Darra

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

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Darra is around 4,379. This reflects an increase of 281 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,098. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,365 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 787 persons per square kilometer, which is relatively inline with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. The primary driver for this growth was 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 a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections are adopted, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings inline with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections for each age cohort, released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Considering projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of national areas is expected. By 2041, the suburb of Darra is projected to grow by 503 persons, reflecting an increase of 11.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis, Darra averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 90 homes. So far in FY26, there have been 5 recorded approvals. Between FY21 and FY25, an average of 0.8 people moved to the area for each dwelling built. This indicates that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average construction value of new properties in Darra is $434,000, suggesting developers are focusing on the premium market. In FY26, commercial approvals totalling $34.2 million have been registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Recent construction comprises 25% detached dwellings and 75% townhouses or apartments, reflecting a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 89% houses. This change suggests decreasing availability of developable sites and reflects changing lifestyles and demand for more diverse, affordable housing options.

The estimated population per dwelling approval in Darra is 360 people, indicating a quiet development environment. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Darra is forecasted to gain 500 residents by 2041. Current development appears well-matched to future needs, supporting steady market conditions without extreme price pressure.

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, with key ones being 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. Its unemployment rate was 4.9% in the past year, with estimated employment growth of 4.3%. As of September 2025, 2,274 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%.

Workforce participation is lower at 66.8%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 70.7%. According to Census responses, 16.5% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation at 7.5%, compared to the regional average of 8.9%. The area functions as an employment hub with 2.0 workers per resident. In the 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.3% and labour force grew by 3.2%, causing unemployment to fall by 1.0 percentage points. This compares to Greater Brisbane where employment grew by 3.8%, labour force expanded by 3.3%, and unemployment fell by 0.5 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest Darra's employment should increase by 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to Darra's employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 1 July 2023 for financial year 2023, Darra had a median income among taxpayers of $49,737. The average level stood at $56,497 in Darra during this period. This was lower than the national average and compared to levels of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Darra would be approximately $54,666 (median) and $62,096 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Darra rank modestly, between the 28th and 38th percentiles. The data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 income bracket dominates with 35.9% of residents (1,572 people), aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 33.3%. Housing affordability pressures in Darra are 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Dwelling structure in Darra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Brisbane metro had 73.5% houses and 26.5% other dwellings. Home ownership in Darra was 25.8%, with the remainder mortgaged at 31.1% or rented at 43.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Darra was $1,500, below Brisbane metro's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Darra was $350, compared to Brisbane metro's $380. Nationally, Darra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents were less than the national figure of $375.

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 at 26.3%, slightly below the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational credentials are held by 30.7% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 9.9% and certificates at 20.8%.

Educational participation is high, with 30.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 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

Public transport analysis shows 31 active stops operating in Darra. These include a mix of train and bus services. There are 96 individual routes servicing these stops, collectively providing 3,142 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 265 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to Darra's residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode at 80%, while train accounts for 13%.

Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 16.5% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 448 trips per day across all routes, 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 align with national benchmarks. Common health issues are seen across all age groups.

Private health cover is low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2,171 people), compared to 55.8% in Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%. Mental health issues and asthma are most common, affecting 9.2 and 7.0% respectively. 71.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.2% in Greater Brisbane. Health outcomes among working-age residents are typical. Darra has 16.4% of residents aged 65 and over (718 people), higher than Greater Brisbane's 15.2%. Seniors' health outcomes are above average, aligning with national rankings for the general population.

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 dominant religion in Darra is Christianity, comprising 45.1% of the population. Buddhism is notably overrepresented in Darra, making up 9.6% of the population compared to the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are English at 18.1%, Australian at 17.5%, and Vietnamese at 15.0%. These figures differ significantly from regional averages: English is lower than the regional average of 26.8%, Australian is lower than 23.2%, and Vietnamese is substantially higher than 0.8%. There are also notable divergences in other ethnic groups, with Samoan at 2.1% compared to 0.9% regionally, Polish at 1.2% versus 0.5%, and Lebanese at 1.1% compared to 0.2%.

Darra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Darra's median age is nearly 37 years, closely matching Greater Brisbane's average of 36 and nearing Australia's median of 38. Compared to Greater Brisbane, Darra has a higher proportion of residents aged 65-74 (10.3%) but fewer residents aged 15-24 (11.4%). Between the 2021 Census and present, the 65-74 age group grew from 8.3% to 10.3%, while the 75-84 cohort increased from 3.3% to 4.8%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort declined from 17.5% to 13.4%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Darra's age profile. The 75-84 cohort is projected to grow by 80%, adding 168 residents to reach 379. Residents aged 65 and above are expected to drive 58% of population growth, highlighting demographic aging trends. Meanwhile, the 5-14 and 0-4 age cohorts are projected to experience population declines.