Darling Downs

Darling Downs lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

Based on demographic evaluations from the ABS for the surrounding region, combined with physical location updates validated by AreaSearch post-Census, the suburb of Darling Downs has a projected population of approximately 2,035 as of May 2026. This represents a rise of 444 individuals (27.9%) relative to the 2021 Census, which documented a total of 1,591 residents. This shift is calculated from a base resident count of 2,013, modeled by AreaSearch using the ABS June 2025 release of ERP data, plus an additional 94 validated new addresses added since the Census. Such a population count translates to a density of 207 persons per square kilometer, offering ample space per individual and capacity for future expansion. The suburb of Darling Downs's growth rate of 27.9% since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark of 9.3%, as well as state figures, positioning the locality as a regional leader in expansion. Population gains were primarily fueled by interstate migration, which accounted for roughly 64.0% of the net increase during the studied timeframes, though natural growth and overseas arrivals also contributed positively.

Projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia released in 2024 (using 2022 as a baseline) have been adopted at the SA2 level. For locations lacking specific projection coverage, and to calculate expansion in the years following 2032, growth dynamics across specific age brackets from the 2023 ABS Greater Capital Region projections (relying on 2022 data) were utilized. Factoring in these expected age-cohort changes, exceptional growth placing the locality within the highest 10 percent of statistical zones nationwide is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 949 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2 projections, representing an expansion of 45.5% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Darling Downs when compared nationally

Analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from broader statistical areas indicates that the locality averages approximately 21 residential approvals annually, summing to an estimated 108 dwellings over the last 5 financial years. In the current FY-26 period, 21 approvals have been registered. With an average of 3.9 additional residents per built dwelling arriving annually over the 5 financial years spanning FY-21 to FY-25, demand is running well ahead of supply, which typically drives up acquisition costs and intensifies buyer competition. The average construction cost of these new properties stands at $394,000, showing a developer focus on higher-end residential products. Furthermore, commercial approvals totaling $385,000 have been logged during this financial year, showing limited non-residential building activity.

In comparison to Greater Perth, construction activity per capita in the locality is very similar, indicating a balanced supply pipeline. This building rate is notably higher than the national standard, showing strong developer interest. Additionally, recent residential construction consists entirely of single-family detached homes, preserving the low-density profile of the community and offering spacious options for families. There are roughly 231 residents for every housing approval, suggesting potential for further construction.

Looking forward, the locality is projected to add 927 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly modeling. While current home construction is progressing at a reasonable pace to meet this demand, purchasers may experience tighter market conditions as the local population increases.

Darling Downs has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 44thth percentile nationally

Local infrastructure projects, planning choices, and development initiatives are key drivers of local performance. AreaSearch has identified 6 projects expected to influence the community, with major initiatives including Wungong Urban, The Glades Estate, the Oakford Volunteer Brigade Station, and the Byford Health Hub representing the most significant developments.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment conditions in Darling Downs rank among the top 10% of areas assessed nationally

The local workforce is characterized by high skill levels, with the building sector being especially prominent. The unemployment rate sits at a very low 1.8%, while employment expanded by an estimated 0.8% over the past year. As of March 2026, there are 1,157 employed residents. This unemployment rate is 2.4% lower than the Greater Perth benchmark of 4.2%. Participation in the labor force is typical for the region, standing at 72.6% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. According to Census records, a modest 11.2% of workers performed their duties from home, though this figure may have been affected by pandemic-related restrictions.

Local jobs are heavily concentrated in building trades, healthcare and social assistance, and education. The community exhibits a strong concentration in building services, with its share of employment reaching 1.5 times the wider regional rate. Conversely, healthcare and social assistance is less prominent, employing 11.2% of workers compared to the regional average of 14.8%. The residential nature of the locality means that local job opportunities are limited relative to the size of the resident workforce, as demonstrated by the comparison of local jobs to working residents.

Data from the SALM and ABS indicates that over the 12-month period, employment rose by 0.8% while the labor force grew by 1.0%, resulting in a 0.2 percentage point rise in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% employment expansion, a 2.5% increase in the labor force, and a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment forecasts from May-25 issued by Jobs and Skills Australia provide context for future trends. Mapped against the local industry mix, these projections suggest a 5.9% employment expansion locally over five years and a 12.6% increase over ten years, compared to national projections of 6.6% and 13.7% respectively. This is an illustrative weighting extrapolation and does not adjust for local population growth patterns.

