SA 5049 Census 2021 + Live DA Data

Marino

With a median house price of $1,343,000 and 97.1% of dwellings as separate houses, Marino sits firmly among Adelaide's premium coastal suburbs, yet household income falls in the 79.1st percentile nationally, a gap that reveals how long-held ownership rather than current earnings drives wealth here. The median age of 47 is 7 years above the national figure, and 46.4% of residents own their home outright, the highest tenure category. SEIFA decile scores of 7-8 across all four indexes confirm above-average but not elite advantage. The suburb had 41 development applications in the past 12 months, indicating steady, renovation-focused activity in an otherwise stable coastal enclave.

Marino urban fabric map

Population

2,277

Median Age

47.0

Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)

$2,091/wk

DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year

43

Median House

$1.3M

Median 1Q 2026

3.46 km²· 658.9 people/km²· Family income $2,418/wk

The median house price of $1,343,000 as of Q1 2026 represents a 11.9% fall from the Q1 2025 peak of $1,525,000, giving buyers a more accessible entry point into this tightly held market. Stock is overwhelmingly detached houses at 97.1%, with 4-plus bedroom homes at 40.2% and 3-bedroom at 50.9%, meaning almost no unit alternative exists. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,997, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.1%, below the 30% stress threshold, which reflects the high share of outright owners (46.4%) and modest renter base (10.8%). Compared to the broader SA median, this price tier is significantly higher, making Marino an aspirational coastal buy rather than a first-home option. The low 16.6% turnover rate shows existing owners are reluctant to sell.

For Buyers

The median house price of $1,343,000 as of Q1 2026 represents a 11.9% fall from the Q1 2025 peak of $1,525,000, giving buyers a more accessible entry point into this tightly held market. Stock is overwhelmingly detached houses at 97.1%, with 4-plus bedroom homes at 40.2% and 3-bedroom at 50.9%, meaning almost no unit alternative exists. Monthly mortgage repayments average $1,997, producing a mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.1%, below the 30% stress threshold, which reflects the high share of outright owners (46.4%) and modest renter base (10.8%). Compared to the broader SA median, this price tier is significantly higher, making Marino an aspirational coastal buy rather than a first-home option. The low 16.6% turnover rate shows existing owners are reluctant to sell.

For Investors

At just 10.8% of households, the renter base is thin compared to the national average, limiting rental demand. Weekly rent of $400 against a $1,343,000 median implies a gross yield below 1.6%, among the lowest return profiles. The vacancy rate of 6.8% is elevated, signalling limited competition for available rentals and reinforcing the owner-occupier character. Net overseas migration averages 101 per year, the primary growth driver, while net internal migration is negative at 44 persons annually. Development applications totalled 41 in the past 12 months, dominated by alterations and extensions to existing homes rather than new dwellings. The investment case rests on capital preservation in a supply-constrained coastal location, not yield.

Development Activity

Total DAs

227

Last 12 Months

43

YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements

-8.5%

Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year

N/A

Monthly DA Lodgements

DA Categories

Renovation / Extension
24
Garage / Carport / Shed
14
Swimming Pool / Spa
13
Deck / Pergola / Patio
11
New Dwelling
8
Landscaping / Retaining Wall
5
Tree Removal
4
Other
3

Demographics

Marino's median age of 47 is 7.0 years above the national figure, reflecting a well-settled, older resident base. University qualifications reach 41.7% of residents, which is 11.6 percentage points higher than the national average, concentrated in professional and managerial occupations. Overseas-born residents account for 27.2%, about 5.6 points above the national figure. Ancestry is predominantly Anglo-Celtic: English (1,098 residents), Irish (247), Scottish (229) and German (204) are the top four groups. Average household size is 2.6, slightly above national at 0.1, consistent with the prevalence of couples with children (740 families) and couples without children (618). Non-English languages spoken include German (16 speakers) and Polish (12), small numbers that reflect an overwhelmingly English-language community.

