Marsden (Qld)

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Analysis of ABS population updates for the wider region, alongside new address files validated by Districts since the Census, estimates the population of the suburb of Marsden at approximately 16,474 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,679 people (11.3%) since the 2021 Census, which recorded 14,795 residents. The figures are derived from an estimated resident population of 16,401 determined by Districts from the ABS June 2025 ERP data release, combined with an additional 170 validated new addresses since the Census. This population level results in a density of 2,661 persons per square kilometer, placing the suburb of Marsden in the upper quartile of national locations analyzed by Districts. The 11.3% growth rate of the suburb of Marsden since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%) and the state, making it a regional growth leader. Natural growth was the primary driver, accounting for roughly 52.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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Marsden possesses a diverse workforce distributed between blue and white collar roles, with a strong presence in manufacturing and industrial sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 8.3% based on Districts' aggregated statistical area data. As of March 2026, 6,957 local residents are employed, though the unemployment rate remains 4.0% higher than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.3%, indicating potential for labor market improvement. Furthermore, the workforce participation rate is significantly lower at 63.1% compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.4%. Census records show that a minor 6.5% of workers operated from home, though this may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdowns.

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Taxpayer statistics from the ATO, aggregated by Districts for financial year 2023, show that incomes in the suburb of Marsden remain below the national average. The median income among taxpayers in the suburb of Marsden is $46,187, with the average income recorded at $48,477, compared to Greater Brisbane figures of $58,236 and $72,799 respectively. Adjusted for Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of March 2026 would be approximately $51,434 for the median and $53,984 for the average. According to 2021 Census data, personal, family, and household incomes in Marsden all fall within the 15th to 29th percentiles nationwide. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket contains 35.5% of the population (5,848 individuals), which matches the metropolitan trend where the same group accounts for . Severe housing affordability challenges are evident, with just of income left after housing costs, placing the area in the nd percentile.

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According to the latest Census, the housing mix in Marsden consisted of 79.4% detached houses and 20.6% other dwelling types (such as townhouses, units, and alternative housing), compared to Brisbane metro's split of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Marsden was lower than the Brisbane metro average at 13.5%, with the remaining properties occupied by residents with a mortgage (32.6%) or renting (53.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,457 was notably lower than the Brisbane metro average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent was $350 compared to Brisbane metro's $380. On a national level, Marsden's mortgage costs are significantly below the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are lower than the national figure of $375.

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Family households represent the vast majority of homes at 77.3%, consisting of couples with children (39.2%), couples without children (15.5%), and single parent households (20.8%). Non-family households account for the remaining 22.7%, consisting of lone person households (18.7%) and group households (4.0%). The median household size of 3.3 people exceeds the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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The locality face notable educational challenges, with the proportion of residents holding university qualifications (10.0%) sitting well below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. This gap presents a clear opportunity for targeted educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher qualification at 7.0%, followed by postgraduate degrees (1.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Vocational and technical training is highly prevalent, with 38.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational qualifications, comprising advanced diplomas (8.9%) and certificates (29.8%).

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Public transit data shows 45 active transit stops in Marsden, consisting of bus services. These stops are served by 5 distinct routes, which accommodate 510 passenger journeys each week. Local transport access is good, with residents living an average of 259 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the suburb, the majority of working residents travel outside the area for employment, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 92%. Dwellings average 1.5 motor vehicles. A relatively low proportion of residents (6.5%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Health outcomes present notable difficulties for Marsden, according to Districts' evaluation of mortality data and chronic illness rates, which impact both younger and older demographics. The level of private health insurance is particularly low at approximately 46% of the population (~7,645 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

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Marsden exhibits high levels of multicultural diversity, with 39.4% of residents born outside Australia and 34.3% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religious affiliation, representing 45.8% of the population. The most prominent statistical variance is in the representation of Islam, which accounts for 11.7% of local residents, considerably higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

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The median age in Marsden is 28 years, which is younger than the Greater Brisbane average of 36 years and the national figure of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Marsden has a larger share of residents aged 5 - 14 (18.7%) but a smaller share aged 65 - 74 (5.9%). The proportion of 5 - 14 year-olds is notably higher than the national figure of 12.0%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age cohort has increased from 2.1% to 3.2% of the population, while the 0 to 4 age group has decreased from 8.9% to 7.9%. Projections for indicate significant demographic shifts for Marsden, led by a increase in the to age group (adding people to reach from ), while the to and to age brackets are expected to shrink.

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Marsden currently has an estimated 1,301 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 790 children aged 0-2 and 527 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 8% by 2041 (to approximately 1,201 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 2,472. Birth rates in the area have averaged 16.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.