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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
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Darra - Sumner has an estimated 5,141 residents, up from 4,699 at the 2021 Census — a change of 442 people, or 9.4%. Growth has averaged 1.1% a year over five years. 116 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. Overseas migration accounts for 74.3% of that increase. That puts 689 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Demographic assessments by AreaSearch indicate that the population of Darra - Sumner stands at approximately 5,141 as of Aug 2026, marking an addition of 442 people (9.4%) compared to the 4,699 people recorded in the 2021 Census. This updated figure is derived from the ABS estimated resident population of 5,141 as of June 2025 alongside 116 validated new addresses registered following the Census date. With a density of 689 persons per square kilometer, the locality aligns closely with typical density levels observed across AreaSearch benchmark regions. The post-census expansion of 9.4% sits within 0.1 percentage points of the national average (9.5%), reflecting sound demographic momentum.
Most of this net gain stemmed from overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 74.3% of total population additions in recent periods. Projections utilised by AreaSearch for each SA2 region rely on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 baseline, supplemented by Queensland State Government SA2 figures released in 2023 (utilising 2021 data) for uncovered locations and periods extending past 2032. Because state projections lack age-specific breakdowns, AreaSearch applies proportional distributions from the ABS Greater Capital Region series (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) across individual cohorts. Based on current annual ERP population numbers, demographic trajectories indicate growth slightly below the national median, with Darra - Sumner projected to expand by 448 persons to 2041, representing a cumulative increase of 8.7% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
194 new dwellings have been approved in Darra - Sumner over the past five years, an average of 38 a year. That places the area in the 59th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 7 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Of the 39 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 28% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this SA2 boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Residential building approvals in Darra - Sumner have averaged approximately 38 dwellings annually, creating a five-year total of 194 homes across the past 5 financial years. Across the past 5 financial years (between FY-22 and FY-26), an average intake of 1.4 new residents per approved dwelling pointed to balanced supply and demand conditions; however, this ratio increased to 3.6 people per dwelling over the past 2 financial years, signalling heightened demand and tighter capacity. Approved residential projects show an average expected construction cost of $372,000, aligning with regional standards. Concurrently, $75.8 million in commercial development approvals was registered this financial year, underscoring strong commercial property investment.
Per capita residential approvals in Darra - Sumner exceed Greater Brisbane by 128.0%, expanding opportunities for purchasers. Recent building activity comprises 28.0% detached houses alongside 72.0% townhouses or apartments, reflecting an increasing emphasis on higher-density built forms that cater to entry-level buyers, downsizers, and property investors. This development mix contrasts with the existing stock of 89.0% houses, illustrating shifting lifestyle preferences, a need for affordable medium-density options, and dwindling greenfield land availability. With approximately 258 people per approval, the local property landscape continues to transition. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Darra - Sumner is projected to gain 448 residents by 2041. Ongoing construction volumes appear capable of accommodating this influx, supporting favourable market conditions for property buyers and potentially enabling residential growth to surpass baseline forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Darra - Sumner
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 6 current infrastructure and development projects inside Darra - Sumner, worth an estimated $422 million. A further 66 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $30.6 billion. 14 are already under construction and 16 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and retail. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Strategic urban planning, major infrastructure initiatives, and regional development projects serve as primary catalysts for local performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 key infrastructure projects positioned to influence the area. Leading undertakings include the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Rocklea to Darra (Remaining Sections), Connectwest Industrial Park, Darra Mixed-Use Development, and the Boral Brickworks Re-Zoning.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Arabella Townhomes
Arabella is a residential development of 170 three and four-bedroom double-storey townhomes adjacent to protected bushland in Oxley, Brisbane. The master-planned project features resort-style amenities including a swimming pool, barbecue area, and resident lounge.
Darra Mixed-Use Development
Five-storey mixed-use proposal across two buildings on a 1,707sqm triangular site. Ground floor for eight retail shops, two offices and a food and drink outlet, with caretaker accommodation above select shops. Upper levels include rooming accommodation and 12 residential units with a basement providing about 31 car spaces. Application is in progress with Brisbane City Council (Code assessable, Stage/Decision: Referral).
