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 5,030 as of February 2026, reflecting a growth of 331 people since the 2021 Census. This increase represents a 7.0% rise from the previous census figure of 4,699 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,012 in June 2024 and an additional 100 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 674 persons per square kilometer. Darra-Sumner's growth rate is within 2.9 percentage points of its SA3 area's (9.9%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.2% of the overall population gains during recent periods.

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, which were released in 2023 using 2021 data. These state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings based on ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 with a base year of 2022. Looking ahead, demographic trends suggest a population increase just below the median of statistical areas across the nation by 2041. Darra-Sumner is expected to grow by 525 persons by this year, reflecting a total gain of 10.1% over the 17-year period based on the latest annual ERP population numbers.

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

Darra-Sumner has seen approximately 41 new homes approved annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY21 to FY25, around 205 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved so far in FY26. On average, about 0.3 people moved to the area per dwelling built over these years, indicating that new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction cost value of new properties is around $321,000. This financial year, $75.8 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating high levels of local commercial activity. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Darra-Sumner has 122% more building activity per person, offering buyers greater choice. The new building activity consists of approximately 24% detached houses and 76% medium and high-density housing. This shift towards compact living offers affordable entry pathways, attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers, representing a notable change from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 89% houses. With around 116 people per dwelling approval, Darra-Sumner exhibits characteristics of a growth area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, the area is forecasted to gain approximately 507 residents by 2041. 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Connectwest Industrial Park, Darra Mixed-Use Development, Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Rocklea to Darra (Remaining Sections), and Boral Brickworks Re-Zoning. Below is a list of most relevant projects.

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 has an educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of September 2025, with estimated employment growth of 4.4% over the past year. As of that date, 2,671 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, 0.2% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation was 68.4%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 17.4% of residents worked from home. Leading employment industries were health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing had a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Public administration & safety showed lower representation at 5.9%, compared to the regional average of 7.0%. There were 2.4 workers per resident as of the Census, indicating Darra-Sumner functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.4%, while labour force grew by 3.3%, leading to a fall in unemployment of 1.0 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane recorded employment growth of 3.8% over the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia, published in May-25, project national employment 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.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Darra - Sumner SA2 is $53,987 and average income is $61,551. This is below the national average of a median income of $58,236 and an average income of $72,799 for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,337 (median) and $67,651 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Darra - Sumner rank modestly between the 34th and 44th percentiles. Income brackets show that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 37.2% of the community (1,871 individuals), similar to the metropolitan region where this cohort 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 in Darra-Sumner, as per the latest Census, consisted of 89.0% houses and 11.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darra-Sumner was at 24.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (41.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,577, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Darra-Sumner was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Darra-Sumner's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were 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 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 account for the remaining 28.6%, with lone person households at 23.7% and group households making up 4.7%. 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 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 common 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: 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 found that there are 34 active transport stops operating within the area. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. A total of 96 individual routes service these stops, collectively providing 3,142 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 262 meters from the nearest transport stop. As Darra-Sumner is primarily residential, most residents commute outward. The car remains the dominant mode of transport at 81%, while train use accounts for 12%.

On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in the area. According to the 2021 Census, 17.4% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. The 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. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were low across both young and old age cohorts. Private health cover was found to be relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (2,504 people), compared to 55.8% across Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues affecting 9.3% of residents and asthma impacting 7.0%. 71.4% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.2% across Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among the working-age population are 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 has high cultural diversity, with 40.7% of its population born overseas and 42.1% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, comprising 44.4%. Buddhism is notably higher at 8.7%, compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

For ancestry, the top groups are English (18.6%), Australian (18.1%), and Other (13.6%). There are significant differences in certain ethnic groups: Vietnamese (13.2% vs regional 0.8%), Samoan (1.9% vs 0.9%), and Polish (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 Australia's national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group is strongly represented at 17.3%, compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 15-24 cohort is less prevalent at 11.2%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 7.8% to 9.8%, and the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.1% to 4.6%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has declined from 17.8% to 13.6%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 7.1% to 6.0%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Darra-Sumner. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially 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 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.