographic, which is expected to rise by people to reach from a baseline of . The to age bracket is projected to experience a smaller increase of , adding residents.

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Marleston currently has an estimated 162 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 90 children aged 0-2 and 61 children aged 3-4. This cohort grew by an estimated 54% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 13% by 2041 (to approximately 183 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 213. While growth has been positive birth rates observed in the area have been moderate, with approximately 8.6 births per 1,000 residents recorded over the latest two-year period analysed which ranks the area within the middle tier nationally. This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.