Connectwest Industrial Park
Charter Hall, via its Charter Hall Prime Industrial Fund (CPIF), is developing a circa $350 million logistics estate on a 17.5-hectare former brickworks site at 99 Harcourt Road, Darra. The estate targets approximately 100,000 square metres of GLA across modern warehouse and office facilities with B-Double access, generous hardstand, a mix of on-grade and recessed docks, and 24/7 operations permitted subject to Council approval. Bulk earthworks are completed and the site is being actively pre-leased.The project is adjacent to the previously delivered Connectwest Industrial Estate (home to Australia Post, Goodman Fielder and Cascade) and is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating. The site is positioned at the junction of the Ipswich and Centenary Motorways, 12 kilometres southwest of the Brisbane CBD.
Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre Entertainment Precinct
Cinema, dining and entertainment precinct extension to Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre including 6-storey building with cinema, community use and retail tenancies. Features additional gross floor area including multi-screen cinema, gym, dining and entertainment precinct, and rebuilt community centre. Designed by Blight Raynor.
Oxley Priority Development Area
A 19-hectare Priority Development Area on the former Oxley Secondary College site, 11km southwest of Brisbane CBD. The Songbird Oxley estate delivers a residential community within a bushland setting, including detached house and land lots, terrace homes, retirement and ageing-in-place accommodation, a childcare centre and a community centre. The Rockpool aged care facility (150 beds) opened in early 2025, affordable housing lots are tenanted, and Honeycombes Property Group commenced construction of 34 terrace homes in December 2025.The community centre is targeted for construction commencement in July 2026.
Verandah Estate
Newest residential estate in Seventeen Mile Rocks featuring contemporary homes on large blocks (875sqm+) surrounded by trees and nature. Estate includes building covenants ensuring homes are designed in harmony with natural environment. Features permanent ridge top reserve and bushwalking tracks to Rocks Riverside Park.
Songbird Terraces, Oxley
Songbird Terraces is the final residential precinct within the Songbird Oxley master plan, featuring a collection of 34 bespoke 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses. The project offers luxury amenities, including a heated swimming pool, landscaped gardens, and a cafe, creating a tranquil and connected village lifestyle in Oxley.
Boral Brickworks Re-Zoning
Re-zoning of the former Boral Darra Brickworks from Extractive Industry to Low Medium Density Residential. This will facilitate future residential development on the site.
2,818 residents of Darra - Sumner are employed, from a labour force of 2,936. Unemployment sits at 4.0%, with participation at 70.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.3% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 9,955, about 194% of the resident population, so the area draws in more workers than it sends out. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The local labour market in Darra - Sumner is supported by an educated resident workforce and a strong presence in essential services, with an unemployment rate of 4.0% and annual estimated employment growth of 11.0%. By March 2026, working residents numbered 2,818, while the local jobless rate sat 0.3% below the 4.3% reported for Greater Brisbane. Workforce participation matched Greater Brisbane at 70.1%. At the time of the Census, 17.4% of employed residents worked from home, a metric influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. Local resident employment is anchored by health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training.
Manufacturing displays an exceptionally high concentration, employing workers at 1.7 times the broader regional rate. Conversely, public administration & safety accounts for 5.9% of workers, trailing the 7.0% seen across Greater Brisbane. With Census data recording 2.4 workers for every resident, the district operates as a prominent employment destination that draws substantial workforce inflows from neighbouring suburbs. AreaSearch evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics shows that in the year to March 2026, local employment increased by 11.0% while the labour force expanded by 10.0%, driving a 0.8 percentage points reduction in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, a labour force expansion of 3.4%, and a 0.1 percentage points rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia as of Mar-26 project nationwide growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though trajectories vary by industry. Projecting these industry weightings onto Darra - Sumner's sectoral distribution suggests local job growth of 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (representing an illustrative weighting model without local demographic adjustments).
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Darra - Sumner is $1,649 a week (about $86,000 a year), with median personal income at $732 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $53,987 a year against an average of $61,551. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
ATO postcode data released for financial year 2023 indicates that taxpayers in the Darra - Sumner SA2 earned a median income of $53,987 and an average income of $61,551, sitting below Greater Brisbane figures of $58,236 (median) and $72,799 (average) as well as national benchmarks. Accounting for 11.36% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, income levels are estimated at approximately $60,120 (median) and $68,543 (average) as of March 2026. Figures from the 2021 Census place household, family, and personal earnings within the 34th and 44th percentiles. The $1,500 - 2,999 weekly earnings bracket encompasses 37.2% of the local population (1,912 individuals), compared to 33.3% across the wider region.
