Darlinghurst

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

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Darlinghurst is around 11,445, reflecting an increase of 830 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS ERP estimate for Jun 2024 placed the resident population at 11,411, with an additional 47 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 13,308 persons per square kilometer, placing Darlinghurst in the top 10% nationally. Between 2021 and Nov 2025, Darlinghurst's population growth rate exceeded that of the state by approximately 1%. Overseas migration contributed around 97% to overall population gains during this period. AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021.

These projections indicate that Darlinghurst is expected to grow by approximately 1,427 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of around 12.2% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Darlinghurst is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval numbers, Darlinghurst has had approximately 7 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years ending June 2021. This totals an estimated 37 homes since FY-18. As of April 2026, 14 dwelling approvals have been recorded in FY-26.

Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers. Additionally, $142.9 million in commercial development approvals were recorded by April 2026, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to Greater Sydney, Darlinghurst had significantly less development activity per person as of June 2021, being 89.0% below the regional average. This limited new supply generally supports stronger demand and values for established dwellings, with the area's level also under the national average, suggesting its established nature and potential planning limitations. Recent construction consists of 50.0% detached dwellings and 50.0% attached dwellings, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. Notably, developers are constructing more detached housing than previously indicated (1.0% at Census), reflecting strong demand for family homes amidst densification trends.

The location has approximately 22535 people per dwelling approval as of June 2021, demonstrating an established market. Population forecasts indicate Darlinghurst will gain 1,393 residents by 2041 (latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 51 projects that could impact the area. Notable ones include SCEGGS Darlinghurst Concept and Stage 1, St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst Campus Redevelopment, East Sydney Collection, and Oxford & Foley. The following list details those most likely to be 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.

Employment conditions in Darlinghurst remain below the national average according to AreaSearch analysis

Darlinghurst has a highly educated workforce. The technology sector is particularly prominent.

Its unemployment rate was 4.6% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 0.6%. As of June 2025, 8,142 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is 0.4% higher than Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was 72.8%, compared to Greater Sydney's 60.0%. Leading employment industries were professional & technical, finance & insurance, and health care & social assistance.

Professional & technical had employment levels at 2.1 times the regional average. However, construction was under-represented with only 2.9% of Darlinghurst's workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 8.6%. There were 1.3 workers for every resident as per the Census, indicating Darlinghurst functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 0.6% while labour force grew by 0.4%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.1 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney experienced employment growth of 2.6% and labour force growth of 2.9%, with a 0.3 percentage point rise in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with varying growth rates across industry sectors. Applying these projections to Darlinghurst's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.6% over five years and 14.9% over ten years.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 30 June 2022 for financial year 2022, Darlinghurst had a median income among taxpayers of $75,490 with the average level standing at $118,909. This is exceptionally high nationally and compares to levels of $56,994 and $80,856 across Greater Sydney respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, current estimates would be approximately $85,009 (median) and $133,903 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data shows individual earnings stand out at the 98th percentile nationally ($1,535 weekly). Distribution data shows 30.2% of the population (3,456 individuals) fall within the $4000+ income range, contrasting with the broader area where the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket leads at 30.9%. Economic strength emerges through 40.6% of households achieving high weekly earnings exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. High housing costs consume 21.2% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 74th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 10th decile.

Darlinghurst features a more urban dwelling mix with significant apartment living, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Darlinghurst, as per the latest Census, consisted of 0.9% houses and 99.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Sydney metro's 2.3% houses and 97.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darlinghurst was at 17.1%, with mortgaged dwellings at 19.7% and rented ones at 63.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,964, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,705. Median weekly rent in Darlinghurst was $550, matching Sydney metro's figure but significantly higher than the national average of $375. Nationally, Darlinghurst's median monthly mortgage repayment is notably higher at $1,863.

Darlinghurst features high concentrations of lone person households and group households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 39.2% of all households, including 6.6% couples with children, 28.7% couples without children, and 3.2% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 60.8%, with lone person households at 51.7% and group households comprising 9.1%. The median household size is 1.7 people, which is smaller than the Greater Sydney average of 1.9.

Darlinghurst demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

Educational attainment in Darlinghurst is notably higher than broader averages. Among residents aged 15 and above, 63.9% have university qualifications, compared to 30.4% nationally and 32.2% in NSW. The most common qualification is a bachelor degree at 41.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (18.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.7%). Vocational pathways account for 18.5% of qualifications, with advanced diplomas at 10.0% and certificates at 8.5%.

A total of 23.7% of the population is currently pursuing formal education, including 10.1% in tertiary education, 3.0% in primary education, and 1.8% in secondary education. Darlinghurst's three schools have a combined enrollment of 3,085 students as of the latest data. The area's educational performance is high (ICSEA: 1211), indicating significant advantage nationally. The educational mix includes one primary school, one secondary school, and one K-12 school. Darlinghurst functions as an education hub with 27.0 school places per 100 residents, significantly above the regional average of 7.7, attracting students from surrounding communities.

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

Transport analysis indicates 30 active stops operating in Darlinghurst, serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are served by 16 individual routes, collectively facilitating 10,008 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically located 95 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 1,429 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 333 weekly trips per individual stop.

Darlinghurst's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Darlinghurst reports excellent health outcomes across all age groups, showing very low prevalence of common health conditions. Private health cover stands at approximately 74% (8,439 people), higher than Greater Sydney's 69.7%. Nationally, this figure averages 55.3%.

Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent conditions, affecting 9.6% and 7.1% of residents respectively. A total of 74.1% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Sydney's 77.4%. Darlinghurst has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 12.7% (1,453 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 9.7%. Senior health outcomes align with the general population's profile.

Darlinghurst is among the most culturally diverse areas in the country based on AreaSearch assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Darlinghurst has a high level of cultural diversity, with 22.4% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home and 43.4% born overseas. Christianity is the predominant religion in Darlinghurst, making up 30.3% of the population. Judaism is overrepresented in Darlinghurst compared to Greater Sydney, comprising 2.2% versus 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (25.2%), Australian (14.6%), and Other (13.9%). Notably, French (1.5%) and Hungarian (0.5%) ethnicities are overrepresented in Darlinghurst compared to the regional averages of 1.1% and 0.4%, respectively.

Darlinghurst's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Darlinghurst's median age at 36 years is close to Greater Sydney's average of 37, which is slightly below Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Sydney, Darlinghurst has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (32.9%) but fewer residents aged 5-14 (2.7%). This concentration of 25-34 year-olds is significantly higher than the national average of 14.5%. Between the 2021 Census and the present, Darlinghurst's 25 to 34 age group has increased from 30.8% to 32.9% of its population. Conversely, the 45 to 54 cohort has decreased from 13.2% to 11.5%, and the 55 to 64 cohort has dropped from 11.3% to 10.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Darlinghurst's age profile. The 75 to 84 cohort is expected to grow by 82%, adding 377 residents to reach a total of 835. Residents aged 65 and above will drive 53% of population growth, reflecting broader demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 35 to 44 cohort is projected to decline by 66 people.