Darlington
A compact 0.29 sq km footprint supports 378 residents, giving Darlington a density of 1,291.9 people per sq km. Its median age of 35 sits 5 years below the national figure, while household income at the 63.2nd percentile is above the midpoint. Housing is mainly separate homes at 74.5%, and 85.4% of workers drive, pointing to a car-oriented setting. Compared with larger Singleton and nearby Wattle Ponds, Darlington is smaller and more tightly settled, with a mortgage-belt profile: 41.7% of homes have a mortgage and 29.5% are owned outright.
Population
378
Median Age
35.0
Household IncomeiMedian weekly household income (ABS Census)
$1,786/wk
DAs (12 months)iDevelopment Applications lodged in the past year
28
Darlington suits buyers seeking a conventional house-and-land format, although a current median sale price should be checked against recent settled transactions. The monthly mortgage benchmark is $1,621, while rent is $333 weekly; mortgage costs equal 21.0% of household income, above the 18.6% rent-to-income measure. Separate houses make up 74.5%, compared with 25.5% semi-detached dwellings. Three-bedroom homes account for 40.6% and four-plus-bedroom homes 36.2%, providing more family-oriented choice than apartment-focused markets.
For Buyers
Darlington suits buyers seeking a conventional house-and-land format, although a current median sale price should be checked against recent settled transactions. The monthly mortgage benchmark is $1,621, while rent is $333 weekly; mortgage costs equal 21.0% of household income, above the 18.6% rent-to-income measure. Separate houses make up 74.5%, compared with 25.5% semi-detached dwellings. Three-bedroom homes account for 40.6% and four-plus-bedroom homes 36.2%, providing more family-oriented choice than apartment-focused markets.
For Investors
Rental conditions are supported by a 28.8% renting share, $333 weekly rent and a 1.8% vacancy rate, which is lower than a loose rental market. Forecast rent growth of 22.4% adds to the income case, while 26 development matters in 12 months indicate ongoing activity that could gradually improve supply. Overseas migration is the primary growth driver, and the annual trend is 0.84%. Compared with areas facing abundant vacant stock, Darlington's low vacancy and established housing base may support steadier tenant demand, but investors should assess individual dwelling quality and rental comparables.
Development Activity
Total DAs
154
Last 12 Months
28
YoY ChangeiYear-over-year change in DA lodgements
+47.4%
Avg DA CostiAverage estimated cost per DA in the past year
N/A
Monthly DA Lodgements
DA Categories
Demographics
Darlington has 378 residents and a median age of 35, which is 5 years below the national age profile. The overseas-born share is 11.3%, or 10.3 percentage points below the national figure, while university attainment is 19.1%, 11 points lower nationally. English ancestry is recorded for 182 people, followed by Irish at 34 and Scottish at 27. Christianity accounts for 205 residents and no religion for 134. Average household size is 2.3, below the national result by 0.2, helping explain the prevalence of couples without children at 42.5%.
Age Distribution
Bedrooms
Dwelling Structure
74.5%
Houses
25.5%
Townhouse
0.0%
Apartment
Tenure
Darlington's housing mix is detached-dominant, with separate houses at 74.5% compared with 25.5% semi-detached dwellings. Mortgage holders represent 41.7% of households, higher than the 29.5% owned outright, while 28.8% rent. Three-bedroom dwellings account for 40.6% and four-plus-bedroom homes for 36.2%, so the stock is more family-sized than apartment-led markets. Mortgage repayments equal 21.0% of household income, above the 18.6% rent-to-income measure; the monthly mortgage benchmark is $1,621 against weekly rent of $333.
Mortgage / mo
$1,621
Rent / wkiMedian weekly rent for new bonds (April to June 2026), NSW Rental Bond Board (DCJ). Census 2021 median: $333.
$600
Bond data Jun 2026 · houses $640 · units $480
HH Size
2.3
Personal Income / wk
$796
Vacancy Ratei% of dwellings unoccupied on Census night (ABS 2021)
1.8%
Unoccupied
3
Rent / IncomeiMedian rent as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
18.6%
Mortgage / IncomeiMedian mortgage as % of household income. Over 30% = housing stress
21.0%
Community Profile
Ancestry
Household Composition
33.6%
Couples with children
42.5%
Couples, no children
22.1%
Single parent
113
Total families
Economy & Employment
Mining is Darlington's largest industry at 26.9%, employing 32 people, followed by healthcare at 12.6% and 15 people. Utilities and hospitality each contribute 7.6% and 9 people, while wholesale accounts for 6.7% and 8 people. Trades lead occupations with 42 workers, ahead of machinery and drivers at 36 and clerical or administration at 24. Unemployment is 5.0%, participation is 65.0% and full-time employment is 66.7%. The IEO and IRSAD both sit in decile 10, above most areas, while the IER is in decile 3, a lower result that suggests economic resources are less even than education and occupation measures.