Age Distribution

0-14
16.5%
15-24
10.8%
25-44
19.4%
45-64
30.3%
65+
23.1%

Bedrooms

Studio/1br
1.1%
2 bed
7.8%
3 bed
50.9%
4+ bed
40.2%

Dwelling Structure

97.1%

Houses

1.5%

Townhouse

1.3%

Apartment

Tenure

Own 46.4% Mortgage 42.8% Rent 10.8%

Owner-occupiers dominate Marino's housing market: 46.4% own outright and 42.8% carry a mortgage, leaving only 10.8% renting, well below the national renter share. The ownership concentration reflects the older demographic profile and long holding periods, with turnover at just 16.6% annually, meaning 83.4% of residents stayed in the same home over the reference period. Separate houses account for 97.1% of all dwellings, with apartments at 1.3% and semi-detached at 1.5%. Three-bedroom homes are the modal type at 50.9%, followed by 4-plus bedroom at 40.2%. The median house price fell from $1,525,000 in Q1 2025 to $1,343,000 in Q1 2026, an 11.9% correction, though prices remain high compared to the broader Adelaide median.

Median House Price Trend

Source: State Valuer-General

Mortgage / mo

$1,997

Rent / wk

$400

HH Size

2.6

Personal Income / wk

$932

Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)

6.8%

Unoccupied

62

Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

19.1%

Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress

22.1%

Community Profile

Languages Spoken at Home

German
16
Polish
12

Ancestry

English
1,098
Irish
247
Scottish
229
German
204
Other
204
Italian
93

Household Composition

32.4%

Couples, no children

1,908

Total families

Economy & Employment

Healthcare employs the largest share of Marino workers at 19.9% (166 people), followed by Education at 15.7% (131) and Construction at 10.8% (90). Professional/Tech services account for 10.3% (86 workers) and Public Admin for 9.0% (75), producing a white-collar, service-sector skew. By occupation, Professionals number 354 and Managers 192, together comprising the largest groups. The full-time employment rate is 57.8%, with 616 employed full-time and 450 part-time. The unemployment rate is 5.1%, modestly above state norms, though the 59.3% participation rate reflects the older age profile with 647 residents not in the labour force. SEIFA IRSAD decile of 7 and IRSD decile of 8 place Marino above average but below the top advantage tier nationally.

Unemployment

2.2%

Labour Force

5,847

Unemployed

128

Quarterly Trend

Mar-24 Dec-25

Source: SALM Dec-25

Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)

Overall advantage
7
Disadvantage
8
Economic resources
8
Education & occupation
7

Full-time

57.8%

Part-time

37.1%

Participation

59.3%

Employed

1,066

Occupations

Professionals 354
Managers 192
Clerical/Admin 135
Community/Personal 117
Sales 77
Labourers 57
Machinery/Drivers 37

Top Industries

Healthcare 19.9%
Education 15.7%
Construction 10.8%
Professional/Tech 10.3%
Public Admin 9.0%

University

41.7%

Postgraduate

13.9%

Born Overseas

27.2%

Dwellings

842

Transport to Work

Car dependency is high in Marino, with 86.3% of residents commuting by car, compared to lower rates in inner-city areas, while public transport accounts for only 9.0% and walking or cycling 1.6%. The crime rate of 15.8 incidents per 1,000 residents is low, consistent with the suburb's identity as a stable owner-occupier community. Volunteering participation stands at 24.2%, above average nationally, reflecting civic engagement among the older resident base. Only 3.9% of residents (86 people) require daily assistance. No schools are recorded within the Marino boundary, so families rely on nearby institutions, but the suburb's IRSAD decile of 7 and IEO decile of 7 indicate above-average educational and economic resources relative to the state and national picture. Housing stress is minimal, with mortgage-to-income at 22.1% and rent-to-income at 19.1%.

