Darch

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

The population of the Darch statistical area (Lv2), as estimated by AreaSearch, was around 7,717 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 370 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 7,347. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,712 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 87 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2,310 persons per square kilometer, which is higher than the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver of this population growth was overseas migration, contributing approximately 74.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the Darch (SA2) are based on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilizes growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Looking ahead with demographic trends, lower quartile growth is anticipated for statistical areas across the nation. The Darch (SA2) is expected to grow by 232 persons to reach a total population of 8,949 by 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.4% over the 17-year period.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Darch according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Darch shows around 8 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past 5 financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, approximately 42 homes were approved, with an additional 8 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 11.2 new residents per year for every home built during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which can put upward pressure on prices and increase competition among buyers. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $437,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, $3.8 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Darch records markedly lower building activity, which is approximately 90.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing properties.

The location has approximately 1747 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market. Future projections show Darch adding 420 residents by 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping pace with projected growth, though buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands. All new construction has been comprised of detached houses, preserving the area's suburban nature and attracting space-seeking buyers.

Darch has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 12 projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Evida Darch, Kingsway City Shopping Centre Serviced Apartments, East Landsdale Precinct - Madeley Release Area, and Madeley Central. The following list details 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.

Employment conditions in Darch demonstrate strong performance, ranking among the top 35% of areas assessed nationally

Darch has a skilled workforce with manufacturing and industrial sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.

Over the past year, estimated employment growth was 3.8%. As of September 2025, 4751 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.5% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Darch is high at 72.4%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction.

Retail trade shows notable concentration with employment levels at 1.3 times the regional average. Mining has lower representation at 5.5% versus the regional average of 7.0%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census data. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 3.8% and labour force by 3.5%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth had employment growth of 2.9%. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with an unemployment rate of 4.6% compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts indicate a 6.6% increase over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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 analysis reveals strong economic positioning, with the area outperforming 60% of locations assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Darch's median income among taxpayers is $54,730, with an average of $66,316. This is lower than the national average and compares to Greater Perth's median of $60,748 and average of $80,248. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62%, estimated incomes would be approximately $59,995 (median) and $72,696 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household incomes rank at the 87th percentile ($2,403 weekly), while personal income ranks at the 51st percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 38.0% of Darch's community (2,932 individuals). High earners make up 35.4%, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing accounts for 14.1% of income, and residents rank 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. In comparison, 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. The median weekly rent figure in Darch was $460, compared to Perth metro's $350. Nationally, Darch's mortgage repayments were higher at $2,000 compared to the Australian average of $1,863, while 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 constitute the remaining 10.7%, with lone person households at 9.6% and group households comprising 1.0%. The median household size is 3.4 people, 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%, surpassing the SA3 average of 19.7%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 19.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 31.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.9% and certificates at 20.5%.

Educational participation is high, with 35.5% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.8% in primary, 11.8% in secondary, and 6.6% in tertiary education.

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

The analysis of public transport in Darch shows that there are 31 active transport stops currently operating. These stops serve a mix of bus routes, with a total of 8 individual routes providing service. The combined weekly passenger trips across these routes amount to 1,241.

The accessibility of transport is rated as good, with residents typically located 220 meters from the nearest stop. The average frequency of service across all routes is 177 trips per day, which equates to approximately 40 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.

Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is approximately 54%, leading that of the average SA2 area with around 4130 people. Asthma and mental health issues are the most common medical conditions, affecting 6.4% and 5.4% of residents respectively. 78.5% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 73.0% in Greater Perth. Darch has 10.2% of its population aged 65 and over (787 people), lower than the 13.6% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average but require more attention than 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 predominant religion in Darch, making up 48.0% of its people. Hinduism is notably overrepresented, comprising 9.0% of the population compared to the Greater Perth average of 2.6%.

The top three ancestry groups are English at 18.6%, Australian at 17.9%, and Other at 16.6%, with notable divergences in South African (2.3% vs regional 1.8%), Macedonian (3.5% vs 0.9%), and Vietnamese (5.1% vs 1.9%) groups.

Darch's population is younger than the national pattern

Darch's median age is 36 years, nearly matching Greater Perth's average of 37 years, which is modestly under the Australian median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Darch has a higher concentration of residents aged 45-54 (17.9%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (9.1%). This 45-54 concentration is well above the national average of 12.1%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the age group of 55 to 64 has grown from 9.3% to 11.2%, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 2.9% to 4.0%. Conversely, the age groups of 5 to 14 have declined from 16.9% to 15.0%, and 35 to 44 has dropped from 15.8% to 14.7%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Darch's age profile will evolve significantly. The 55 to 64 cohort is projected to grow by 39%, adding 334 residents to reach a total of 1,199. In contrast, both the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.