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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Darling Downs has an estimated 2,035 residents, up from 1,591 at the 2021 Census — a change of 444 people, or 27.9%. Growth has averaged 4.8% a year over five years, faster than 94% of areas nationally. Interstate and internal migration accounts for 64.0% of that increase. That puts 207 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
108 new dwellings have been approved in Darling Downs over the past five years, an average of 21 a year. That places the area in the 67th percentile for residential development activity nationally, about 10 approvals per 1,000 residents a year. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 22, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Darling Downs
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
|---|
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 2 current infrastructure and development projects inside Darling Downs, worth an estimated $2.5 billion. A further 52 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $14.6 billion. 18 are already under construction and 11 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and education & training. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Wungong Urban
A 1,580 hectare masterplanned urban redevelopment by DevelopmentWA with Stockland's Sienna Wood estate as a key precinct. The project will ultimately deliver more than 16,000 dwellings for around 40,000 residents together with schools, town centres, parklands, living streams, recreation facilities and protected Aboriginal heritage areas. Construction continues across multiple precincts, with Wungong Primary School opening in 2026 and ongoing residential and town centre development.
Oakford Volunteer Brigade Station
Progressing detailed design and construction of the new Oakford Volunteer Brigade Station, improving community safety and emergency response capabilities in the area. Contract awarded in June 2025 to Cloudbreak WA for an 18-month design and construction program.
Byford Health Hub
A 3,000sqm two-storey integrated health and social care facility providing a single-entry point for primary care, mental health, child health, and specialist outpatient services. The hub includes 28 consultation rooms, a rehabilitation gym, pathology, and community spaces. Designed to reduce pressure on Armadale Hospital, it serves the rapidly growing Serpentine-Jarrahdale region.
Expansion of SJ Recreation Centre and Briggs Park Master Plan
Expansion of the SJ Community Recreation Centre within the Briggs Park Sporting Precinct in Byford. The project is planned to deliver four compliant indoor basketball courts, space for netball and futsal, contemporary change facilities, larger gymnasium and fitness rooms, and enhanced out-of-school-care facilities. Council endorsed Concept 2 as the preferred option in September 2024. The Shire has secured a WA Labor election commitment of AUD 10 million and is continuing to advocate for the balance of the estimated AUD 43.77 million total project cost.
The Glades Estate
Established master planned community in Byford delivered by Satterley. Final precinct (Cardup Brook) is selling with over 900 residential lots, alongside existing village centre, Lake Allambee, parks and schools. Current materials and local development plans indicate ongoing staged construction and sales across Icaria, Woodland Grove and Cardup Brook precincts.
Grange Meadows Estate (Byford Green)
A major residential development (also known as Byford Green Private Estate) within Precinct 4 of the Byford District Structure Plan, featuring 208 residential lots with R20, R25, and R40 density codings across 16.61 hectares. The project includes public open spaces totaling 21,850m2, solar-oriented design with 74% of lots having east-west orientation, multiple use corridors, and integrated landscape management. Currently progressing through stages 7-9 of development.
Stockland Sienna Wood Town Centre
Neighbourhood retail hub within the Sienna Wood masterplanned community in Hilbert, Perth's south-east corridor. Spanning approximately 7,500sqm, the centre features a full-line Woolworths supermarket, around 15 specialty stores including dining, a medical centre, and a Nido Early School childcare centre. Accompanied by upgrades to a 1.4km stretch of Forrest Road, including dual carriageway and two new roundabouts. Opened May 2026.
Thomas Road Bridge Upgrade
Four-lane road-over-rail bridge removing level crossing at Thomas Road. Part of Byford Rail Extension infrastructure improvements, opened November 2022.
1,157 residents of Darling Downs are employed, from a labour force of 1,178. Unemployment sits at 1.8%, with participation at 72.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth, so in an area growing as fast as this one it understates the likely rise in local jobs. The working-day population is estimated at 1,480, about 73% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Darling Downs is $2,480 a week (about $129,000 a year), with median personal income at $969 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $62,616 a year against an average of $75,932. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Darling Downs had 513 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 97% detached houses and 4% apartments. 62% are owned with a mortgage, 7% rented and 31% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $400 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,172 a month, a total housing cost higher than 78% of areas nationally. Rent absorbs 16.1% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.2%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Darling Downs counted 513 households at the 2021 Census, an estimated 656 today, averaging 3.0 people each. 45% are couples with children, more than in 88% of areas nationally, against 32% couples without children. 14% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.8 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.1% of adults in Darling Downs hold a university qualification, including 13.5% with a bachelor degree and 2.9% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 80% of areas nationally. A further 33.1% hold a vocational qualification. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Darling Downs reaches 15 stops on 3 routes, timetabled for about 210 services a week. The typical home sits about 560 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 2.4 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
72.3% of residents in Darling Downs report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 81% of areas nationally. 3.8% need daily assistance with core activities, and 57.4% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.0 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
25.3% of Darling Downs residents were born overseas and 7.5% speak a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (33.5%) and Australian (27.4%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
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%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Darling Downs is 39. 23.1% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Darling Downs
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Aug 2026 this month all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated Aug 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 94 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (1,591 at the 2021 Census → 2,035 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL50389). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.