Darra

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

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validations, the population of Darra was estimated at 4,262 as of May 2026. This shows an increase of 164 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,098. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate using latest ERP data release by ABS (June 2025) and additional 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 766 persons per square kilometer. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections released in 2023 based on 2021 data are used. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings using ABS Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data for each age cohort. Projected demographic shifts indicate an above median population growth is expected, with Darra projected to grow by 462 persons to 2041, reflecting a 10.8% increase over the 16 years.

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

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers indicates Darra averaged approximately 19 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 97 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. The average population increase per dwelling built in Darra between FY-21 and FY-25 was 0.4 people per year, suggesting new supply has kept pace with or exceeded demand, offering ample buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average expected cost of $431,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments.

In FY-26, $34.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, showing strong commercial development momentum. Recent construction comprises 22.0% detached dwellings and 78.0% townhouses or apartments, representing a shift from Darra's existing housing composition of 89.0% houses. This change reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and evolving lifestyles seeking more diverse, affordable housing options. With around 288 people per dwelling approval, Darra is characterized as a low density area.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Darra is projected to gain 462 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

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

AreaSearch has identified 21 projects that could impact the area's performance. Key projects include Connectwest Industrial Park, Darra Mixed-Use Development, Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Rocklea to Darra (Remaining Sections), and Darra Mixed-Use Commercial. The following list details those likely to be 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.

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

Darra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate was 5.0% in the past year. Employment growth was estimated at 7.6%.

As of December 2025, 2,279 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 4.1%, 0.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate. Workforce participation was broadly similar to Greater Brisbane's 69.6%. According to Census responses, 16.5% of residents worked from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing showed strong specialization with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 7.5%. There were 2.0 workers for every resident, indicating Darra functions as an employment hub attracting workers from surrounding areas. In the 12-month period ending December 2025, employment increased by 7.6% and labour force by 6.5%, causing unemployment to fall by 0.9 percentage points. This compares with Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 3.2%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Darra's employment mix, local employment is estimated to increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2023, Darra suburb had a median income among taxpayers of $49,737 and an average income of $56,497. These figures are lower than the national averages of $58,236 and $72,799 for Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year ended June 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,387 (median) and $62,915 (average) as of March 2026. According to Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data for 2021, household income in Darra ranks at the 28th percentile, family income at the 34th percentile, and personal income at the 38th percentile. The $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 35.9% of residents (1,530 people), similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Darra, with only 83.4% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 39th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure in Darra, as evaluated at the Census conducted on 28 August 2016, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. This compares to Brisbane metropolitan area's figures of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darra stood at 25.8%, aligning with the Brisbane metro average, while mortgaged dwellings accounted for 31.1% and rented dwellings made up 43.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Darra was $1,500, below the Brisbane metro average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Darra was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380 and the national average of $375. Nationally, Darra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863.

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

Family households constitute 70.3% of all households, including 31.3% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 29.7%, with lone person households at 25.1% and group households comprising 5.1%. The median household size is 2.7 people, which is larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

Educational attainment in Darra aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

University qualification levels in Darra are 26.3%, slightly below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (20.8%).

Educational participation is high at 30.5%, with 9.5% in primary education, 7.3% in secondary education, and 6.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

A total of 31 operational public transport stops exist in Darra. These include a combination of train and bus services. There are 96 distinct routes servicing these stops, facilitating 3,142 weekly passenger trips collectively. The accessibility of transport is deemed good, with residents residing an average of 265 meters from the nearest stop. Primarily residential, most Darra residents commute outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 80%, while train use stands at 13%.

On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency across all routes averages 448 trips per day, equating to approximately 101 weekly trips per individual stop.

Darra's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Health data shows Darra residents have relatively positive health outcomes. AreaSearch's analysis found mortality rates and health conditions largely align with national benchmarks. Common health issues are seen across both young and old age groups.

Approximately 50% (~2,113 people) have private health cover, compared to Greater Brisbane's 55.8% and the national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues affect 9.2% and asthma impacts 7.0% of residents. About 71.3% report no medical ailments, compared to Greater Brisbane's 69.2%. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. The area has 15.6% (664 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes above average, ranking in line with the general population nationally.

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

Darra has a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.8% of its population born overseas and 44.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in Darra is Christianity, accounting for 45.1% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented, comprising 9.6% compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (18.1%), Australian (17.5%), and Vietnamese (15.0%). These figures are lower than regional averages for English (26.8%) and Australian (23.2%), but significantly higher for Vietnamese (0.8%). Other ethnic groups with notable overrepresentation include Samoan (2.1% vs 0.9%), Polish (1.2% vs 0.5%), and Lebanese (1.1% vs 0.2%).

Darra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Darra's median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but younger than Australia's national average of 38 years. The 65-74 age group constitutes 9.8% of Darra's population compared to Greater Brisbane's figure. The 15-24 cohort makes up 11.4%. Between 2021 and the present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 8.3% to 9.8%, while the 75-84 cohort rose from 3.3% to 4.5%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort decreased from 17.5% to 14.9%. By 2041, population forecasts indicate significant changes in Darra's demographics. The 75-84 age group is projected to rise by 150 people (78%), from 191 to 342. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 0-4 age groups are expected to decrease in number.