Darra - Sumner

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

Darra-Sumner's population is approximately 5,141 as of May 2026. This figure represents a 9.4% increase from the 2021 Census total of 4,699 people. The growth is inferred from ABS estimates and validated new addresses between June 2025 and the Census date. The population density is around 689 persons per square kilometer, similar to other areas assessed by AreaSearch. Darra-Sumner's growth rate exceeded the national average of 9.3%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.3% of recent population gains.

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 from 2023 are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; thus, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Based on projected demographic shifts, Darra-Sumner is expected to grow by approximately 478 persons to reach a total population of around 5,619 by 2041, reflecting an overall gain of about 9.3% over the 16-year period.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Darra - Sumner when compared nationally

Darra-Sumner has recorded approximately 41 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 205 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY26. The average new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these years is 0.3.

This suggests that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially enabling population growth beyond current expectations. New properties are being constructed at an average expected cost of $321,000. In FY26 alone, there have been $75.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Darra-Sumner shows 125.0% higher development activity per person. This should offer buyers ample choice. New developments consist of 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This trend differs from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 89.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles demanding more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 116 people per approval, Darra-Sumner reflects a developing area. Population forecasts indicate that Darra-Sumner will gain approximately 478 residents by 2041, suggesting that current development rates should comfortably meet demand and provide good conditions for buyers while potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

Thirty projects identified by AreaSearch are likely to impact the area, significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. Key projects include Connectwest Industrial Park, Darra Mixed-Use Development, Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Rocklea to Darra (Remaining Sections), and Boral Brickworks Re-Zoning. 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 labour market in Darra - Sumner demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Darra-Sumner has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, having grown by 8.2% over the past year. As of December 2025, there are 2744 residents employed, with an unemployment rate similar to Greater Brisbane's 4.1%.

Workforce participation is also comparable to Greater Brisbane at 69.6%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, public administration & safety has lower representation at 5.9%, compared to the regional average of 7.0%. The area functions as an employment hub with 2.4 workers per resident. Over the year to December 2025, employment increased by 8.2% while labour force grew by 7.2%, reducing unemployment rate by 0.9 percentage points. Greater Brisbane recorded lower growth rates of 3.2% in employment and 3.0% in labour force, with a smaller reduction in unemployment rate of 0.1 percentage points. National employment forecasts from May-25 project growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Darra-Sumner's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

Income data from AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO figures for financial year ending June 2023 shows median income in Darra - Sumner SA2 was $53,987, with average income at $61,551. This is lower than Greater Brisbane's median income of $58,236 and average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 11.36% since June 2023, estimated median income as of March 2026 would be approximately $60,120, while average income is projected to reach around $68,543 by the same date. Census data from 2021 ranks household, family and personal incomes in Darra - Sumner between the 34th and 44th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that 37.2% of residents (1,912 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket, consistent with broader metropolitan trends showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 44th percentile.

Darra - Sumner is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Darra-Sumner, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.0% houses and 11.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In Brisbane metro, this was 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darra-Sumner stood at 24.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 41.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,577, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863, while the median weekly rent figure was $360 compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Darra-Sumner's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,577 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were less at $360 than the national figure of $375.

Darra - Sumner features high concentrations of group households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 71.4% of all households, including 33.3% couples with children, 21.8% couples without children, and 13.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households comprising 4.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Darra - Sumner 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 27.6% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 18.8% and the SA3 area rate of 24.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational credentials are held by 31.6% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 21.0%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 10.1% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 6.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

The analysis indicates 34 operational public transport stops in Darra - Sumner. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 96 individual routes serve these stops, facilitating 3,142 weekly passenger trips collectively. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 262 meters from the nearest stop. In this predominantly residential area, most commuters travel outward. The car remains the primary mode of transport at 81%, while train usage stands at 12%.

On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 448 trips daily across all routes, equating to approximately 92 weekly trips per individual stop.

Darra - Sumner's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics indicates strong performance across Darra-Sumner. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low for both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,560 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were mental health issues (9.3%) and asthma (7.0%). A majority, 71.4%, declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are typical. Darra-Sumner has 14.6% residents aged 65 and over (751 people), with health outcomes among seniors being above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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

Darra-Sumner has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.7% of its population born overseas and 42.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Darra-Sumner, accounting for 44.4% of people. However, Buddhism stands out as it comprises 8.7%, significantly higher than Brisbane's average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top groups are English (18.6%), Australian (18.1%), and Other (13.6%). Notably, Vietnamese representation is high at 13.2% compared to the regional average of 0.8%, Samoan at 1.9% versus 0.9%, and Polish at 1.1% compared to 0.5%.

Darra - Sumner's population is younger than the national pattern

Darra-Sumner's median age is 35 years, nearly matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 years, but it is younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Darra-Sumner has a higher percentage of residents aged 35-44 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.1%). Between the 2021 Census and the present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 15.8% to 17.9%, while the 65-74 cohort has risen from 7.8% to 9.2%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 17.8% to 14.9%, and the 0-4 age group has dropped from 7.1% to 6.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Darra-Sumner. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 79%, adding 171 residents to reach a total of 388. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 58% of the population growth, highlighting trends towards an aging demographic. Conversely, population declines are projected for the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts.