Darra

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

The population of Darra, as estimated based on ABS updates and AreaSearch validations, is around 4,550 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 452 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,098. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimated resident population of 4,321 in June 2024, along with 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 818 persons per square kilometer, which is comparable to averages seen across other locations assessed by AreaSearch. Darra's growth rate of 11.0% since the 2021 Census exceeds both national (8.9%) and state averages, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 67.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in June 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are used, released in 2023 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings aligned with ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort. Considering projected demographic shifts, Darra is expected to grow by just below the median of national areas. According to aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb's population is expected to increase by 505 persons to reach 2041, reflecting a total increase of 7.3% over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis using ABS building approval data from statistical areas, Darra averaged approximately 22 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 110 homes. As of FY-26 so far, three approvals have been recorded. Between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of 0.7 people moved to Darra per year for each new dwelling built, indicating that supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand. The average construction value of new properties in Darra is around $410,000, aligning with regional patterns.

This financial year has seen $75.8 million in commercial approvals registered, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Recent construction comprises 19.0% detached dwellings and 81.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing composition of 89.0% houses reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Darra shows growth area characteristics with around 163 people per dwelling approval.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Darra is forecasted to gain approximately 333 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting population growth beyond current projections.

Darra 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 has identified 21 projects that could impact the area. Notable 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 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.

Darra shows employment indicators that trail behind approximately 70% of regions assessed across Australia

Darra has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. The unemployment rate is 5.2%.

Employment stability has been relatively consistent over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 2,227 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.1% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.1%. Workforce participation is lower at 62.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade.

Manufacturing is particularly strong with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.5% versus the regional average of 8.9%. There are approximately 2.0 workers for every resident, indicating Darra 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 0.2% while labour force grew by 0.1%, keeping unemployment broadly stable. This contrasts with Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 4.4%, labour force expanded by 4.0%, and unemployment fell by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts, released in Sep-22, project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Darra's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, though these are simple weighted extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Darra had a median income among taxpayers of $49,811 in financial year 2022. The average income stood at $56,346 during the same period. Both figures were lower than national averages of $55,645 and $70,520 respectively for Greater Brisbane. Based on Wage Price Index growth from financial year 2022 to September 2025, estimated median income is approximately $56,780 and average income is around $64,229. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Darra ranked modestly between the 28th and 38th percentiles. The majority of residents (35.9%, or 1,633 people) fell within the $1,500 - $2,999 income bracket, similar to the surrounding region where this group also represented 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures in Darra were severe, 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 above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure in Darra, as evaluated at the latest Census, consisted of 88.8% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In Brisbane metro, all dwellings were houses. Home ownership in Darra was 25.8%, with mortgaged dwellings at 31.1% and rented dwellings at 43.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Darra was $1,500, aligning with the Brisbane metro average. The median weekly rent in Darra was $350, while Brisbane metro had no recorded figures for rents or mortgages. Nationally, Darra's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were less than the national figure of $375.

Darra features high concentrations of group households, with a median household size of 2.7 people

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.

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

University qualification levels in Darra are at 26.3%, slightly below Greater Brisbane's average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (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. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Darra State School serve 738 students collectively, providing balanced educational opportunities (ICSEA: 1026). Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. The area has a strong educational infrastructure with 16.2 school places per 100 residents.

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

Darra has 31 operational public transport stops, offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 79 different routes, facilitating a total of 3,177 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy good accessibility to these stops, with an average distance of 265 meters to the nearest one.

The service frequency is 453 trips per day across all routes, translating to around 102 weekly trips per stop.

The level of general health in Darra is notably higher than the national average with prevalence of common health conditions quite low across both younger and older age cohorts

Darra demonstrates low prevalence of common health conditions across both younger and older age cohorts. Approximately half of Darra's total population (~2,253 people) has private health cover, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in Darra, affecting 9.2% of residents, followed by asthma at 7.0%. A majority of residents (71.3%) report being completely clear of medical ailments. In comparison, Greater Brisbane has a lower percentage of residents without any medical conditions. Darra has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.6% (709 people), compared to the national average. Health outcomes among seniors in Darra are above average and largely align with the general population's health profile.

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. Notably, Buddhism is overrepresented in Darra, comprising 9.6% compared to None% across Greater Brisbane.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English (18.1%), Australian (17.5%), and Vietnamese (15.0%). There are also significant differences in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Samoan is notably overrepresented at 2.1%, Polish at 1.2%, and Lebanese at 1.1%.

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 the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group comprises 16.8% of Darra's population compared to Greater Brisbane, while the 15-24 cohort makes up 11.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has increased from 8.3% to 10.0%, and the 35-44 cohort has risen from 15.2% to 16.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 age group has decreased from 17.5% to 14.0%. By 2041, Darra's population is projected to see substantial demographic changes. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to rise significantly, growing by 182 people (91%) from 200 to 383. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 62% of total population growth, reflecting Darra's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 15-24 and 5-14 age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.