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

As of November 2025, the estimated population of Darling Heights is around 5,474, reflecting a 6.1% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 5,157 people. This rise is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of 5,413 residents based on ABS ERP data released in June 2024, along with 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density stands at approximately 907 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Darling Heights has shown a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%, outperforming non-metro areas. Overseas migration contributed around 77% to recent population gains in the suburb. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data for years post-2032.

Where state projections lack age category splits, AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings from ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 using 2022 data. Looking ahead, Darling Heights is forecasted to experience significant population growth, with an expected increase of 2,003 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 41.1% over the 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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Darling Heights averaged around 7 new dwelling approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, an estimated 38 homes were approved, with another 7 in FY-26 so far. This results in approximately 11.8 new residents per year for every home built over the past five financial years.

Demand significantly exceeds new supply, which typically leads to price growth and increased buyer competition. New properties are constructed at an average value of $461,000, under regional levels, indicating more accessible housing choices for buyers. In FY-26, there have been $2.7 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited commercial development focus compared to the rest of Qld, where Darling Heights records markedly lower building activity (75.0% below regional average per person). This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings. However, construction activity has intensified recently, though it remains under the national average, indicating the area's established nature and suggesting potential planning limitations.

New development consists of 88.0% detached dwellings and 12.0% 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 563 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment. Population forecasts indicate Darling Heights will gain 2,248 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Should current construction levels persist, housing supply could lag population growth, likely intensifying buyer competition and underpinning price growth.

Darling Heights has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 19 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Kearney West Estate, Ladbroke Grove Estate, Platz Street - Wuth Street Intersection Upgrade, and Baker Street Cycleway. The following list details those 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.

AreaSearch assessment positions Darling Heights ahead of most Australian regions for employment performance

Darling Heights has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 3.8%, lower than the national average.

Over the past year, employment grew by an estimated 14.9%. As of June 2025, 3,080 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 3.7% compared to Rest of Qld's 3.9%. Workforce participation is high at 64.8%, above the regional average of 59.1%. Major employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and retail trade.

The area specializes in health care & social assistance with an employment share of 27% compared to the regional level of 17.3%. However, construction employment is lower at 5.7% compared to the regional average of 10.1%. Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on census data. Between July 2024 and June 2025, employment increased by 14.9% while the labour force grew by 12.9%, reducing the unemployment rate by 1.6 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Qld saw employment growth of 1.8% and a slight increase in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-2022 project overall employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. 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, though this is a simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Darling Heights' median income among taxpayers was $48,470 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $59,556 during the same period. These figures are lower than those for Rest of Qld, which were $50,780 and $64,844 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 13.99% since financial year 2022, estimated median income is approximately $55,251 as of September 2025, with average income estimated at $67,888 during the same period. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Darling Heights rank modestly, between the 27th and 33rd percentiles. Specifically, 36.9% of the population (2,019 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, which mirrors the regional figure of 31.7%. 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 evaluated at the latest Census held on 9 August 2016, consisted of 79.7% houses and 20.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Non-Metro Qld's structure of 81.4% houses and 18.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darling Heights was at 26.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 28.8% and rented dwellings at 45.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area, as of the latest data available on 30 June 2021, was $1,347, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $320. In comparison, Non-Metro Qld's figures were $1,517 and $310 respectively for mortgage repayments and rents. Nationally, Darling Heights's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as of 30 June 2021, while 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 account for 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 constitute 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% of residents aged 15+, surpassing the Rest of Qld average of 20.6% and the SA3 area rate of 23.1%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are held by 34.7% of residents aged 15+, including advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (24.4%).

Educational participation is high, with 38.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 14.0% in tertiary, 10.5% in primary, and 6.9% pursuing secondary education. Darling Heights State School serves the area, enrolling 634 students as of a specific date. The school focuses exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. School places per 100 residents stand at 11.6, below the regional average of 17.2, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Darling Heights has 25 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 708 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is considered good, with residents living an average of 276 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 101 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately 28 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 closely align with national benchmarks, with common health conditions among its general population being somewhat typical but higher than the national average among older cohorts.

Approximately 51% (~2,780 people) of Darling Heights residents have private health cover, which is relatively low compared to other areas. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions in Darling Heights, affecting 9.6% and 8.5% of residents respectively. Around 68.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 65.3% reported across Rest of Qld. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 13.1% (717 people) compared to Rest of Qld's 18.8%. However, health outcomes among seniors in Darling Heights require more attention than those in the broader population.

Darling Heights was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Darling Heights, surveyed in June 2016, exhibited higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 30.5% of its residents born overseas and 27.1% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 50.4% of the population. Notably, the 'Other' religious category comprised 3.6%, higher than the Rest of Qld average of 2.2%.

The top three ancestral groups were Australian (24.3%), English (23.5%), and Other (16.7%), significantly higher than the regional average of 7.2%. Specifically, German ancestry was overrepresented at 5.9% compared to 8.0% regionally, Indian at 4.0% versus 1.0%, and Filipino at 2.1% against 0.8%.

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 younger than Rest of Qld's figure of 41 and Australia's figure of 38 years. Compared to Rest of Qld, Darling Heights has a higher concentration of 25-34 residents at 21.6%, but fewer 55-64 year-olds at 7.2%. This 25-34 concentration is significantly higher than the national figure of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 19.1% to 21.6%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 18.2% to 19.3%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 8.7% to 7.2%, and the 5 to 14 group has dropped from 13.8% to 12.5%. Population forecasts for Darling Heights indicate substantial demographic changes by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to grow significantly, adding 764 residents to reach a total of 1,947.