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Darling Downs

WA 6122 • Greater Perth

1,591
Population (2021)
$128,960
Median Household Income
9.82 km²
Area
$400/wk
Median Rent
Semi-RuralFamily-FriendlyEstablishedQuiet

About Darling Downs

Darling Downs is a semi-rural locality in Perth's south-eastern corridor, situated within the Serpentine-Jarrahdale Shire approximately 45 kilometres from the Perth CBD. Covering nearly 10 square kilometres at a low elevation, the area forms part of the Greater Perth statistical region and retains a spacious, rural character that attracts families and lifestyle-seekers. With a population of 1,591 and a median age of 39, residents enjoy generous household incomes — the median household income sits around $2,480 per week — reflecting the appeal of acreage living within reach of metropolitan Perth.

Darling Downs suits families and owner-occupiers who value space, quiet streets, and a strong sense of community away from the urban fringe. The surrounding Serpentine-Jarrahdale region offers natural attractions including Serpentine National Park, the Darling Range, and local equestrian and agricultural pursuits. Essential services and shopping are accessible in nearby Byford and Mundijong, with Armadale providing broader retail and transport connections. The area is predominantly car-dependent, with English and Australian ancestry forming the backbone of its diverse yet community-focused population.

Darling Downs falls under postcode 6122 and is governed by Serpentine-Jarrahdale Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Darling Range electorate.

📰 Featured In

💰 Top 50 Suburbs in Western Australia by Median Household Income

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6122
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Federal Electorate
Burt
State Electorate
Darling Range
Type
Rural
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-32.19°, 115.99°
Statistical Area
Greater Perth
Area
9.82 km²
Elevation
39m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$400
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,172
Avg Household Size
3 people
Median Age
39 years

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Limited local services — Byford / Armadale 15-25 min

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
45 km
By Train
No direct train service; drive to Armadale then Armadale Line to Perth (~60 min total)
By Car (Peak)
50-70 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
40-50 min

🛣️ Car essential; South Western Highway connects to Kwinana Freeway for CBD access

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

Darling Downs is a rural locality with no walkable retail or services; a car is essential for daily needs

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,200
Census 2021
1,591
▲ 32.6% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$35,048
Personal Income 2021
$50,388
▲ 43.8% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$50,388 / yr
$969/wk
Household
$128,960 / yr
$2480/wk
Family
$137,280 / yr
$2640/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,160
Born Overseas 393

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 145
  • 2. New Zealand 56
  • 3. India 24
  • 4. South Africa 24
  • 5. Netherlands 22
  • 6. Scotland 18
  • 7. Canada 9
  • 8. Germany 8
  • 9. Zimbabwe 8
  • 10. Ireland 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 730
Australian 598
Scottish 149
Irish 139
Dutch 124
Italian 67
German 44
South African 38
Indian 31
Australian Aboriginal 25

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

728
Both parents born in Australia
562
Both parents born overseas
247
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
47.7%
No Religion
44.7%
Hinduism
1.0%
Islam
0.7%
Buddhism
0.6%
Sikhism
0.6%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
97 (6.1%)
5-14 years
224 (14.1%)
15-19 years
96 (6.0%)
20-24 years
102 (6.4%)
25-34 years
184 (11.6%)
35-44 years
190 (11.9%)
45-54 years
226 (14.2%)
55-64 years
237 (14.9%)
65-74 years
154 (9.7%)
75-84 years
53 (3.3%)
85+ years
10 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Darling Downs known for? +

Darling Downs is known for its semi-rural, acreage lifestyle on Perth's south-eastern edge, offering spacious properties and proximity to natural areas including Serpentine National Park and the Darling Range escarpment.

How far is Darling Downs from Perth CBD? +

Darling Downs is approximately 45 kilometres south-east of the Perth CBD, typically a 40–70 minute drive depending on traffic conditions.

Does Darling Downs have public transport? +

Public transport options in Darling Downs are limited. There is no rail service directly to the suburb; residents typically drive to Armadale to access the Armadale train line into Perth.

What is the population of Darling Downs? +

According to the 2021 Census, Darling Downs has a population of 1,591, with an average household size of 3 people, reflecting its family-oriented character.

Is Darling Downs a good place to live? +

Darling Downs appeals to families and lifestyle seekers who want acreage or semi-rural living within a reasonable distance of Perth, though a car is essential and the area lacks walkable local services.

What is the postcode for Darling Downs? +

The postcode for Darling Downs, WA is 6122.

What is the average income in Darling Downs? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Darling Downs is about $969 per week (around $50,400 per year). The median household income is $2,480 per week and the median family income is $2,640 per week.

What is the age profile of Darling Downs? +

The median age in Darling Downs is 39. The largest age group is 55–64 (237 residents, around 15%). Around 26% of residents are under 20 and about 14% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Darling Downs? +

In Darling Downs, the median weekly rent is $400, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $2,172 (2021 Census).