Darch

Darch has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

As of November 2025, the estimated population of the suburb of Darch is around 7,823. This figure reflects a growth of 476 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 7,347. This increase represents a 6.5% change from the census figures. The current estimate is based on AreaSearch's validation of new addresses and analysis of ABS ERP data released in June 2024, indicating a resident population of 7,735. This level of population results in a density ratio of 2,342 persons per square kilometer for the suburb, placing it in the upper quartile compared to other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Darch's growth rate since the census is within 2.4 percentage points of the national average (8.9%), indicating strong growth fundamentals.

Overseas migration contributed approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving primary population growth in the area. AreaSearch adopts 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 to estimate post-2032 growth, AreaSearch uses ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023, based on 2022 data. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 261 persons to reach a total population of 8,084 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 4.4% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Darch recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers derived from statistical area data, Darch has experienced approximately 12 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, around 60 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. On average, each new home built over these five years has accommodated approximately 7.8 new residents annually.

This demand outpaces supply, which typically influences prices upwards and intensifies competition among buyers. The average construction value of new dwellings is $437,000. In the current financial year, $3.2 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, highlighting Darch's primarily residential character. Compared to Greater Perth, Darch has significantly less development activity, 86.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

However, building activity has accelerated in recent years, although it remains under the national average, suggesting potential planning limitations. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached dwellings, preserving Darch's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. The area has approximately 476 people per dwelling approval, reflecting an established area. Population forecasts indicate Darch will gain 343 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. With current construction levels, housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Darch has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 43rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects that may impact this region. Notable ones are Evida Darch, Kingsway City Shopping Centre Serviced Apartments, East Landsdale Precinct - Madeley Release Area, and Madeley Central. The following list provides more details on 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 Darch shows considerable strength compared to most other Australian regions

Darch has a skilled workforce with strong representation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. The unemployment rate was 3.3% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3%.

As of June 2025, 4776 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is 0.5% below Greater Perth's rate. Workforce participation in Darch was 72.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries included health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Retail trade had particularly notable concentration, with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average, while mining showed lower representation at 5.5% versus the regional average of 7.0%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population counts. Over the 12 months to June 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, and labour force increased by 4.0%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.3 percentage points in Darch. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, with the labour force growing by 3.8% and unemployment rising by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years for national employment. Applying these projections to Darch's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.3% over five years and 13.2% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

The median taxpayer income in Darch is $54,730, with an average of $66,316, based on the latest postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2022. This is slightly above the national average, contrasting with Greater Perth's median income of $58,380 and average income of $78,020. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2%, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,502 (median) and $75,733 (average). Census data shows household incomes rank at the 87th percentile ($2,403 weekly), while personal income ranks at the 51st percentile. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 captures 38.0% of Darch's community (2,972 individuals), aligning with the broader area where this cohort represents 32.0%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence, with 35.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income, and strong earnings place residents within the 88th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Darch's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.8% houses and 6.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Perth metro had 92.2% houses and 7.8% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darch was at 26.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 59.7% and rented ones at 14.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,000, higher than Perth metro's average of $1,898. Median weekly rent in Darch was $460, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Darch's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Darch features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 89.3% of all households, including 59.1% couples with children, 18.7% couples without children, and 10.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 10.7%, consisting of 9.6% lone person households and 1.0% group households. The median household size is 3.4 people, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.8.

The educational profile of Darch exceeds national averages, with above-average qualification levels and academic performance metrics

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 26.3% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the SA3 area average of 19.7%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 31.4% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 20.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary education, 11.8% in secondary education, and 6.6% pursuing tertiary education. Darch's three schools have a combined enrollment of 3,880 students while the area exhibits above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1063). The educational mix comprises one primary, one secondary, and one K-12 school. The area serves as an education hub with 49.6 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 15.2, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Darch has 32 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 8 different routes that together facilitate 1,230 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these services is rated as good, with residents typically located approximately 220 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 175 trips per day across all routes, which translates to about 38 weekly trips per individual stop.

Darch's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Health outcomes data shows excellent results across Darch, with both young and elderly age cohorts experiencing low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 54% (~4,187 people) of the total population has private health cover, a rate found to be relatively high. The most prevalent medical conditions in the area are asthma and mental health issues, affecting 6.4 and 5.4% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 78.5%, reported being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 73.0% across Greater Perth. Darch has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 10.1% (790 people), than the 13.6% in Greater Perth. However, health outcomes among seniors require more attention due to their above-average status compared to the broader population.

Darch is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Darch has a high level of cultural diversity, with 40.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 43.1% born overseas. Christianity is the main religion in Darch, comprising 48.0% of the population. Hinduism is significantly overrepresented in Darch, making up 9.0% compared to the Greater Perth average of 2.6%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 18.6%, Australian at 17.9%, and Other at 16.6%. Notably, South African ancestry is overrepresented in Darch at 2.3% (regional average: 1.8%), Macedonian at 3.5% (0.9%), and Vietnamese at 5.1% (1.9%).

Darch's population is younger than the national pattern

Darch's median age is nearly 36 years, closely matching Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is slightly below Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Darch has a higher percentage of residents aged 45-54 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.1%). This concentration of 45-54 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 12.1%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the percentage of Darch's population aged 55-64 has increased from 9.3% to 11.2%, while the percentage of residents aged 75-84 has risen from 2.9% to 4.0%. Conversely, the percentage of residents aged 5-14 has decreased from 16.9% to 15.0%, and the percentage of those aged 35-44 has dropped from 15.8% to 14.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Darch's age profile will change significantly. The 55-64 age group is projected to grow by 37%, adding 326 residents to reach a total of 1,203. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 50% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 15-24 and 0-4 age groups are projected to experience population declines.