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 Nov 2025, Darra's population is estimated at around 4,377 people. This reflects an increase of 279 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 4,098 people. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population as 4,365 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release (June 2024), along with an additional 26 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 787 persons per square kilometer, aligning with averages seen across locations assessed by AreaSearch. Darra's growth rate of 6.8% since census positions it within 2.9 percentage points of the national average (9.7%), indicating competitive growth fundamentals. 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 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 based on 2021 data. However, these state projections do not provide age category splits, so AreaSearch applies proportional growth weightings in line with 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, with Darra projected to grow by 505 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.6% over the 17 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 has averaged approximately 18 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 90 homes. As of FY26, 5 approvals have been recorded. The average population growth per dwelling built in the area between FY21 and FY25 is 0.8 people per year. This suggests that new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts.

The average expected construction cost value of new properties being developed is $434,000, indicating a focus on the premium market with high-end developments. In FY26, $34.2 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Recent construction comprises 25.0% detached dwellings and 75.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition of 89.0% houses. This skew toward compact living offers affordable entry pathways and attracts downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers.

The estimated population density in Darra is 360 people per dwelling approval, reflecting its quiet, low activity development environment. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate forecasts Darra to gain 506 residents through to 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

Twenty-one infrastructure projects have been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting the area. 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 4.9% in the past year, with an estimated employment growth of 4.3%.

As of September 2025, there are 2,271 residents employed, while the unemployment rate is 0.9% higher than Greater Brisbane's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation is lower at 62.1%, compared to Greater Brisbane's 64.5%. The dominant employment sectors among Darra residents include health care & social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manufacturing has a particularly strong presence with an employment share of 1.7 times the regional level.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 7.5% compared to the regional average of 8.9%. There are approximately 2.0 workers for every resident in Darra, indicating it functions as an employment hub hosting more jobs than residents and attracting workers from surrounding areas. Over a 12-month period ending in September 2025, employment increased by 4.3% while the labour force grew by 3.2%, causing the unemployment rate 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. State-level data up to 25-November shows Queensland employment contracted slightly by 0.01% (losing 1,210 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.2%, broadly in line with the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that national employment is expected to expand by 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 approximately 6.2% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending June 2023 indicates Darra 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 9.91% from financial year ending June 2023 to September 2025, estimated median income in Darra would be approximately $54,666 and average income $62,096. According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Darra rank modestly, between the 28th and 38th percentiles. The income bracket of $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 35.9% of residents (1,571 people), similar to the surrounding region at 33.3%. Income 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

Dwelling structure in Darra, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.8% houses and 11.3% other dwellings such as semi-detached units, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. Home ownership level was 25.8%, with 31.1% of dwellings mortgaged and 43.1% rented. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,500, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $350. Nationally, Darra's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, as reported on 24th June 2021, while rents were less than the national figure of $375, also reported on the same date.

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 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 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% 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, providing a total of 3,142 weekly passenger trips.

Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically located 265 meters from the nearest stop. Service frequency averages 448 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 101 weekly trips per individual 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 a lower prevalence of common health conditions than average across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~2170 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues are the most common medical condition in the area, impacting 9.2% of residents, followed by asthma at 7.0%. A significant majority, 71.3%, report being completely clear of medical ailments, which is higher than the 0% reported across Greater Brisbane. The area has a population where 15.6% are aged 65 and over (682 people). Health outcomes among seniors in Darra are above average and broadly 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 dominant religion in Darra is Christianity, accounting for 45.1% of the population. Buddhism, however, is significantly overrepresented in Darra at 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%). Notably, Samoan (2.1%), Polish (1.2%), and Lebanese (1.1%) ethnicities are also overrepresented in Darra compared to the regional averages of none for each group.

Darra's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Darra's median age is 36 years, equal to Greater Brisbane's but slightly younger than the national average of 38 years. The 35-44 age group makes up 16.8% of Darra's population, higher than Greater Brisbane's percentage, while the 15-24 cohort comprises 11.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 65-74 age group has grown from 8.3% to 10.0%, and the 35-44 cohort increased 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 forecasted to see significant demographic shifts. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, with an increase of 190 people (99%) from 192 to 383. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 59% of total population growth, indicative of Darra's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both 0-4 and 25-34 age groups are expected to decrease in numbers.