Darra - Sumner
Statistical Area - sa2

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 was around 5,314 as of August 2025, according to AreaSearch's analysis. This figure reflects an increase of 615 people from the 2021 Census count of 4,699. The change is inferred from ABS's estimated resident population of 5,012 in June 2024 and an additional 152 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 712 persons per square kilometer. Darra-Sumner's growth rate of 13.1% since the 2021 Census exceeded the national average of 8.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.2% of overall population gains during recent periods in this area.

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 are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, Darra-Sumner is expected to grow by approximately 525 persons to reach the year 2041. This would represent a total growth of 4.2% over the 17-year period.

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

Darra-Sumner recorded approximately 41 residential properties granted approval annually. Development approval data, produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on a financial year basis, shows 205 homes over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, with 4 recorded so far in FY-26. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these years is 0.3. This suggests that supply meets or exceeds demand, offering greater buyer choice while supporting potential population growth above projections.

New dwellings are developed at an average cost of $410,000, aligning with broader regional development trends. Commercial development approvals in Darra-Sumner have reached $75.8 million this financial year, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Darra-Sumner has 122.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. Recent construction comprises 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% attached dwellings, focusing on higher-density living which creates more affordable entry points for downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This marks a significant change from the current housing mix of 89.0% houses, reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. Darra-Sumner has approximately 116 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market.

Looking ahead, Darra-Sumner is expected to grow by 223 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Darra - Sumner has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 45thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 30 projects that could affect this region. Notable ones include Connectwest Industrial Park, Darra Mixed-Use Development, Boral Brickworks Re-Zoning, and Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Rocklea to Darra. The following list details those most likely to be relevant.

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

Employment conditions in Darra - Sumner remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Darra-Sumner has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 4.5% as of June 2021.

Over the past year, it maintained relative employment stability. As of June 2025, 2617 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 4.9%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.5%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's at 64.3%. Employment concentration includes health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training.

Manufacturing shows notable concentration with employment levels at 170% of the regional average. 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, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 0.4% while labour force grew by 0.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.2%. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw higher growth in employment (4.4%) and labour force expansion (4.0%), with a similar decrease in unemployment. State-level data from Sep-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.23% while its unemployment rate was 4.2%, favourably compared to the national rate of 4.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Darra-Sumner's employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Darra - Sumner had a median taxpayer income of $52,090 and an average income of $58,920. Nationally, the average incomes were higher at $55,645 (median) and $70,520 (average). By March 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $58,190 (median) and $65,820 (average), accounting for Wage Price Index growth of 11.71% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Darra - Sumner rank modestly, between the 35th and 45th percentiles. Income analysis indicates that 37.2% of the population (1,976 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 45th percentile.

Darra - Sumner is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Darra-Sumner's dwellings, as per the latest Census, were 89.0% houses and 11.0% other types (semi-detached, apartments, others), compared to Brisbane's 80.2% houses and 19.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darra-Sumner was 24.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 41.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,577, lower than Brisbane's $1,630 and Australia's $1,863. Median weekly rent in Darra-Sumner was $360, compared to Brisbane's $355 and the national average of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.8.

Educational attainment in Darra - Sumner aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 27.6% among residents aged 15+, exceeding the SA4 region average of 18.8% and the SA3 area average of 24.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are also common, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - 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% in tertiary education. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Darra State School serve a total of 738 students in the area. Darra - Sumner has typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 1026) with balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in nearby areas.

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

Transport analysis indicates 34 active stops in Darra - Sumner, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 79 individual routes, facilitating 3,177 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is assessed as good, with residents residing an average of 262 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 453 trips daily across all routes, equating to around 93 weekly trips per stop.

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

Darra-Sumner shows better-than-average health outcomes; both young and elderly residents have low prevalence of common conditions. Private health cover rate is relatively low at approximately 49% (around 2,609 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.3 and 7.0% of residents respectively. About 71.4% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, slightly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 72.1%. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.9% (around 789 people), compared to Greater Brisbane's 13.6%. Health outcomes among seniors are generally good, matching the overall population's health profile.

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. The predominant religion in Darra-Sumner is Christianity, practiced by 44.4% of the population. Notably, Buddhism is equally represented in Darra-Sumner (8.7%) as it is across Greater Brisbane (8.7%).

The top three parental ancestry groups in Darra-Sumner are English (18.6%), Australian (18.1%), and Other (13.6%). Some ethnic groups are overrepresented compared to regional averages: Vietnamese at 13.2% (regional average is 11.3%), Samoan at 1.9% (vs 2.7%), and Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.5%).

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

Darra-Sumner has a median age of 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than the national average of 38 years. The age group of 35-44 is strongly represented at 17.6%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 11.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has grown from 15.8% to 17.6%, and the 65-74 cohort increased from 7.8% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 17.8% to 14.2%. By 2041, Darra-Sumner's population is forecasted to undergo significant demographic changes. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 193 people (87%), from 222 to 416. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 63% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.