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 is around 5,311 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 612 people (13.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,699 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 5,012 from the ABS as of 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. Darra-Sumner's growth exceeded the national average (8.9%) since the 2021 census, 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 released in 2023 based on 2021 data are adopted. These state projections do not provide age category splits; hence proportional growth weightings in line with ABS Greater Capital Region projections are applied for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase of just below the median is expected by 2041, with Darra-Sumner growing by 525 persons and recording a gain of 4.3% 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 have been approved, with an additional 5 approved so far in FY26. The average number of new residents per year per dwelling constructed over these five years is approximately 0.3.

This suggests that new construction is matching or outpacing demand, offering buyers more options and potentially enabling population growth to exceed current expectations. The average expected construction cost value for new properties is $321,000. In FY26, there have been $75.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Darra-Sumner shows 122.0% higher development activity per person. This should provide buyers with ample choice. New development consists of approximately 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% attached dwellings, reflecting a trend towards denser development that appeals to downsizers, investors, and entry-level buyers.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing stock, which is currently approximately 89.0% houses. The population density in Darra-Sumner is around 116 people per approval, indicating a developing area. Population forecasts suggest that Darra-Sumner will gain approximately 226 residents by 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 influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 30 projects that could impact this region. 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 likely 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.

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

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

As of June 2025, the area's unemployment rate is 4.9%, slightly higher than Greater Brisbane's 4.1%. Workforce participation is similar to Greater Brisbane at 64.7%. Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and education & training. Manufacturing stands out with an employment 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 hosts more jobs than residents, with a worker-to-resident ratio of 2.4 as of the Census. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 0.4%, while labour force grew by 0.2%, reducing unemployment by 0.2 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Brisbane saw employment growth of 4.4% and a fall in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points over the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project overall 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 growth of approximately 6.3% over five years and 13.4% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that median income in Darra - Sumner is $52,090 with an average income of $58,920. In contrast, Greater Brisbane had a median income of $55,645 and an average income of $70,520 during the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 13.99% from July 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income in Darra - Sumner is approximately $59,377 and average income is $67,163 as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Darra - Sumner rank between the 35th and 45th percentiles for households, families, and individuals. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 is dominant, with 37.2% of residents (1,975 people). This is consistent with broader trends across the metropolitan region where 33.3% fall into the same category. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Darra - Sumner, 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 dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, were 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 was 24.4%, with the rest mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (41.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,577, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,630. Median weekly rent was $360, compared to Brisbane metro's $355. Nationally, Darra-Sumner's mortgage repayments were lower at $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 constitute 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 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 educational profile is notable regionally, with university qualification rates at 27.6% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA4 region average of 18.8% and the SA3 area rate 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 prominent, 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% pursuing tertiary education. The area's educational provision includes Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Darra State School, serving a total of 738 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby.

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 currently 34 active transport stops operating. These stops offer a mix of train and bus services. In total, these stops are serviced by 79 individual routes which provide a combined weekly passenger trip count of 3,177 trips.

The accessibility of transport in the area is rated as good with residents typically located approximately 262 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, service frequency across all routes amounts to 453 trips per day, equating to roughly 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 demonstrates above-average health outcomes; both young and old age cohorts have a low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 49% of the total population (~2,607 people), compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, impacting 9.3% and 7.0% of residents respectively. A total of 71.4% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.1% across Greater Brisbane. The area has 14.9% of residents aged 65 and over (789 people), which is higher than the 13.6% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, broadly in line with the general 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 high 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, comprising 44.4% of people, while Buddhism, at 8.7%, is overrepresented compared to Greater Brisbane's 5.3%. 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 in Darra-Sumner compared to regional averages of 11.3% and 0.5%, respectively.

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 slightly younger than the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group is strongly represented at 17.6%, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage, 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% of the population, 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, significant demographic changes are projected for Darra-Sumner. The 75-84 age cohort is expected 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 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.