Darling Heights
Statistical Area - sa2

Darling Heights lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Darling Heights' population is around 16,334 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 1,758 people (12.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 14,576 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 16,099 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 258 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,302 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Darling Heights' 12.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (8.8%), along with the national average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 77.4% 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, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. As we examine future population trends, a significant population increase in the top quartile of regional areas across the nation is forecast, with the area expected to expand by 6,096 persons to 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 35.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Darling Heights has seen approximately 68 dwellings granted development approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 340 homes have been approved, with an additional 38 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 3.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates a substantial lag between supply and demand, potentially leading to increased buyer competition and pricing pressures. The average expected construction cost for new properties is $318,000, which is lower than regional norms, reflecting more affordable housing options. In FY26 alone, around $21.4 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting steady commercial investment activity.

Compared to the rest of Queensland, Darling Heights has about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks among the 62nd percentile nationally based on areas assessed. Recent construction consists of 90% detached houses and 10% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character with a focus on family homes. Developers are constructing more detached housing than the existing pattern implies (66% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes despite densification trends. With around 240 people per dwelling approval, Darling Heights is showing signs of a developing market. Looking ahead, Darling Heights is projected to grow by approximately 5,861 residents by 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Darling Heights has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 28 projects that could impact this region. Notable ones include Pinnacle of Kearneys, Kearney West Estate, Ladbroke Grove Estate, and Kearneys Spring Recreation Park Clubhouse Upgrade, with the following list providing more details on 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 labour market in Darling Heights shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Darling Heights has an educated workforce with strong representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.1%, lower than the national average of 5.7%.

Over the past year, employment grew by 14.8%. As of June 2025, 8,441 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.9%, and workforce participation similar at 59.1%. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance (27.6%), education & training (14.3%), and retail trade (10.8%). Health care & social assistance is particularly specialized, with an employment share of 1.6 times the regional level.

Conversely, construction shows lower representation at 5.4% versus the regional average of 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally may be limited as indicated by Census data. In the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 14.8%, labour force by 13.0%, reducing unemployment by 1.5 percentage points. Rest of Qld experienced slower growth with employment up 1.8% and labour force up 2.0%. National forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May 2025) project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, varying by industry sector. Applying these projections to Darling Heights' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.9% over five years and 14.6% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

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

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 in 2016, comprised 65.6% houses and 34.5% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This is compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darling Heights was at 27.8%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (45.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,450 as of 2016, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $315. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld's figures were $1,517 and $310 respectively for mortgage repayments and rents. Nationally, Darling Heights's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863 as of 2016, 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 constitute 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 the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 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 within the region, with university qualification rates at 28.2% among residents aged 15+, surpassing both the Rest of Qld average (20.6%) and the SA3 area average (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 – advanced diplomas account for 10.0% while certificates make up 23.6%.

Educational participation is high, with 33.8% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 9.4% in tertiary education, and 7.3% pursuing secondary education. The area offers educational provision through Darling Heights State School and Highlands Christian College, serving a total of 1,295 students. These schools demonstrate typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1005) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes one primary school and one K-12 school. Local school capacity is limited at 7.9 places per 100 residents compared to the regional average of 17.2, leading many families to travel for schooling in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis shows 75 active transport stops in Darling Heights, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by five distinct routes, offering 839 weekly passenger trips combined. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents usually located 238 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 119 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 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 with common health conditions being somewhat prevalent across all age groups, but particularly so among older adults.

Approximately 51% (~8,265 people) of the total population has private health cover. The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and arthritis, affecting 9.4 and 8.8% of residents respectively. A total of 67.1% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across the rest of Queensland. As of 2016, 17.1% (2,801 people) of residents are aged 65 and over, which is lower than the state average of 18.8%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to the specific challenges they face.

Darling Heights 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

Darling Heights has a higher cultural diversity than most local markets, with 29.4% of its population born overseas and 26.5% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Darling Heights, comprising 52.7% of the population. The category 'Other' is overrepresented in Darling Heights, making up 4.7% compared to the regional average of 2.2%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (24.2%), Australian (23.9%), and Other (16.1%), which is significantly higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Notably, German (6.1%) and Indian (3.9%) groups are overrepresented in Darling Heights compared to regional averages of 8.0% and 1.0%, respectively. Filipino representation is also slightly higher at 1.5% compared to the regional average of 0.8%.

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 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 well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of 25 to 34 year-olds has increased from 17.7% to 20.4%, while the proportion of 15 to 24 year-olds has risen from 14.0% to 15.7%. Conversely, the proportion of 55 to 64 year-olds has decreased from 8.4% to 6.9%, and the proportion of 5 to 14 year-olds has dropped from 13.1% to 11.8%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Darling Heights's age profile will change significantly. The 25 to 34 cohort is projected to grow by 56%, adding 1,874 residents to reach a total of 5,203.