Darlinghurst

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Darlinghurst's population is around 11,492 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 877 people (8.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,615 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,411 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 74 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 13,362 persons per square kilometer, which lies in the top 10% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch, making land in the area a highly sought resource. Darlinghurst's 8.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the state (7.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 97.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilizing the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. As we examine future population trends, a population increase just below the median of Australian statistical areas is expected, with the area expected to grow by 1,427 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 11.7% in total 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 experienced around 7 dwellings receiving development approval per year, totalling 37 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 14 approvals have been recorded. With population declining over recent years, development activity has been adequate in relative terms, which is a positive for buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $118,000—below regional norms—reflecting more affordable housing options for purchasers. Additionally, $142.9 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Sydney, Darlinghurst has significantly less development activity (89.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing dwellings. This is likewise lower than nationally, reflecting market maturity and pointing to possible development constraints. New development consists of 50.0% detached houses and 50.0% townhouses or apartments. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Interestingly, developers are building more traditional houses than the current mix suggests (1.0% at Census), indicating continued strong demand for family homes despite density pressures.

Looking ahead, Darlinghurst is expected to grow by 1,346 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 strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 52 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Oxford & Foley, SCEGGS Darlinghurst Concept and Stage 1, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst Campus Redevelopment, and East Sydney Collection, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a highly educated workforce, with the technology sector a particular standout in terms of representation, and an unemployment rate of 4.9%. As of December 2025, 7,897 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.7% above Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (76.6% compared to Greater Sydney's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 61.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance. The area has particular employment specialization in professional & technical, 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%. With 1.3 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 0.2% combined with employment decreasing by 0.7%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 0.5 percentage points. This contrasts with Greater Sydney, where employment rose by 2.2%, the labour force grew by 2.3%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Darlinghurst. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Darlinghurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 14.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

The Darlinghurst SA2's income level is exceptionally high nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Darlinghurst SA2's median income among taxpayers is $77,039 and the average income stands at $117,209, which compares to figures for Greater Sydney's of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $83,865 (median) and $127,594 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals individual earnings stand out at the 98th percentile nationally ($1,535 weekly). Looking at income distribution, 30.2% of the population (3,470 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, differing from patterns across regional levels where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 30.9%. The substantial proportion of high earners (40.6% above $3,000/week) indicates strong economic capacity throughout Darlinghurst. High housing costs consume 21.2% of income, though strong earnings still 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Darlinghurst, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 0.9% houses and 99.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Sydney metro's 55.9% houses and 44.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Darlinghurst lagged that of Sydney metro at 17.1%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (19.7%) or rented (63.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Sydney metro average at $2,964, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $550, compared to Sydney metro's $2,427 and $470. Nationally, Darlinghurst's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are 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 dominate at 39.2% of all households, comprising 6.6% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 3.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 60.8%, with lone person households at 51.7% and group households comprising 9.1% of the total. The median household size of 1.7 people is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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

Educational attainment in Darlinghurst significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 63.9% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 32.2% in NSW. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 41.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (8.5%).

A substantial 23.7% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis reveals 42 active transport stops operating within Darlinghurst, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 17 individual routes, collectively providing 11,632 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 92 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; walking is notably common at 36%, with 14% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 0.2 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A high 61.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 1,661 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 276 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Darlinghurst is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Darlinghurst demonstrates above-average health outcomes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 78% of the total population (9,021 people). This compares to 59.9% across Greater Sydney and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.6% and 7.1% of residents, respectively, while 74.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 74.6% across Greater Sydney. Working-age residents are notably healthy with low chronic condition prevalence. The area has 13.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,529 people), which is lower than the 15.4% in Greater Sydney. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings even higher than 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 22.4% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.4% born overseas. The main religion in Darlinghurst is Christianity, which makes up 30.3% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Judaism, which comprises 2.2% of the population, compared to 0.8% across Greater Sydney.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Darlinghurst are English, comprising 25.2% of the population, which is substantially higher than the regional average of 19.0%, Australian, comprising 14.6% of the population, and Other, comprising 13.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: French is notably overrepresented at 1.5% of Darlinghurst (vs 0.5% regionally), Spanish at 1.0% (vs 0.6%) and Hungarian at 0.5% (vs 0.3%).

Darlinghurst's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

At 36 years, Darlinghurst's median age is nearly matching the Greater Sydney average of 37 and is similarly modestly under the Australian median of 38. Relative to Greater Sydney, Darlinghurst has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (32.2%) but fewer 5 - 14 year-olds (2.7%). This 25 - 34 concentration is well above the national 14.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 30.8% to 32.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.3% to 4.3%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 13.2% to 11.5% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 11.3% to 10.2%. Demographic modeling suggests Darlinghurst's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 75 to 84 cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 67%, adding 336 residents to reach 835. In contrast, the 35 to 44 group will contract by 79 residents.