Parkes (NSW)

Parkes is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Parkes's population was around 11,275 as of November 2025. This reflected an increase of 356 people, representing a 3.3% growth since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 10,919 people. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,000 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 85 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population resulted in a density ratio of 48 persons per square kilometer. Parkes's growth exceeded that of its SA3 area (0.8%) and SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopted ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilised NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group were applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below Australia's non-metropolitan median was expected, with the area projected to expand by 803 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.7% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Parkes according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Parkes has averaged approximately 43 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling 215 homes. As of FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. Despite population decline in the area, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. The average value for new homes being built is $367,000.

This financial year, $38.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, indicating robust local business investment. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Parkes exhibits moderately higher building activity, approximately 38.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New building activity comprises 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current housing pattern of 88.0% houses.

This suggests diminishing developable land availability and responds to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 293 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Parkes is expected to grow by 528 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Parkes has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely impacting the area. Notable projects include Parkes Special Activation Precinct, Parkes National Logistics Hub Infrastructure Extension, Middleton Urban Masterplan, and Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre Redevelopment. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Despite maintaining a low unemployment rate of 3.6%, Parkes has experienced recent job losses, resulting in a below average employment performance ranking when compared nationally

Parkes has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with prominent essential services sectors. The unemployment rate is 3.6%. As of September 2025, 5,648 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 66.2%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Only 8.5% of residents work from home, according to Census data, considering Covid-19 lockdown impacts. Key industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and mining. Mining is particularly strong, with an employment share 3.9 times the regional level.

Conversely, health care & social assistance has lower representation at 13.2%, compared to the regional average of 16.9%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by Census data comparing working population to resident population. In the 12-month period ending in May-25, labour force decreased by 3.6% and employment fell by 5.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's 0.5% employment contraction, 0.1% labour force fall, and 0.4% unemployment increase. Jobs and Skills Australia forecasts national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parkes' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The median income of taxpayers in Parkes SA2 was $53,484 according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for the financial year 2023. The average income stood at $62,998 during this period. These figures compare with Rest of NSW's median and average incomes of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% since financial year 2023, estimated median income for Parkes SA2 as of September 2025 is approximately $58,223, with average income projected at around $68,580. Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Parkes rank modestly, between the 27th and 34th percentiles. Income distribution shows that 30.2% of individuals (3,405 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, consistent with surrounding regions at 29.9%. Housing costs allow for retention of 86.8% of income, but disposable income ranks below average at the 31st percentile.

Parkes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Parkes' dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.5% houses and 11.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkes was at 34.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.1% and rented ones at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent figure was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Parkes' mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents substantially below the national figure of $375.

Parkes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 66.6% of all households, including 25.5% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 2.6%. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average in the Rest of NSW.

Parkes faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.3%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (31.6%). Educational participation is high at 28.9%, comprising 11.4% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 28.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Parkes has 499 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 40 routes providing 683 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents have excellent accessibility to transport, with an average distance of 126 meters to the nearest stop. The area is mainly residential, with most commuters traveling outward. Cars remain the primary mode of transport at 93%, while walking accounts for 5%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 8.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 97 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. A map accompanies this data, displaying the 100 nearest stops to the location's centrepoint.

Health performance in Parkes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Parkes faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 50% (~5,682 people) of Parkes' total population has private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.7%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.7% and 9.7% of residents respectively. However, 62.8% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Rest of NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. Parkes has 19.9% (2,243 people) of its residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.0% in Rest of NSW. Senior health outcomes present some challenges but align broadly with national rankings.

The latest Census data sees Parkes placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Parkes has a cultural diversity below the average, with 90.8% citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion, accounting for 68.2%, compared to 55.9% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.0%), English (31.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.1%).

Notably, Irish representation is higher at 8.0% in Parkes versus 8.8% regionally, French remains the same at 0.4%, and South African is slightly higher at 0.3% compared to 0.2%.

Parkes's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Parkes is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Parkes has a higher percentage of residents aged 25-34 (13.5%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of Parkes' population aged 25-34 increased from 11.9% to 13.5%, while the percentage of those aged 5-14 decreased from 14.2% to 13.2%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parkes' age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 21% (315 people), reaching 1,835 from 1,519. Conversely, the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.