Drive

86.3%

Public Transport

9.0%

Walk / Cycle

1.6%

Work from Home

N/A

Population Forecast

+0.57%/yr

(+58 people/yr)

Established

Population in Marino's SA2 area has grown steadily from 9,977 in 2023 to 10,209 in 2025, a 7.2% increase over the past decade at an annual rate of 0.57%, adding roughly 58 persons per year. Overseas migration is the primary driver at an average net gain of 101 per year, while net internal migration is negative at 44, meaning Marino is attracting newcomers from abroad while residents are moving to other parts of Australia. The gentrification score of 25 from the shift data registers Early signs, with rent growth of 25.0% over the period and real income growth of 8.1%. The senior population share rose 3.0 points while the working-age share fell 3.8 points, consistent with gradual demographic aging. Medium forecasts project the SA2 area reaching 10,454 by 2031.

Historical + Forecast

Hamilton-Perry + Holt smoothing on ERP 2001-2025

Age Cohort Forecast

Primary Driver

Overseas Migration

Net Overseas / yr

+101

Net Internal / yr

-44

0

Gentrification Signal

Not gentrifying

Safety & Crime

Total Offences

36

Year ending June 2024

Rate per 1,000 People

15.8

Source: Crime Statistics Agency Victoria / SA Police

National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs

How Marino compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs

Population
Top 20%
Household Income
Top 21%
Rent Level
Top 17%
Apartments
Bottom 26%
Renters
Bottom 19%
Uni Educated
Top 16%
Public Transport
Top 15%
Born Overseas
Top 17%
Density
Top 18%

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marino a good suburb to live in?

Marino scores above average on all four SEIFA indexes, with IRSD decile 8 and IRSAD decile 7, indicating low disadvantage and strong socioeconomic resources. The crime rate of 15.8 per 1,000 residents is low, 97.1% of dwellings are separate houses and the mortgage-to-income ratio of 22.1% shows owners are not under financial stress.

What is the median house price in Marino?

The median house price in Marino is $1,343,000 as of Q1 2026, down 11.9% from the Q1 2025 peak of $1,525,000. Weekly rent averages $400 and monthly mortgage repayments run about $1,997, placing Marino well above the broader Adelaide median house price range.

What schools are in Marino?

No schools are recorded inside the Marino boundary in this dataset, so families rely on schools in neighbouring suburbs. Locally, 41.7% of residents hold university qualifications, which is 11.6 percentage points above the national figure, reflecting a highly educated adult population.

Is Marino safe?

Marino recorded 36 total incidents in the reference period, a crime rate of 15.8 per 1,000 residents. This is a low rate for a suburban area and is consistent with the suburb's profile as a stable owner-occupier community where 83.4% of residents stayed in the same home over the past year.

Is Marino good for property investment?

The investment case is primarily capital-focused. With just 10.8% renters and a weekly rent of $400 against a $1,343,000 median, gross yield is below 1.6%. The 6.8% vacancy rate is elevated. Overseas migration of 101 net arrivals per year supports long-term demand, but yield-seeking investors will find better returns elsewhere.

How is Marino's population changing?

The SA2 population grew from 9,977 in 2023 to 10,209 in 2025, a 10-year change of 7.2% at roughly 58 people per year. Overseas migration is the primary driver, adding a net 101 annually, while internal migration removes 44 per year. The suburb's age profile is gradually aging, with the senior share up 3.0 points over the decade.

How much development is happening in Marino?

There were 41 development applications lodged in the past 12 months, with recent examples including pool enclosures, verandahs and variations to existing approvals. Activity reflects renovation and extension of existing homes rather than new dwellings, consistent with a mature suburb where 97.1% of stock is already separate houses.

How to read these comparisons

Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.

Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.

Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state Valuer-General (house prices), Department of Jobs SALM (unemployment), ACARA (school ICSEA), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications). Population forecasts use a Hamilton-Perry cohort model calibrated to ABS ERP.

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