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 around 5,311 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 612 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,699 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,012 in June 2024 and an additional 151 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 711 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively in line with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Darra-Sumner's growth of 13.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (8.9%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 67.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase of just below the median is expected by 2041, with Darra-Sumner expected to grow by 525 persons, reflecting a gain of 4.3% in total over the 17 years.

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 six approved so far in FY26. On average, over these five years, only 0.3 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering buyers more options and potentially supporting population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $321,000. In FY26, there have been $75.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Darra-Sumner shows 122.0% higher development activity per capita. New developments consist of 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 89.0% houses. This trend towards denser development provides accessible entry options for downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

At around 116 people per approval, Darra-Sumner indicates a developing area with potential for growth. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Darra-Sumner is projected to gain 226 residents by 2041. Given current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

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

Infrastructure changes significantly influence a region's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones 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 prominent representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 4.2%, with an estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year as of September 2025.

There are 2,671 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.0%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing stands out with a share of 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, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from nearby areas. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.4% while labour force grew by 3.3%, reducing unemployment by 1.0 percentage points. Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8%, with unemployment falling by 0.5 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov shows Queensland's employment contracted slightly, losing 1,210 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National forecasts project overall employment to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years in Darra-Sumner, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022 shows that income in Darra - Sumner SA2 is below the national average. The median assessed income is $52,090 and the average income stands at $58,920. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $59,377 (median) and $67,163 (average) as of September 2025. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Darra - Sumner, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. Income brackets indicate that the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 37.2% of residents (1,975 people), consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region showing 33.3% in the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.4% of income remaining, ranking at the 44th percentile.

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

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), compared to Brisbane metro's 80.2% houses and 19.8% 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 $1,630. Median weekly rent in Darra-Sumner was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $355. Nationally, Darra-Sumner's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Darra - Sumner features high concentrations of group households, with a lower-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 constitute 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%, higher than the SA4 region average of 18.8% and the SA3 area's 24.6%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (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% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary, 7.0% in secondary, and 6.2% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Darra - Sumner shows that there are 34 active transport stops currently operating. These include a mix of train and bus services. A total of 79 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 3,177 weekly passenger trips.

The transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 262 meters from the nearest transport stop. On average, there are 453 trips per day across all routes, which equates to about 93 weekly trips per individual 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 results, with both young and elderly residents experiencing low rates of common health conditions. Approximately 49% (~2,607 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues affect 9.3% and asthma impacts 7.0% of residents. About 71.4% report no medical ailments, similar to Greater Brisbane's 72.1%. The area has 14.9% (789 people) aged 65 and over, higher than Greater Brisbane's 13.6%. Seniors' health outcomes are above average, aligning with the general population's 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. Christianity is the main religion in Darra-Sumner, making up 44.4% of the population. Buddhism is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane, comprising 8.7% of Darra-Sumner's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (18.6%), Australian (18.1%), and Other (13.6%). Notably, Vietnamese (13.2%) and Polish (1.1%) are overrepresented compared to regional averages, while Samoan is underrepresented at 1.9%.

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 35-44 age group 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 has increased from 7.8% to 9.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 17.8% to 14.2%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes in Darra-Sumner. The 75-84 age group is projected to rise substantially, increasing 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 the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are expected to decrease in number.