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 Darling Downs statistical area (Lv2), and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the population is estimated at around 1,988 as of November 2025. This reflects an increase of 397 people (25.0%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,591 people in the Darling Downs (SA2). The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,901 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 94 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 202 persons per square kilometer, providing significant space per person and potential room for further development. The Darling Downs (SA2) experienced a growth rate of 25.0% since the 2021 census, exceeding the national average of 9.7%. Population growth 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, 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. Considering projected demographic shifts, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with the Darling Downs (SA2) expected to grow by 1,193 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 61.3% in total over the 17 years.

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

Darling Downs has averaged approximately 27 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 137 homes were approved, with an additional 11 approved in FY-26 to date. Each new dwelling is estimated to bring in about 3.6 new residents annually over the past five financial years.

This demand significantly outpaces supply, typically leading to price growth and increased buyer competition. The average construction value of new properties is around $394,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY-26, commercial approvals totalled $385,000, reflecting the area's residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Darling Downs exhibits moderately higher construction activity, approximately 20.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years.

This supports buyer choice while maintaining current property values, which is well above the national average and indicative of strong developer confidence in the area. Recent development has been exclusively detached houses, preserving the area's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes. With around 75 people per dwelling approval, Darling Downs displays characteristics of a growth area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects an increase of 1,219 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-aligned with future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

Darling Downs has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 39thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified six projects that could affect the region. Notable projects are Wungong Urban, The Glades Estate, Oakford Volunteer Brigade Station, and Byford Health Hub. Below is a list of these projects, which are likely to be 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 notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 1.6% as of September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.8% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation.

As of this date, 1,196 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.3 percentage points lower than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. 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 particularly strong specialization, with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance was under-represented, with only 11.2% of Darling Downs' workforce compared to 14.8% in Greater Perth. The area appeared to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. During the year to September 2025, employment levels increased by 2.8% and labour force grew by 3.0%, resulting in a marginal unemployment rise of 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%, labour force grow by 3.0%, and unemployment increase marginally. State-level data to 25-Nov showed WA employment contracted by 0.27% (losing 5,520 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. National employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Darling Downs' employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 5.9% over five years and 12.6% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows Darling Downs' median taxpayer income is $62,616 and the average is $75,932. This is higher than national averages, with Greater Perth having a median of $60,748 and an average of $80,248. Based on Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023, current estimates for Darling Downs are approximately $68,640 (median) and $83,237 (average) as of September 2025. Census data indicates that incomes in Darling Downs rank highly nationally, between the 75th and 90th percentiles. The $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket dominates with 36.1% of residents, aligning with regional levels where this cohort represents 32.0%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence at 37.4%, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. Housing expenses account for 13.6% of income, and residents rank highly in disposable income at the 90th percentile. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 7th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Darling Downs, as per the latest Census, consisted of 96.5% houses and 3.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Perth metro had 97.8% houses and 2.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darling Downs was higher at 31.3%, with the rest being mortgaged (62.2%) or rented (6.6%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,172, exceeding Perth metro's average of $1,971. Median weekly rent was recorded at $400, compared to Perth metro's $380. Nationally, Darling Downs' mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 constitute the remaining 14.8%, with lone person households at 13.8% and group households comprising 1.3%. The median household size is 3.0 people, which aligns 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 the Australian average of 30.4%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, with 13.5% of residents holding one, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 2.9% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 44.3% of residents aged 15+ possessing them.

Advanced diplomas account for 11.2%, while certificates make up 33.1% of these vocational credentials. Educational participation is high, with 26.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 4.2% 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 15 active stops operating within Darling Downs, consisting of buses. These stops are served by 3 routes, offering a total of 205 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is moderate, with residents generally located 562 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 29 trips per day across all routes, translating to approximately 13 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 shows strong health metrics across Darling Downs, particularly for younger cohorts with low prevalence rates for common conditions.

Private health cover stands at approximately 57%, covering about 1,140 people. Common medical conditions include asthma (7.3%) and arthritis (6.8%). A total of 72.3% report no medical ailments, close to Greater Perth's 72.5%. The area has 14.0% residents aged 65 and over (278 people), higher than Greater Perth's 11.1%. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention despite being above average.

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 has a cultural diversity profile roughly similar to the wider region's average. It has 74.7% of its population born in Australia, with 88.9% being citizens and 92.5% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Darling Downs, comprising 50.0% of people, compared to 41.0% across Greater Perth.

The top three ancestry groups are English (33.5%), Australian (27.4%), and Scottish (6.8%). Notably, Dutch ancestry is overrepresented at 5.7%, versus the regional average of 3.4%. South African ancestry also stands out at 1.7% compared to the region's 1.1%, and Welsh ancestry is slightly higher at 0.7% than the regional average of 0.6%.

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

The median age in Darling Downs is 39 years, higher than Greater Perth's average of 37 and close to Australia's national average of 38. The 55-64 age cohort is notably over-represented at 14.9% locally compared to Greater Perth's average, while the 25-34 age group is under-represented at 9.3%. Post-2021 Census data shows that the 15-24 age group grew from 12.4% to 14.0%, the 25-34 cohort declined from 11.7% to 9.3%, and the 0-4 group dropped from 6.2% to 4.5%. Population forecasts for 2041 indicate substantial demographic changes, with the 45-54 age group expected to grow by 86% (243 people) reaching 526 from 282.