Darley (Vic.)

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Analyzing ABS demographic updates for the wider region alongside new addresses verified by Districts since the Census, the suburb of Darley has a calculated population of approximately 9,694 in May 2026. This indicates a rise of 504 individuals (5.5%) from the 2021 Census, which recorded 9,190 residents. This shift is derived from the resident population of 9,624, calculated by Districts using the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 275 validated new addresses added since the Census date. Such a population size results in a density of 359 persons per square kilometer, indicating low density and room for potential expansion. Interstate migration was the main contributor to these demographic increases, accounting for about 48.0% of the total population growth, with natural increases and overseas migration also playing positive roles.

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The suburb of Darley has a qualified labor force with significant representation in essential services, an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and annual job growth estimated at 0.8% according to Districts regional aggregations. In March 2026, 5,335 local residents were employed, and the unemployment rate was 0.7% lower than the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%. Workforce participation is typical, sitting at 72.6% compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census figures indicate that a moderate 19.7% of the working population operated from home, though this may have been influenced by pandemic-related restrictions.

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ATO records for the 2023 financial year show that the suburb of Darley has a median taxpayer income of $55,396 and an average income of $69,851. These figures are slightly higher than the national median, though they track below the Greater Melbourne median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. Adjusting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since the 2023 financial year, estimated figures for March 2026 would be around $60,725 for the median and $76,571 for the average. According to the 2021 Census, individual, family, and household incomes align with the 57th percentile nationwide. The income distribution reveals that 34.2% of residents (3,315 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring the broader region where 32.8% fall into the same bracket. Residents retain of their income after meeting housing costs, and the area is positioned in the th decile of the SEIFA index for income.

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Data from the latest Census shows that the housing stock in the suburb of Darley consists of 93.2% houses and 6.8% other dwelling types, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to the Greater Melbourne profile of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. The home ownership rate in the suburb of Darley stands at 28.8%, slightly behind the metropolitan average, with mortgaged properties making up 54.0% of homes and rentals accounting for 17.2%. The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,733 is notably lower than the Melbourne metropolitan average of $2,000, and the median weekly rent of $320 is also below the metropolitan average of $390. On a national level, mortgage costs are lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and weekly rents are considerably below the national figure of $375.

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Families make up the vast majority of local households at 80.0%, consisting of couples with children at 39.7%, couples without children at 26.3%, and single-parent homes at 13.1%. The remaining 20.0% are non-family households, with single-person households accounting for 18.3% and group housing representing 1.7%. The median household size of 2.8 people exceeds the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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The suburb of Darley shows lower rates of university completion, with 17.9% of residents holding a tertiary degree compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 37.0%. Among these qualifications, bachelor degrees represent 12.3%, postgraduate degrees account for 3.1%, and graduate diplomas make up 2.5%. Vocational and technical education is common, with 40.9% of the population aged 15+ holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas at 11.9% and certificates at 29.0%.

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Public transport infrastructure in the suburb of Darley features 27 active stops. These facilities are served by 2 distinct transit routes, which support a total of 759 weekly passenger journeys. Access to transport is rated as good, with residents living an average of 395 meters from their nearest stop. Because of the area's residential nature, most workers travel outside the suburb, with private cars serving as the primary mode of travel for 94% of commuters. Household car ownership stands at an average of 1.9 vehicles, exceeding the regional average. About 19.7% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census figures which may reflect pandemic-era conditions.

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Public health metrics indicate clear health challenges in the suburb of Darley, based on Districts assessments of mortality and chronic illness rates across young and old demographics. The rate of private health insurance coverage is relatively high, encompassing approximately 54% of the population (~5,277 residents), which compares to 56.7% in Greater Melbourne.

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The suburb of Darley exhibits lower cultural diversity compared to regional averages, with 85.6% of residents born in Australia, 90.7% holding citizenship, and 92.2% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 45.8% of the community. The most distinct variance is in the category of Other religions, which represents 1.3% of the population, compared to 2.3% in Greater Melbourne.

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With a median age of 37, the suburb of Darley matches the Greater Melbourne median of 37 and is similar to the Australian median of 38 years. Children aged 5 to 14 make up a substantial share of the population at 14.3%, while young adults aged 25 to 34 are less common at 12.2%. Since 2021, the 35 to 44 age bracket has increased from 13.7% to 15.4% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 3.3% to 5.0%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 age bracket declined from 13.3% to 12.2%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic forecasts project major shifts in the local age structure. The to cohort is expected to grow by ( people), rising to from whereas the to age group is projected to grow by just ( people).

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Darley currently has an estimated 581 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 376 children aged 0-2 and 251 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. though population forecasts indicate future growth, with an anticipated increase of 2% by 2041 (to approximately 592 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 1,050. Birth rates in the area have averaged 13.9 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 20% of areas assessed nationally).