Darling Heights

Population growth drivers in Darling Heights are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Darling Heights' population is approximately 16,334 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 1,758 people, a 12.1% rise since the 2021 Census which recorded a population of 14,576. The increase is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,099 in June 2024 and an additional 258 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 1,302 persons per square kilometer, higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Darling Heights' growth rate of 12.1% since the 2021 census exceeds both the non-metro area's 8.8% and the national average, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 77.4% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Future population trends forecast a significant increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation, with Darling Heights expected to expand by 6,096 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an overall increase of 35.9% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Darling Heights among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Darling Heights has received approximately 68 dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 340 homes were approved, with an additional 97 approved in FY-26. On average, 3.6 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built during these years.

This indicates a significant demand-supply gap, leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The construction cost of new properties averages $318,000, which is below regional norms but offers more affordable housing options. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $21.4 million, reflecting steady investment activity in the area.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Darling Heights has about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 61st percentile nationally. Recent construction consists predominantly of detached houses (90.0%) and townhouses or apartments (10.0%), maintaining the area's suburban character focused on family homes. However, developers are constructing more detached housing than suggested by the existing pattern (66.0% at Census), indicating strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 240 people per dwelling approval, Darling Heights demonstrates a developing market. By 2041, it is projected to grow by approximately 5,861 residents. If current development rates persist, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting stronger price growth.

Darling Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include Kearney West Estate, Ladbroke Grove Estate, Platz Street - Wuth Street Intersection Upgrade, and Pinnacle of Kearneys. The following list details those 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 environment in Darling Heights shows above-average strength when compared nationally

Darling Heights had an unemployment rate of 3.6% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 5.4% over the past year. In this period, 8,322 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.5% lower than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%.

Workforce participation in Darling Heights was similar to Rest of Qld's at 59.1%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade. Employment specialization in health care & social assistance was particularly high, with a share of 1.6 times the regional level. Conversely, construction showed lower representation at 5.4% compared to the regional average of 10.1%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparing working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 5.4% alongside labour force growth of 4.4%, causing a decrease in unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. Meanwhile, Rest of Qld experienced employment growth of 1.7% and labour force growth of 2.1%, with a rise in unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 showed Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, closely aligned with the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia projected a growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Darling Heights's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.9% over five years and 14.6% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Darling Heights SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $50,490 and an average of $62,038 in the financial year 2022. These figures were lower than national averages, with Rest of Qld having a median income of $50,780 and an average income of $64,844. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $57,554 and average income $70,717, based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Darling Heights ranked modestly, between the 26th and 33rd percentiles. The largest income segment comprised 33.8% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly (5,520 residents), similar to the regional average of 31.7%. Income pressures were severe with only 83.1% of income remaining, ranking at the 25th percentile for housing affordability.

Darling Heights displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Darling Heights, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 65.6% houses and 34.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darling Heights was at 27.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (45.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,450, below Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. The median weekly rent figure was recorded at $315, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Darling Heights's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 65.4% of all households, including 25.4% couples with children, 25.9% couples without children, and 13.0% single parent families. Non-family households account for 34.6%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households making up 4.1%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational attainment in Darling Heights aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 28.2%, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area average of 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 17.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.3%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 33.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications, including advanced diplomas (10.0%) and certificates (23.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 33.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.1% in primary, 9.4% in tertiary, and 7.3% in secondary education.

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

Darling Heights has 75 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by five different routes that together facilitate 839 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport system is rated as good, with residents on average being located 238 meters from their nearest stop.

Across all routes, there are an average of 119 daily trips, which works out to about 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Darling Heights is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Darling Heights faces significant health challenges.

Common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across all age groups but are notably higher among older cohorts. Approximately 51% of the total population (~8,265 people) has private health cover. The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.4 and 8.8% of residents respectively. 67.1% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments compared to 65.3% in the rest of Queensland. The area has 17.1% of residents aged 65 and over (2,801 people), which is lower than the 18.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Darling Heights was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Darling Heights, surveyed in 2016-2021, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 29.4% of its residents born overseas and 26.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 52.7% of the population. The 'Other' religious category showed an overrepresentation in Darling Heights, making up 4.7% compared to the Rest of Qld's 2.2%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (24.2%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (16.1%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Notably, German (6.1% vs 8.0%), Indian (3.9% vs 1.0%), and Filipino (1.5% vs 0.8%) ethnic groups were overrepresented in Darling Heights compared to regional averages.

Darling Heights's young demographic places it in the bottom 15% of areas nationwide

Darling Heights has a median age of 32 years, which is lower than both the Rest of Qld average of 41 and the Australian median of 38. Compared to Rest of Qld, Darling Heights has a higher proportion of 25-34 year-olds (20.4%), but fewer 55-64 year-olds (6.9%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is notably higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the latest data, the proportion of 25 to 34 year-olds has increased from 17.7% to 20.4%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 14.0% to 15.7%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 group has decreased from 8.4% to 6.9%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Darling Heights' age profile, with the strongest growth expected in the 25 to 34 cohort (56%), adding 1,874 residents to reach a total of 5,203.