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

Taxpayer statistics from the ATO for the 2023 financial year show that the suburb of Darling Downs has income levels well above the national median. Taxpayers recorded a median income of $62,616 and an average income of $75,932, compared to $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth. Adjusted for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates stand at approximately $69,460 for median income and $84,231 for average income as of March 2026. The 2021 Census confirms that household, family, and individual incomes are positioned between the 75th and 90th percentiles nationwide. The largest income group comprises 36.1% of residents (734 individuals) earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, which aligns with the regional figure of 32.0% in this bracket. High-income earners are well-represented, with 37.4% earning more than $3,000 per week. Housing costs consume 13.6% of income, and strong earnings place local households in the 90th percentile for disposable income, with the SEIFA index ranking the area in the 7th decile.

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

Housing types in the locality at the time of the Census were overwhelmingly single-family houses at 96.5%, with alternative structures making up 3.5%, compared to 77.8% houses and 22.1% alternative dwellings across metro Perth. The level of outright home ownership was 31.3%, with mortgaged properties accounting for 62.2% and rental properties making up 6.6%. The median monthly mortgage payment was $2,172, while the median weekly rent was $400, compared to metro Perth figures of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, local mortgage commitments are higher than the Australian median of $1,863, and rental costs exceed the national benchmark of $375.

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

Families make up 85.2% of all households, consisting of couples with children at 44.5%, couples without children at 32.2%, and single-parent homes at 6.7%. The remaining 14.8% are non-family households, with single-person households representing 13.8% and group living situations at 1.3%. The median household size is 3.0 individuals, which is larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Darling Downs shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment profiles show that 18.1% of residents hold a university qualification, which is below the national average of 30.4%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 2.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational education is highly prevalent, with 44.3% of individuals aged 15 and older holding technical qualifications, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.2% and certificates at 33.1%.

Enrolment in education is strong, with 26.9% of the population participating in study. This group includes 10.3% in primary schools, 7.7% in secondary schools, and 4.2% in higher education institutions.

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

The public transport network consists of 15 active bus stops serviced by 3 routes, which generate 205 passenger trips weekly. Transport access is moderate, with residents living an average of 562 meters from their nearest stop. Private vehicles remain the primary commuting choice for 88% of working residents, while 7% travel by train. Households own an average of 2.4 vehicles, which is higher than the regional norm. Remote work was utilized by 11.2% of residents during the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.

Bus routes average 29 daily trips, which translates to approximately 13 weekly departures per stop.

Darling Downs's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Local health profiles show strong outcomes, based on mortality rates and the low prevalence of chronic conditions, particularly among younger residents. Private health insurance coverage is high, with approximately 57% of the population (~1,167 individuals) holding policies.

Asthma and arthritis are the most common chronic conditions, affecting 7.3% and 6.8% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 72.3% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population exhibits good health profiles. Residents aged 65 and older make up 14.5% of the community (295 individuals), which is lower than the Greater Perth average of 16.1%. Senior health measures are positive, though they rank lower nationally than the overall local population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Darling Downs records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Cultural diversity metrics are comparable to the regional average, with 74.7% of the population born in Australia, 88.9% holding citizenship, and 92.5% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religious affiliation, accounting for 50.0% of residents, compared to 45.0% across Greater Perth.

Regarding family heritage, the primary ancestries are English at 33.5% (above the regional average of 28.0%), Australian at 27.4% (above the regional average of 21.2%), and Scottish at 6.8%. Other notable representations include Dutch heritage at 5.7% (compared to 1.5% regionally), South Australian at 1.7% (compared to 1.0%), and Welsh ancestry at 0.7% (matching the regional rate of 0.7%).

Darling Downs's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age of 39 years is slightly higher than the Greater Perth median of 37 and close to the national median of 38. The 55 to 64 age bracket is overrepresented at 15.7% of the population, while young adults aged 25 to 34 are underrepresented at 8.5%. Post-Census tracking indicates that the 15 to 24 age bracket increased from 12.4% to 14.6%, while the 25 to 34 bracket decreased from 11.7% to 8.5%, and the 0 to 4 group declined from 6.2% to 4.3%. Projections for 2041 suggest that the 45 to 54 cohort will expand by 65% (an increase of 191 individuals), rising from 295 to 487.