ABS 2021 Census · Updated 31 March 2026
Darkes Forest is a coastal suburb in New South Wales, Australia, with a population of approximately 95, making it a boutique locality. Located approximately 47 km from the Sydney CBD, Darkes Forest is a coastal area in New South Wales. The median household income is $136,448 AUD per year (ABS 2021 Census).
Strong household incomes in Darkes Forest underpin solid property demand. The coastal setting provides a lifestyle factor that underpins property values.
Map shows Darkes Forest, New South Wales, Australia.
Official Australia Post postcode for Darkes Forest. A postcode may cover multiple suburbs.
Australia Post Postcode Finder →Usual resident population at census night. Source: ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.
ABS Census Data →Weekly median rent for occupied private dwellings. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Live rental data integration coming soon.
State Rental Authority →Annual median household income (before tax) for all households. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Straight-line distance from the suburb centroid (ABS 2021 SAL geography) to the nearest capital city CBD. Actual driving distance will be longer.
Estimated 1 school within or near this suburb based on ABS 2021 data.
Find schools near Darkes Forest on My School →Estimated 1 park and green spaces near this suburb. Source: ABS 2021 data.
Monthly median mortgage repayment for households currently paying off a mortgage. Source: ABS 2021 Census.
ABS Census Data →Proportion of separate houses vs units, townhouses, and other dwelling types. Source: ABS 2021 Census. Relevant for investors assessing rental demand mix.
ABS Census Data →Coastal lifestyle is a strong draw for Darkes Forest, supporting both long-term rental demand and holiday letting potential. Seaside suburbs in New South Wales consistently attract interstate migration and lifestyle buyers. The median rent of $488/week (ABS 2021) indicates a mid-range rental market. Owner-occupiers face a median mortgage repayment of $1,326/month. A median household income of $136,448/year supports premium property values and indicates a well-employed resident base.
A buy-and-hold approach in Darkes Forest could work well with careful property selection and a longer time horizon.
Rental returns in Darkes Forest are attractive relative to purchase prices, supporting positive cash flow.
Limited buyer depth in Darkes Forest makes flip strategies higher-risk — consider rental conversion instead.
Run the numbers on a Darkes Forest property
Scenario comparison, cash flow analysis, tax modelling, and PDF export — all in one place.
Create free account →Growth in Darkes Forest through 2026 will likely be steady rather than spectacular, tracking the wider market. Tenants in Darkes Forest have options — presenting well-maintained properties is key to minimising vacancy. Darkes Forest offers measured appeal for investors willing to look beyond headline metrics.
Darkes Forest is a coastal area in New South Wales with a population of 95. The median rent is $488/week and the median household income is $136,448/year (ABS 2021 Census). As with any property investment, conduct thorough due diligence on current listings, vacancy rates, and local infrastructure plans before committing.
Key demand drivers in Darkes Forest include lifestyle appeal and proximity to the coast. 73% of dwellings are separate houses. The area has approximately 1 schools and 1 parks nearby.
According to the ABS 2021 Census, Darkes Forest has a population of approximately 95. For historical population trends and intercensal estimates, visit the ABS Census Data Explorer at abs.gov.au.
Darkes Forest is approximately 47 km straight-line distance from the Sydney CBD (calculated from ABS 2021 suburb centroid coordinates). Road travel times will vary; check current mapping services for up-to-date routes.