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 analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Darling Downs is around 2,116. This reflects an increase of 525 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,591 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 2,039, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 215 persons per square kilometer. Darling Downs's growth rate of 33.0% since the 2021 census exceeded both national (8.9%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 64.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and to estimate growth post-2032, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the area expected to grow by 1,178 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 50.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Darling Downs has experienced around 36 dwellings receiving development approval per year. Over the past five financial years, between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 183 homes were approved, with a further 10 approved so far in FY-26. This results in an average of about 2.7 people moving to the area per new home constructed over these years, reflecting robust demand that supports property values.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost value of $394,000, which is consistent with regional patterns. In terms of commercial approvals, $2.9 million has been registered this financial year, indicating the area's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Darling Downs shows 59.0% higher construction activity per person, offering buyers greater choice, although development activity has moderated in recent periods. This is substantially higher than nationally, suggesting strong developer confidence in the location. Recent development has been entirely comprised of detached houses, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space.

With around 68 people per dwelling approval, Darling Downs shows characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Darling Downs is expected to grow by 1,076 residents through to 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Darling Downs 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 six projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects are Wungong Urban, Oakford Volunteer Brigade Station, The Glades Estate, and Byford Health Hub. Below is a list of projects most relevant:.

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

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AreaSearch analysis of employment trends sees Darling Downs performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Darling Downs has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 3.0%.

As of June 2025, 1,161 residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 2.2% lower than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Darling Downs was 70.5%, compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. The dominant employment sectors among residents included construction, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Construction showed strong specialization with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level, while health care & social assistance was under-represented at 11.2% compared to Greater Perth's 14.8%.

Employment opportunities locally appeared limited based on Census data comparison of working population versus resident population. Between June 2024 and June 2025, employment levels increased by 3.0%, labour force grew by 3.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 3.7%, labour force grow by 3.8%, and unemployment increase by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest potential future demand within Darling Downs. Over five years, national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% and over ten years by 13.7%. Applying these projections to Darling Downs' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch released postcode level ATO data for financial year 2022. Darling Downs had a median taxpayer income of $62,616 and an average of $75,932. Nationally, the median was lower at $58,380 with an average of $78,020. By September 2025, estimates suggest Darling Downs' median would be approximately $71,507 and average $86,714, based on a 14.2% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data shows Darling Downs incomes rank between the 75th and 90th percentiles nationally. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominated with 36.1% of residents (763 people), similar to regional levels at 32.0%. High earners were substantial, with 37.4% exceeding $3,000 weekly. Housing consumed 13.6% of income, and residents ranked in the 90th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the 7th decile.

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

The latest Census evaluated dwelling structures in Darling Downs, showing 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Perth metro's 96.8% houses and 3.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darling Downs was at 31.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 62.2% and rented ones at 6.6%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,172, higher than Perth metro's $1,971. Median weekly rent in Darling Downs was $400, compared to Perth metro's $380. Nationally, Darling Downs' mortgage repayments exceeded the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were above the national figure of $375.

Darling Downs features high concentrations of family households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 85.2% of all households, including 44.5% couples with children, 32.2% couples without children, and 6.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 14.8%, with lone person households at 13.8% and group households making up 1.3%. The median household size is 3.0 people, aligning with the Greater Perth average.

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

The area's university qualification rate is 18.1%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.9%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (33.1%). Educational participation is high at 26.9%, with 10.3% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.2% pursuing tertiary education.

Schools appear to be located outside the immediate catchment boundaries, requiring families to access schools in neighboring areas.

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

The analysis shows eight active public transport stops operating in Darling Downs. These are served by five different bus routes, offering a total of 258 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility is rated as limited, with residents generally located 710 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 36 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 32 weekly trips per individual stop.

Darling Downs's residents are extremely healthy with younger cohorts in particular seeing very low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Darling Downs.

Younger cohorts in particular see very low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover is found to be very high at approximately 57% of the total population (~1,213 people). The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.3 and 6.8% of residents respectively, while 72.3% declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 72.5% across Greater Perth. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (302 people), which is higher than the 11.1% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, requiring more attention than the broader 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

Darling Downs showed cultural diversity levels roughly matching the wider region's averages. 74.7% of its population were born in Australia, with 88.9% being citizens, and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the main religion, making up 50.0% of Darling Downs' population, compared to 41.0% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.5%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (6.8%). Notably, Dutch representation was higher at 5.7%, South African at 1.7%, and Welsh at 0.7%.

Darling Downs's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Darling Downs is 39 years, which is higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 years and close to the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 cohort makes up 15.0% of Darling Downs' population, compared to Greater Perth's average, indicating an over-representation. Conversely, the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.4% to 13.9%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 11.7% to 9.3%. The 0-4 age group has also dropped, from 6.2% to 4.6%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant demographic changes for Darling Downs, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 74%, reaching 522 people from a starting point of 300.