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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Darra - Sumner's population is around 5,030 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 331 people (7.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,699 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,012 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 100 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 674 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. Darra - Sumner's 7.0% growth since the census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the SA3 area (9.9%), demonstrating competitive growth fundamentals. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 67.2% 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. Regarding demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation is expected, with the area expected to grow by 525 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 10.1% in total over the 17 years.

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

Darra - Sumner has seen around 41 new homes approved each year, with 205 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 7 so far in FY-26. With an average of only 0.3 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $321,000. Additionally, $75.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded this financial year, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity.

When measured against Greater Brisbane, Darra - Sumner has 122.0% more building activity (per person), offering buyers greater choice. New building activity shows 24.0% detached houses and 76.0% medium and high-density housing. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 89.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 116 people per dwelling approval, Darra - Sumner shows characteristics of a growth area.

Population forecasts indicate Darra - Sumner will gain 507 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 30 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Connectwest Industrial Park, Darra Mixed-Use Development, Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Rocklea to Darra (Remaining Sections), and Boral Brickworks Re-Zoning, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Darra - Sumner maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Darra - Sumner features a well-educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and 8.2% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 2,744 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is in line with Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%, and workforce participation is broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 71.2%. Based on Census responses, a moderate 17.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Leading employment industries among residents comprise health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. The area shows particularly strong specialization in manufacturing, with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, public administration & safety shows lower representation at 5.9% versus the regional average of 7.0%. With 2.4 workers for every resident, as at the Census, the area functions as an employment hub, hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, over the 12 months to December 2025, employment increased by 8.2% while labour force increased by 7.2%, resulting in unemployment falling by 0.9 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.2%, labour force growth of 3.0%, with unemployment falling 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Darra - Sumner. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Darra - Sumner's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for FY-23 reveals that income in the Darra - Sumner SA2 is below the national average, with the median assessed at $53,987 while the average income stands at $61,551. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane's figures of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $59,337 (median) and $67,651 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Darra - Sumner, between the 34th and 44th percentiles. Income brackets indicate the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.2% of the community (1,871 individuals), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure within Darra - Sumner, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.0% houses and 11.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Brisbane metro's 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Darra - Sumner slightly lagged that of Brisbane metro, at 24.4%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (41.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Brisbane metro average at $1,577, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $1,863 and $380. Nationally, Darra - Sumner's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are less than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 71.4% of all households, comprising 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 of 2.7 people 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 stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (27.6% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the SA4 region average of 18.8% and that of the SA3 area (24.6%), reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 19.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.6%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 31.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (21.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.1% in primary education, 7.0% in secondary education, 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

Public transport analysis reveals 34 active transport stops operating within Darra - Sumner comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 96 individual routes, collectively providing 3,142 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 262 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - the car remains the dominant mode at 81%, with 12% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. Some 17.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 448 trips per day 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 shows strong performance throughout Darra - Sumner, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both young and old age cohorts see low prevalence of common health conditions, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,504 people). This compares to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 9.3% and 7.0% of residents, respectively, while 71.4% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (783 people). Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings broadly in line with 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 scores highly on cultural diversity, with 40.7% of its population born overseas and 42.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Darra - Sumner is Christianity, which makes up 44.4% of the people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Buddhism, which comprises 8.7% of the population, substantially higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Darra - Sumner are English, comprising 18.6% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian, comprising 18.1% of the population, which is notably lower than the regional average of 23.2%, and Other, comprising 13.6% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Vietnamese is notably overrepresented at 13.2% of Darra - Sumner (vs 0.8% regionally), Samoan at 1.9% (vs 0.9%) and Polish at 1.1% (vs 0.5%).

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

Darra - Sumner's median age of 36 years stands equal to Greater Brisbane's 36, though somewhat younger than the 38-year national average. The 35 - 44 age group shows strong representation at 17.3% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 15 - 24 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Since 2021, the 65 to 74 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.8% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort has declined from 17.8% to 13.6% and the 0 to 4 group dropped from 7.1% to 6.0%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes for Darra - Sumner. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, expanding by 183 people (79%) from 232 to 416. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 5 to 14 and 0 to 4 age groups will see reduced numbers.