Darlinghurst
Statistical Area - sa2

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 11,436 as of August 2025. This reflected an increase of 821 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 42 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 13,297 persons per square kilometer, placing Darlinghurst in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The area's growth of 7.7% since the 2021 census exceeded both the state (6.4%) and metropolitan area figures, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilized NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population trends indicated an increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas, with Darlinghurst expected to grow by 1,427 persons to 2041 based on latest population numbers, reflecting a total increase of 12.3% 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 received around 7 dwelling approvals per year over the past 5 financial years, totalling 37 homes. In FY26 so far, 14 approvals have been recorded. The population decline in recent years has resulted in adequate development activity relative to other areas, benefiting buyers.

Additionally, $142.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Darlinghurst has significantly less development activity, being 89.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. Nationally, Darlinghurst's development activity is also lower, reflecting market maturity and possible development constraints. New building activity consists of 50.0% standalone homes and 50.0% townhouses or apartments, favouring higher-density living to suit downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. Notably, developers are constructing more traditional houses than the current mix suggests, indicating strong demand for family homes.

By 2041, Darlinghurst is projected to grow by 1,402 residents. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 51 projects likely to affect the area. Notable projects include Oxford & Foley, SCEGGS Darlinghurst Concept and Stage 1, St Vincent's Private Hospital East Wing, and Henri House. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Darlinghurst has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Darlinghurst has a highly educated workforce. The technology sector is particularly well-represented.

As of June 2025, the unemployment rate was 4.6%, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6% over the past year. In June 2025, 8,142 residents were in work. The unemployment rate was 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was at 72.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%.

Leading employment industries among residents included professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. Darlinghurst showed strong specialization in professional & technical services, with an employment share 2.1 times the regional level. Conversely, construction had lower representation at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 8.6%. There were 1.3 workers for every resident as per the Census, indicating that Darlinghurst functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over the 12-month period ending June 2025, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force grew by 0.4%, causing a fall in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with an increase in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May 2025 project national employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 14.9% over ten years. Applying these projections to Darlinghurst's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 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

In financial year 2022, Darlinghurst had a median income among taxpayers of $75,490 and an average level of $118,909. These figures are exceptionally high nationally compared to Greater Sydney's levels of $56,994 and $80,856 respectively. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61%, median income is estimated at approximately $85,009 and average income at $133,903. According to the 2021 Census, individual earnings in Darlinghurst stand out at the 98th percentile nationally with weekly earnings of $1,535. Income analysis reveals that the $4000+ bracket dominates with 30.2% of residents (3,453 people), differing from regional patterns where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 30.9%. Economic strength is evident through 40.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 21.2% of income, but strong earnings place disposable income at the 75th percentile nationally. 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

Darlinghurst's dwelling structure in its latest Census report showed 0.9% houses and 99.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Sydney metro's 2.3% houses and 97.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darlinghurst stood at 17.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.7% and rented ones at 63.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,964, above Sydney metro's average of $2,705. Median weekly rent was $550 in Darlinghurst, matching Sydney metro's figure. Nationally, Darlinghurst's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents substantially exceeded 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 account for 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 constitute the remaining 60.8%, with lone person households at 51.7% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is 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% have university qualifications, compared to Australia's 30.4% and NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (41.7%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5%, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 8.5%.

A significant 23.7% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 10.1% in tertiary, 3.0% in primary, and 1.8% in secondary education. Darlinghurst's three schools have a combined enrollment of 3,085 students as of the latest data. The area has an ICSEA score of 1211, indicating high educational advantage nationally. It offers one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. As an education hub, Darlinghurst provides 27.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly higher than the regional average of 7.7. This attracts students from neighboring communities.

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 found 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 this location. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 10,008.

The accessibility of transport in Darlinghurst is rated as excellent, with residents typically residing just 95 meters away from the nearest transport stop. The average frequency of service across all routes is 1,429 trips per day, which translates 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 demonstrates excellent health outcomes across all age groups, with a very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 80% of the total population (9137 people), compared to 69.7% in Greater Sydney and 55.3% nationally. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 9.6% and 7.1% of residents respectively.

74.1% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 77.4% in Greater Sydney. Darlinghurst has a higher percentage of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.7% (1454 people) than Greater Sydney's 9.7%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong and broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

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

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

The top three ancestry groups are English at 25.2%, Australian at 14.6%, and Other at 13.9%. French (1.5%), Spanish (1.0%), and Polish (1.2%) ethnicities are notably overrepresented in Darlinghurst compared to regional averages of 1.1%, 1.0%, and 0.9% respectively.

Darlinghurst's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Darlinghurst's median age in 2021 was 36 years, nearly matching Greater Sydney's average of 37 and slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Darlinghurst had a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (32.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.7%). This 25-34 concentration was significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2016 and 2021 censuses, Darlinghurst's 25 to 34 age group grew from 30.8% to 32.9%, while its 45 to 54 cohort declined from 13.2% to 11.5% and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Darlinghurst's age profile. 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 are projected to drive 53% of population growth, indicating demographic aging trends. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age group is projected to decline by 66 people.