Unemployment
5.0%
Labour Force
199
Unemployed
10
Source: ABS Census 2021
Socio-Economic Indexes (SEIFA)iABS index ranking suburbs from 1 (most disadvantaged) to 10 (most advantaged)
Full-time
66.7%
Part-time
25.4%
Participation
65.0%
Employed
189
Full-time and part-time are shares of the employed. Source: ABS Census 2021
Occupations
Top Industries
University
19.1%
Postgraduate
3.8%
Born Overseas
11.3%
Dwellings
157
Transport to Work
Darlington is practical for car-dependent households: 85.4% of residents drive to work and 11.5% work from home. Its 0.29 sq km area and 1,291.9 people per sq km create a compact setting, while the IRSAD and IEO both rank in decile 10, above most communities on broad advantage measures. The IER decile of 3 is lower than those results, so household experience may vary. Families should confirm the number of nearby schools, enrolment zones and public, Catholic or independent sector options against the exact address. Use current NSW Police incident information and inspect streets at different times before making a safety decision.
Drive
85.4%
Public Transport
N/A
Walk / Cycle
N/A
Work from Home
11.5%
Growth Outlook
Darlington's growth outlook is measured rather than rapid, with an annual trend of 0.84% and population change across the wider area of 13.0% over 10 years. Overseas migration is the primary driver, while the shift trajectory is Mixed. Rent growth of 22.4% and real income growth of 13.5% provide support, but the current gentrification score is 18 at the Not gentrifying stage. A separate shift score of 31 is labelled Early signs, indicating some change without the stronger signals seen in faster-moving precincts. This points to gradual demand growth rather than a sharp transformation.
National Ranking iPercentile rank among ~15,000 AU suburbs. 90% = higher than 90% of suburbs
How Darlington compares to ~15,000 Australian suburbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darlington a good suburb to live in?
Darlington can suit households wanting compact, house-based living near Singleton, with 378 residents, a median age of 35 and 74.5% separate houses. Car dependence is high at 85.4%, while mortgage costs are 21.0% of household income, so it is better suited to drivers and buyers comfortable with a mortgage-led market.
What is the median house price in Darlington?
A verified median house price is not stated. Useful affordability markers are $333 weekly rent, a $1,621 monthly mortgage benchmark, 29.5% of homes owned outright and 41.7% mortgaged. Compare recent settled sales with Singleton and nearby Wattle Ponds before setting a purchase budget.
What schools are in Darlington?
School access should be checked against the exact address and enrolment zone rather than assumed from the suburb boundary. Families can compare nearby Singleton-area public, Catholic and independent options, with 85.4% of workers driving and 11.5% working from home indicating that car access is important for school and daily travel.
Is Darlington safe?
Use current NSW Police incident information and inspect the street at different times before deciding. Darlington has 378 residents across 0.29 sq km, and 85.4% of workers drive, but population density and commuting patterns are not a safety rating. Compare the specific street with nearby Singleton locations when assessing a property.
Is Darlington good for property investment?
Darlington has a 28.8% renting share, $333 weekly rent and a 1.8% vacancy rate, which is a supportive combination compared with higher-vacancy markets. Forecast rent growth is 22.4%, and 26 development matters in 12 months signal activity. Investors should still check dwelling condition, local sales and tenant demand before proceeding.
How is Darlington's population changing?
The suburb has 378 residents today, while population change across the wider area is 13.0% over 10 years. Growth is forecast at 0.84% annually and is driven primarily by overseas migration. The trajectory is Mixed, with a gentrification score of 18 at the Not gentrifying stage, suggesting gradual change rather than rapid expansion.
What development is occurring in Darlington?
There were 26 development matters in the latest 12-month period, including a dwelling house, alterations to an existing building and a semi-detached dwelling. One sample application involved 1 dwelling. This level of activity is meaningful for a compact suburb, but buyers should verify approvals, timing and the effect on nearby streets.
How to read these comparisons
Phrases like "above the national average" reference the unweighted median across Australian suburbs with more than 1,000 residents, not population-weighted national figures. Suburb-level medians are more useful for ranking suburbs against each other; ABS census headlines are population-weighted (so dominated by Sydney and Melbourne) and can read very differently.
Current baseline (refreshed 2026-05-10): median age 40, university-educated 30.1%, born overseas 21.6%, average household size 2.5 people.
Data sources: ABS 2021 Census (demographics, income, tenure), state education open registers (school locations), state Crime Statistics agencies (offences), council DA portals (development applications).
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