Housing costs exert considerable pressure, leaving 83.4% of income remaining and placing the area in the 44th percentile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Darra - Sumner had 1,650 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 89% detached houses and 1% apartments. 34% are owned with a mortgage, 42% rented and 24% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $360 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,577 a month. Rent absorbs 21.8% of household income here and mortgage repayments 22.1%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
At the latest Census, the residential landscape of Darra - Sumner consisted of 89.0% houses and 11.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), contrasting with Brisbane metro where houses accounted for 73.5% and other dwellings made up 26.5%. Outright home ownership stood at 24.4%, slightly trailing Brisbane metro, while 34.1% of homes were mortgaged and 41.5% were rented. Typical monthly mortgage repayments were $1,577, substantially below the $1,863 recorded for Brisbane metro and Australia overall ($1,863). The median weekly rent of $360 was likewise lower than both the Brisbane metro benchmark of $380 and the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Darra - Sumner counted 1,650 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 1,805 today, averaging 2.7 people each. 33% are couples with children, against 22% couples without children. 24% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute 71.4% of households, consisting of couples with children (33.3%), couples without children (21.8%), and single parent families (13.8%). Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 28.6%, including lone person households at 23.7% and group households at 4.7%. Household occupancy averages 2.7 people, exceeding the Greater Brisbane figure of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
27.6% of adults in Darra - Sumner hold a university qualification, including 19.8% with a bachelor degree and 5.6% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 21.0% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 738 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,026 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the district is robust, with 27.6% of residents aged 15+ holding a tertiary qualification, surpassing the SA4 region average of 18.8% and the SA3 area figure of 24.6%. Attainment is led by Bachelor degrees at 19.8%, with postgraduate qualifications at 5.6% and graduate diplomas at 2.2%. Vocational education is also widespread, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ possessing technical credentials, divided between certificates (21.0%) and advanced diplomas (10.6%). Formal study engagement is substantial across the suburb, with 30.5% of residents enrolled in an educational program. Broken down by tier, this comprises 10.1% attending primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, and 6.2% undertaking tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Getting around Darra - Sumner means driving: households keep an average of 1.3 vehicles, and no scheduled public transport appears in the current timetable feeds. Service data is built from operators' published GTFS timetables; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.4% of residents in Darra - Sumner report no long-term health condition. 6.2% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.8% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
AreaSearch evaluations of chronic condition incidence and mortality show positive health outcomes across both younger and older cohorts in Darra - Sumner. Private health insurance uptake stands at roughly 50% of residents (~2,560 people), trailing the Greater Brisbane rate of 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%. Asthma and mental health issues represent the primary diagnosed medical conditions in the area, affecting 7.0% and 9.3% of the community, respectively. A total of 71.4% of residents reported no medical ailments, outperforming the Greater Brisbane average of 69.2%. Working-age health outcomes remain typical, while residents aged 65 and over constitute 13.9% of the population (714 people), below Greater Brisbane's 15.0%.
Health indicators among older residents remain above average and consistent with broader national trends.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
40.7% of Darra - Sumner residents were born overseas and 42.1% speak a language other than English at home, more culturally diverse than 84% of areas nationally. The largest reported ancestries are English (18.6%) and Australian (18.1%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Darra - Sumner exhibits significant cultural diversity, with overseas-born individuals making up 40.7% of residents and 42.1% using a non-English language at home. Christianity is the predominant faith, practiced by 44.4% of the population. Buddhism shows an especially high concentration at 8.7%, notably exceeding the Greater Brisbane benchmark of 2.0%. In terms of parental country of birth, the leading ancestries are English at 18.6% (compared to 26.8% regionally), Australian at 18.1% (compared to 23.2% regionally), and Other at 13.6%. Pronounced demographic variations appear in other communities, including Vietnamese at 13.2% (versus 0.8% across the region), Samoan at 1.9% (versus 0.9%), and Polish at 1.1% (versus 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Darra - Sumner is 35, younger than 79% of areas nationally. 27.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
Age distributions in Darra - Sumner track Greater Brisbane closely, with maximum variances across broad age brackets not exceeding 2.8 percentage points. The median age remains at 35, matching the 2021 Census baseline and sitting 1 year younger than the Greater Brisbane median of 36 recorded at that Census. The proportion of residents in retiree and elderly cohorts (65+) has risen from 11.9% at Census to 13.9%. Looking forward to 2041, senior age brackets are forecast to experience the largest numerical increase, rising by 387 residents (54%) to 1,102, while contractions are anticipated across children, young adults, and young to middle aged adults.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Darra - Sumner
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Sep 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Sep 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Sep 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 6 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Jul 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 6 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 2 months ago all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 116 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (4,699 at the 2021 Census → 5,141 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to Aug 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (310011271). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.