Darley

Darley lies within the top quartile of areas nationally for population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, as of November 2025, Darley's estimated population is around 9,711. This reflects an increase of 521 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 9,190. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 9,468 residents in June 2024, based on ABS ERP data release, and an additional 274 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 360 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Darley has shown resilient growth with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%, outperforming metropolitan areas. Interstate migration contributed approximately 48.0% to recent population gains.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For uncovers areas, it utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023 with adjustments made employing weighted aggregation methods. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Nationally, statistical areas show above median population growth projections, with Darley expected to grow by 2,144 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 23.5% over the 17-year period.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Darley among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Darley has averaged around 40 new dwelling approvals per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 202 homes were approved, with another 19 approved so far in FY26. This averages out to about 5.6 new residents arriving per year for each dwelling constructed during this period.

The demand for housing significantly outpaces supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers. New properties are constructed at an average value of $431,000, somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. There have also been $3.5 million in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Darley shows substantially reduced construction, with 84.0% fewer new dwellings per person being constructed.

This scarcity of new properties typically strengthens demand and prices for existing properties. New development consists of 88.0% standalone homes and 12.0% attached dwellings, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. At around 210 people per approval, Darley reflects a low density area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Darley is expected to grow by 2,278 residents through to 2041. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Darley 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 nine projects likely impacting the region. Notable ones are Summerfield North Estate, Darling Darley Estate, Orchard Square Bacchus Marsh Estate, and Bacchus Marsh Central. The following 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.

The labour market in Darley demonstrates typical performance when compared to similar areas across Australia

Darley's workforce is skilled with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.2% as of the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.9%.

As of September 2025, Darley had 5,656 residents in work and an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is 0.5% below Greater Melbourne's rate. Workforce participation was 67.6%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Leading employment industries were construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction had a particularly high employment share, at 1.7 times the regional level.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, with only 5.0% of Darley's workforce compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census working population vs resident population comparison. In the past year, employment increased by 4.9%, while labour force grew by 5.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.7 percentage points. This contrasted with Greater Melbourne where employment rose by 3.0%, labour force grew by 3.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov showed Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Darley's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 12.7% over ten years.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that median income in Darley is $55,396 and average income is $69,851. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes for September 2025 are approximately $59,966 (median) and $75,614 (average). Census 2021 data indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in Darley cluster around the 57th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 34.2% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, similar to Melbourne's 32.8%. After housing costs, 86.1% of income remains for other expenses. Darley's SEIFA income ranking places it in the fifth decile.

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

Darley's housing structure, as per the latest Census, was 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwellings. This compares to Melbourne metro's 90.9% houses and 9.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darley stood at 28.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 54.0% and rented ones at 17.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,733, lower than Melbourne metro's $1,800. The median weekly rent was $320, compared to Melbourne metro's $351. Nationally, Darley's mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863 and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

Darley features high concentrations of family households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 80.0% of all households, including 39.7% couples with children, 26.3% couples without children, and 13.1% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 20.0%, with lone person households at 18.3% and group households comprising 1.7% of the total. The median household size is 2.8 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 3.0.

Educational attainment in Darley aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 17.9%, significantly lower than Greater Melbourne's average of 37.0%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.5%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.9% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 29.0%. Educational participation is high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 11.2% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 3.6% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Transport analysis indicates 27 active transport stops operating within Darley, consisting of a mix of buses. These stops are served by 2 individual routes, collectively facilitating 759 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 395 meters from the nearest transport stop.

Service frequency averages 108 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Darley is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across the board, though to a considerably higher degree among older age cohorts

Darley faces significant health challenges with common health conditions prevalent among its residents. Mental health issues affect 9.8% of residents, while asthma impacts 9.3%.

Approximately 66.0% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments. In comparison, across Greater Melbourne, 51.1% have private health cover and 73.7% are free from medical ailments. Darley has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 14.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 10.1%. Health outcomes among seniors in the area require more attention than those for the broader population, with approximately 54% (~5,286 people) having private health cover.

Darley ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Darley's population was found to be less diverse culturally, with 85.6% born in Australia, 90.7% being citizens, and 92.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 45.8% of Darley's population. Notably, the 'Other' category made up just 1.3%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.6%.

In terms of ancestry, Australian was the largest group at 29.8%, significantly higher than the regional average of 18.6%. English followed at 28.9% (regional avg: 16.9%) and Irish at 8.1%. Certain ethnic groups showed notable differences in representation: Maltese at 2.8% in Darley vs 5.1% regionally, Hungarian at 0.4% vs 0.3%, and Dutch at 1.9% vs 0.8%.

Darley's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Darley's median age is 37, matching Greater Melbourne's figure and remaining comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 5-14 age group comprises 14.5%, higher than Greater Melbourne, while the 25-34 cohort stands at 12.9%. Between 2021 and present, the 75-84 age group grew from 3.3% to 4.7%, and the 35-44 cohort increased from 13.7% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort declined from 8.7% to 8.0%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Darley's age structure. The 45-54 group is projected to grow by 39%, adding 509 people to reach 1,811 from 1,301. Meanwhile, the 0-4 cohort grows by a modest 6%, with an increase of 32 people.