Darling Heights

An assessment of population growth drivers in Darling Heights reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on ABS population updates, AreaSearch estimates Darling Heights' population at 5,664 as of Nov 2025. This reflects a 9.8% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,157 people. The current population is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 5,550 residents following examination of ABS ERP data (June 2024), along with 47 new addresses validated since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 939 persons per square kilometer. Darling Heights' growth exceeded non-metro areas and SA3 averages, driven primarily by overseas migration contributing approximately 77% of overall population gains. AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022.

For areas not covered post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, based on 2021 data. These projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Population projections indicate a significant increase in the top quartile of Australian non-metropolitan areas by 2041, with Darling Heights expected to grow by 2,015 persons, reflecting a 36.5% total increase over 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Darling Heights recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, shows Darling Heights averaged around 10 new dwelling approvals annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an estimated 51 homes were approved, with another 30 so far in FY-26. Over the past five financial years, demand significantly exceeded supply at an average of 8.8 new residents per year for every home built.

This typically results in price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $461,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction. In FY-26, there have been $1.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting minimal commercial development activity. Compared to the Rest of Qld, Darling Heights records markedly lower building activity, 66.0% below the regional average per person. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings.

The area's level is also below average nationally, reflecting its maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent construction comprises 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% medium and high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated count of 490 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Future projections show Darling Heights adding 2,070 residents by 2041, from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Darling Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 19 projects likely to affect the region. Notable initiatives include Kearney West Estate, Ladbroke Grove Estate, Platz Street - Wuth Street Intersection Upgrade, and Baker Street Cycleway. The following list details those projects 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 employment landscape in Darling Heights shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Darling Heights has an educated workforce with prominent representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 4.3% as of a past year's data aggregation by AreaSearch.

Employment growth over the last year was estimated at 5.3%. As of September 2025, 3031 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% higher than Rest of Qld's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation in Darling Heights was 64.8%, exceeding Rest of Qld's 59.1%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

Health care & social assistance has a particularly strong presence with an employment share 1.5 times the regional level. Construction, however, has limited presence at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population counts. Over the past year, employment increased by 5.3% while labour force grew by 4.2%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.0 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.7%, labour force growth of 2.1%, and a rise in unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. State-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows Queensland's employment contracted by 0.01% with an unemployment rate of 4.2%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, but growth rates vary significantly between sectors. Applying these projections to Darling Heights' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 14.4% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income figures position the area below 75% of locations analysed nationally by AreaSearch

The income level in Darling Heights is below the national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Darling Heights is $48,470 and the average income stands at $59,556. These figures compare to Rest of Qld's median income of $53,146 and average income of $66,593 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Darling Heights would be approximately $53,273 (median) and $65,458 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Darling Heights rank modestly, between the 27th and 33rd percentiles. The data shows 36.9% of the population (2,090 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the region where 31.7% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Darling Heights, with only 84.1% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 34th percentile.

Darling Heights is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Darling Heights, as per the latest Census, consisted of 79.7% houses and 20.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro Qld's 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darling Heights stood at 26.1%, with the rest being mortgaged (28.8%) or rented (45.1%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,347, lower than Non-Metro Qld's average of $1,517. Median weekly rent in Darling Heights was $320, compared to Non-Metro Qld's $310. Nationally, Darling Heights' mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,347 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households constitute 71.7% of all households, including 27.4% couples with children, 29.0% couples without children, and 14.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 28.3%, with lone person households at 23.9% and group households comprising 4.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.6 people, which is larger than the Rest of Qld average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Darling Heights fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 28.2%, exceeding both the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area average of 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications at 9.7% and graduate diplomas at 1.7%. Vocational credentials are held by 34.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 24.4%.

Educational participation is high, with 38.6% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 14.0% in tertiary education, 10.5% in primary education, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education.

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

Transport analysis shows 28 operational stops in Darling Heights, offering mixed bus services. These stops are covered by 4 separate routes, collectively facilitating 708 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is deemed good, with residents typically situated 251 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 101 daily trips across all routes, translating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop.

Darling Heights's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with the level of common health conditions among the general population somewhat typical, though higher than the nation's average among older cohorts

Darling Heights' health metrics are close to national benchmarks.

The level of common health conditions among its general population is somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts. Approximately 51% (~2,877 people) of Darling Heights' total population has private health cover, which is relatively low. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.6 and 8.5% of residents respectively. About 68.7% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 65.3% across the rest of Queensland. Darling Heights has 13.1% (741 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, which is lower than the 18.8% in the rest of Queensland. Health outcomes among seniors require more attention than those of the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Darling Heights was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Darling Heights, surveyed between January-February 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local markets. Its population consisted of 30.5% overseas-born individuals and 27.1% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the dominant religion, with 50.4% of residents identifying as Christian.

The 'Other' religious category comprised 3.6%, higher than the Rest of Qld's average of 2.2%. In terms of ancestry, Australian (24.3%), English (23.5%), and Other (16.7%) were the top groups, with 'Other' being significantly higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Notably, German (5.9% vs 8.0%), Indian (4.0% vs 1.0%), and Filipino (2.1% vs 0.8%) ethnicities were overrepresented compared to regional averages.

Darling Heights hosts a very young demographic, ranking in the bottom 10% of areas nationwide

Darling Heights has a median age of 29, which is significantly younger than the Rest of Queensland figure of 41 and notably under Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of Queensland, Darling Heights has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (21.6%), but fewer residents aged 55-64 (7.2%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is well above the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, the proportion of residents aged 25 to 34 has increased from 19.1% to 21.6%, while the proportion of those aged 15 to 24 has risen from 18.2% to 19.3%. Conversely, the proportion of those aged 55 to 64 has decreased from 8.7% to 7.2%, and the proportion of those aged 5 to 14 has dropped from 13.8% to 12.6%. Population forecasts for Darling Heights indicate substantial demographic shifts by 2041, with the 25-34 age cohort projected to grow by 59%, adding 726 residents to reach a total of 1,950 in this age group.