Darlington (WA)

Darlington is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Darlington's WA population, as of Nov 2025, is estimated at around 3,968. This reflects a growth of 243 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,725. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 3,954 residents following examination of ABS ERP data (June 2024) and six validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 328 persons per square kilometer. Darlington's 6.5% growth positions it within 2.4 percentage points of the national average (8.9%). Overseas migration contributed approximately 61.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered, growth rates by age cohort from ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) are used. Projected demographic shifts suggest lower quartile growth for national statistical areas. By 2041, the suburb is expected to expand by 142 persons, reflecting a total increase of 3.4% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Darlington according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Darlington averaged approximately 3 new dwelling approvals per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 17 homes. As of FY26, 1 approval has been recorded. This averages to around 10.8 new residents per year for every home built between FY21 and FY25, indicating significant demand outpacing supply.

New properties are constructed at an average value of $631,000, reflecting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties. Compared to Greater Perth, Darlington records markedly lower building activity, which is 81.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes, also below national average due to the area's maturity and possible planning constraints. Recent building activity consists entirely of standalone homes, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. The estimated population count per dwelling approval is 1309 people.

By 2041, Darlington is expected to grow by approximately 135 residents based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

Darlington has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 42ndth percentile nationally

Area infrastructure changes significantly influence local performance. AreaSearch identified 0 relevant projects. Notable initiatives are City of Swan Water and Wastewater Upgrades, EastLink WA, METRONET High Capacity Signalling Project, and METRONET.

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 analysis of employment trends sees Darlington performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Darlington has a highly educated workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 1.1% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 4.1% over the past year.

This is based on AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,285 residents were in work while the unemployment rate was 2.7% below Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Leading employment industries among residents included education & training, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services.

Education & training had particularly notable concentration with employment levels at 1.6 times the regional average. Retail trade had limited presence with 7.2% employment compared to 9.3% regionally. Employment opportunities locally appeared limited as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for the wider area, aggregated from wider statistical area data during the year to June 2025, employment levels increased by 4.1% and labour force increased by 4.1%, with unemployment remaining essentially unchanged. This contrasted with Greater Perth where employment rose by 3.7%, the labour force grew by 3.8%, and unemployment rose 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 offered further insight into potential future demand within Darlington. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, were mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. National employment was forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with growth rates differing significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Darlington's employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.5% over ten years.

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 2022 shows Darlington's median income among taxpayers is $61,623. The average income in Darlington for the same period is $87,818. Both figures are among the highest in Australia. Greater Perth, for comparison, has a median income of $58,380 and an average of $78,020. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% since financial year 2022, current estimates suggest Darlington's median income is approximately $70,373 and the average is around $100,288 as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Darlington rank highly nationally, between the 72nd and 87th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The earnings profile indicates that 28.5% of locals (1,130 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income category. This is similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 32.0%. Economic strength in Darlington is evident with 38.8% of households earning high weekly incomes exceeding $3,000, supporting elevated consumer spending. After housing costs, residents retain 88.2% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Darlington, as evaluated at the latest Census on 28 August 2016, comprised 98.5% houses and 1.5% other dwellings. In Perth metro, this was 94.8% houses and 5.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darlington stood at 40.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 52.7% and rented ones at 6.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Darlington was $2,100, compared to Perth metro's $1,950. The median weekly rent figure for Darlington was $420, while Perth metro recorded $330. Nationally, Darlington's median monthly mortgage repayments were higher at $2,100 against the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially higher at $420 compared to the national figure of $375.

Darlington features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 82.5% of all households, including 40.7% couples with children, 32.6% couples without children, and 8.1% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 17.5%, with lone person households at 16.0% and group households comprising 1.4%. The median household size is 2.7 people, larger than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

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

Darlington's educational attainment is notably high with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in SA3 area and 24.3% in the SA4 region. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 27.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (9.1%) and graduate diplomas (5.2%). Vocational credentials are also prominent with 31.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (18.4%). Educational participation is high at 29.9%, with 11.2% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 4.7% pursuing tertiary education.

Darlington's three schools have a combined enrollment of 528 students. The area shows above-average socio-educational conditions (ICSEA: 1093). Educational mix includes two primary schools and one K-12 school.

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

Darlington has 38 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by four different routes that together facilitate 292 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of public transport in Darlington is rated as good, with residents typically located 335 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 41 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately seven weekly trips per individual stop.

Darlington's residents are extremely healthy with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Darlington. Both young and old age cohorts saw low prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover was exceptionally high at approximately 62% of the total population (2,462 people), compared to 56.3% across Greater Perth.

This is higher than the national average of 55.3%. The most common medical conditions in the area were mental health issues and arthritis, impacting 8.5 and 8.2% of residents respectively. A total of 71.3% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 67.2% across Greater Perth. As of June 20XX, the area has 22.1% of residents aged 65 and over (876 people). Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, performing even better than the general population in health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Darlington records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Darlington's cultural diversity aligns with the broader region, with 70.6% born in Australia, 92.1% being citizens, and 95.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, accounting for 37.7%. Judaism, however, is overrepresented at 0.4%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestral groups are English (35.6%), Australian (25.5%), and Scottish (8.2%). Notably, Welsh (1.1%) Polish (1.4%), and South African (1.3%) ethnicities are more prevalent in Darlington than the regional averages of 0.9%, 0.8%, and 0.6% respectively.

Darlington hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Darlington's median age is 44, exceeding Greater Perth's figure of 37 and the national norm of 38. The 55-64 age group makes up 14.8% of Darlington's population, higher than Greater Perth's figure. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort comprises only 5.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 6.8% to 8.4%, while the 45 to 54 cohort has declined from 15.3% to 14.0%. By 2041, demographic modeling suggests Darlington's age profile will significantly change. The 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 48% (158 people), reaching 492 from 333. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 93% of the population growth, while the 25 to 34 and 0 to 4 cohorts are predicted to experience population declines.