Darlinghurst

An assessment of population growth drivers in Darlinghurst reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Darlinghurst's population was around 11,445 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 830 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,615. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,411 in June 2024 and an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This resulted in a density ratio of 13,308 persons per square kilometer, placing Darlinghurst in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 7.8% since the 2021 census exceeded the state average of 6.7%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicated an increase just below the median for Australian statistical areas, with Darlinghurst expected to grow by 1,427 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 12.2% over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Darlinghurst is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Darlinghurst has seen approximately seven dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling 37 homes. As of FY26, 14 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, benefiting buyers with more affordable housing options, as new properties are constructed at an average cost of $118,000, below regional norms. This financial year, commercial development approvals amounting to $142.9 million have been recorded, indicating high local commercial activity.

Compared to Greater Sydney, Darlinghurst has significantly less development activity, 89.0% below the regional average per person, which typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is also lower than national levels, suggesting market maturity and possible development constraints. New developments consist of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, catering to affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Notably, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (1.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite density pressures. By 2041, Darlinghurst is projected to grow by 1,393 residents, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially increasing buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Looking ahead, Darlinghurst is expected to grow by 1,393 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Darlinghurst has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

The performance of an area can significantly be influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 51 such projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include SCEGGS Darlinghurst Concept and Stage 1, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst Campus Redevelopment, East Sydney Collection, and Oxford & Foley. The following list provides details on those projects expected to be 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.

The employment landscape in Darlinghurst shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Darlinghurst has a highly educated workforce with notable representation in the technology sector. Its unemployment rate is 4.8%.

As of September 2025, there are 7,879 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2% above Greater Sydney's rate. Workforce participation is high at 72.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Employment is concentrated in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance sectors. Darlinghurst specializes particularly in professional & technical jobs, with an employment share of 2.1 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 2.9% versus the regional average of 8.6%. The area functions as an employment hub with 1.3 workers for every resident. Between September 2024 and September 2025, the labour force decreased by 1.4%, while employment decreased by 1.3%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment rise by 2.1% and the labour force grow by 2.4%. State-level data as of 25-Nov-2025 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Darlinghurst's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Darlinghurst SA2 has an exceptionally high national income level according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2022. Its median taxpayer income is $75,490 and average income stands at $118,909, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $85,009 (median) and $133,903 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. Census data shows individual earnings reach the 98th percentile nationally at $1,535 weekly. Income distribution reveals that 30.2% of the population fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from regional patterns where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. A substantial proportion (40.6%) earn above $3,000/week, indicating strong economic capacity in Darlinghurst. High housing costs consume 21.2% of income, yet strong earnings place disposable income at the 74th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Darlinghurst features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Darlinghurst, as per the latest Census, comprised 0.9% houses and 99.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is compared to Sydney metro's 2.3% houses and 97.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darlinghurst was at 17.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.7% and rented ones at 63.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,964, while the median weekly rent was $550. Nationally, Darlinghurst's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially above the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 39.2% of all households, including 6.6% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 3.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 60.8%, with lone person households at 51.7% and group households making up 9.1%. The median household size is 1.7 people, smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 1.9.

Darlinghurst demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Darlinghurst's educational attainment is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15+, 63.9% hold university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 41.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas making up 10.0% and certificates 8.5%.

A significant 23.7% of the population is currently engaged in formal education, including 10.1% in tertiary education, 3.0% in primary education, and 1.8% pursuing secondary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Darlinghurst shows that there are currently 30 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 16 individual routes providing service to the area. Collectively, these routes facilitate 10,008 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of transport in Darlinghurst is rated as excellent, with residents typically located just 95 meters from the nearest transport stop on average. The service frequency across all routes averages out to 1,429 trips per day, which equates to approximately 333 weekly trips per individual stop.

Darlinghurst's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Darlinghurst exhibits excellent health outcomes, with very low prevalence of common conditions across all age groups. Approximately 80% (9,144 people) have private health cover, compared to 69.7% in Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.6% and 7.1% respectively.

About 74.1% report no medical ailments, compared to 77.4% across Greater Sydney. Darlinghurst has 12.7% (1,455 people) aged 65 and over, higher than the 9.7% in Greater Sydney. Seniors' health outcomes align with those of the general population.

Darlinghurst was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Darlinghurst has high cultural diversity, with 22.4% speaking a language other than English at home and 43.4% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion, comprising 30.3%. Judaism is overrepresented at 2.2%, compared to Greater Sydney's 1.1%.

Top ancestry groups are English (25.2%), Australian (14.6%), and Other (13.9%). French (1.5%) and Hungarian (0.5%) are notably overrepresented.

Darlinghurst's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Darlinghurst's median age in 2021 was 36 years, closely matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 and being slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Darlinghurst had a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (32.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds was well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Darlinghurst's 25 to 34 age group increased from 30.8% to 32.9%, while its 45 to 54 cohort decreased from 13.2% to 11.5% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, Darlinghurst's age profile is projected to change significantly. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 83%, adding 379 residents and reaching a total of 835. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 54% of population growth, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group is projected to decrease by 68 people.