Darra (Qld)

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Based on reviews of ABS demographic updates for the surrounding region, alongside new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the resident population of the suburb of Darra is estimated to be approximately 4,262 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 164 people (4.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 4,098 people. This shift is determined from the resident population of 4,262, calculated by Districts through analysing the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) and an extra 29 validated new addresses since the Census date. Such a population count results in a density ratio of 766 persons per square kilometer, which aligns relatively closely with averages observed across other areas evaluated by Districts. Growth in the local population was mainly propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 67.0% of the overall population gains in recent times.

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The suburb of Darra possesses a skilled labor pool, with a strong presence in essential services sectors, an unemployment rate of 4.8%, and an estimated job growth rate of 10.4% over the preceding year, according to Districts' aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,343 local residents are employed, with the unemployment rate tracking 0.5% higher than the Greater Brisbane rate of 4.3%, while workforce participation matches the Greater Brisbane average of 70.4%. According to Census records, a moderate 16.5% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions should be taken into account.

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Based on Districts' compilation of the most recent postcode-level ATO statistics released for financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Darra recorded a median income of $49,737 and an average income of $56,497. This sits below the national average and compares to figures of $58,236 and $72,799 across Greater Brisbane, respectively. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 11.36% since financial year 2023, current estimates would stand at approximately $55,387 (median) and $62,915 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census records, household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Darra all rank moderately, placing between the 28th and 38th percentiles. The figures show that the $1,500 - 2,999 range is the most common, accounting for 35.9% of residents (1,530 people), which matches the broader region where this cohort similarly accounts for . Pressures on housing affordability are significant, with only of income remaining, which ranks at the th percentile.

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Residential dwelling types in the suburb of Darra, as measured at the most recent Census, consisted of 88.8% detached houses and 11.3% other home types (semi-detached, units, 'other' dwellings), compared to the Brisbane metro distribution of 73.5% houses and 26.5% other home types. At the same time, the rate of home ownership in the suburb of Darra was consistent with the Brisbane metro rate, standing at 25.8%, with the remaining properties either under mortgage (31.1%) or occupied by tenants (43.1%). The median monthly mortgage payment for the area was significantly lower than the Brisbane metro average at $1,500, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $350, compared to Brisbane metro rates of $1,863 and $380 respectively. Nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Darra are notably lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national benchmark of $375.

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Family households represent the majority of homes at 70.3%, consisting of 31.3% couples with children, 21.3% couples without children, and 14.7% single parent households. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.7% of homes, with single person households representing 25.1% and group households making up 5.1% of the total. The median household occupancy of 2.7 people is slightly larger than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.6.

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At 26.3%, the proportion of residents with university qualifications in the suburb of Darra is slightly lower than the Greater Brisbane average of 30.5%, with this small difference pointing to a reasonable level of educational competitiveness. Bachelor degrees represent the most common qualification at 18.7%, followed by postgraduate degrees (5.5%) and graduate diplomas (2.1%). Vocational and technical training is highly represented, with 30.7% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (9.9%) and certificates (20.8%).

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Analysis of public transit options indicates there are 31 active passenger transit stops located within the suburb of Darra, consisting of a combination of train stations and bus stops. These transit points are serviced by 96 distinct routes, which together provide 3,142 weekly passenger journeys. Transit accessibility is classified as good, with residents generally situated 265 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the area is mostly residential, the majority of working residents travel outward for employment—the private car remains the primary mode of transit at 80%, while 13% travel by train. Household vehicle ownership averages 1.3 cars per home. Approximately 16.5% of residents work from home (based on the 2021 Census; this may reflect COVID-19 related conditions).

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Health indicators demonstrate relatively positive trends for residents of the suburb of Darra, with Districts' evaluation of mortality indices and medical conditions showing patterns that broadly track national benchmarks, along with a typical rate of standard medical conditions observed across younger and older demographics, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is relatively low at approximately 50% of the population (~2,113 people). This compares to 55.8% for Greater Brisbane and a national average of 55.7%.

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The suburb of Darra registers a high level of cultural diversity, with 41.8% of the population born outside Australia and 44.5% communicating in a language other than English at home. The predominant religion in the suburb of Darra is Christianity, representing 45.1% of residents. However, the most distinct religious concentration is in Buddhism, which accounts for 9.6% of the population, which is considerably higher than the Greater Brisbane average of 2.0%.

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The median age in the suburb of Darra is 36 years, matching the Greater Brisbane average of 36 while being slightly below the national average of 38 years. The 65 - 74 age bracket is highly represented at 9.8% compared to Greater Brisbane, whereas the 15 - 24 age group is less common at 11.4%. In the years since 2021, the 65 to 74 demographic has increased from 8.3% to 9.8% of the population, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 3.3% to 4.5%. On the other hand, the 25 to 34 age bracket has fallen from 17.5% to 14.9%. Demographic projections for point to notable changes for the suburb of Darra. The to age bracket is anticipated to rise substantially, growing by people () from to . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of the total population growth, showing the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, both the to and to age groups will experience decreases.

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Darra currently has an estimated 230 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 152 children aged 0-2 and 101 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 11% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 10% by 2041 (to approximately 206 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 427. Birth rates in the area have averaged 11.1 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a moderate rate (within the middle tier nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.