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 10,919 people as of May 2026. This figure reflects an increase from the 2021 Census count of 10,919 people. The growth is inferred from ABS data showing an estimated resident population of 10,998 in June 2025 and an additional 92 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 46 persons per square kilometer. Parkes's population grew by 0.8% between the 2021 Census and May 2026, exceeding the SA3 area's growth rate of -0.6%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 76.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. Based on projected demographic shifts, Parkes is expected to expand by 753 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.8% over the 16-year period.

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 so far, there have been 6 recorded approvals. 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 demonstrates moderately higher building activity, 38.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, while preserving reasonable buyer options and sustaining existing property demand. Regarding dwelling types, new building activity shows 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% medium and high-density housing, marking a significant shift from the current 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 744 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 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 16 projects likely to impact the area. Key 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.

Parkes has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Parkes has a diverse workforce with both white and blue collar jobs, prominent essential services sectors, and an unemployment rate of 4.1% as of December 2025. In this month, 5,610 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% higher than Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%. The workforce participation rate in Parkes is 66.3%, exceeding Regional NSW's rate of 60.5%.

According to Census data, only 8.5% of residents work from home. Key industries of employment include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and mining. Mining stands out with an employment share 3.9 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance has a lower representation at 13.2% compared to the regional average of 16.9%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the difference between Census working population and resident population. In the 12-month period ending in December 2025, Parkes' labour force decreased by 2.5%, with a corresponding 4.1% decline in employment, leading to a rise in unemployment rate of 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW where employment contracted by 1.2%, the labour force fell by 0.8%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that while national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Parkes' employment mix indicates a potential local employment increase of 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localized population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Parkes SA2's income level is lower than average nationally according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Parkes SA2 is $53,484 and the average income stands at $62,998. These figures compare to Regional NSW's median of $52,390 and average of $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates suggest approximately $59,004 (median) and $69,499 (average) as of March 2026. Census data indicates household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Parkes, between the 27th and 34th percentiles. Distribution data shows that the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.2% of the community (3,324 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 86.8% retained, however disposable income sits 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

Dwelling structure in Parkes, as evaluated at the latest Census held on 28 August 2016, comprised 88.5% houses and 11.4% other dwellings such as semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings. In comparison, Regional NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings during the same period. Home ownership in Parkes was at 34.9%, with mortgaged properties at 34.1% and rented dwellings at 31.0%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Parkes was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733, while the median weekly rent figure was $260 compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Parkes's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were 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 comprise the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households making up 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the Regional NSW average.

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%. This disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common, at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.1% and certificates at 31.6%.

Educational participation is 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. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 126 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car remains the dominant mode at 93%, while 5% walk to their destinations. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 8.5% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 97 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops relative to the location's centerpoint.

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 analysis of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit high prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 50% (~5,547 people) of Parkes' total population has private health cover, which is 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 claim to be free from medical ailments, compared to 63.3% in Regional NSW. Working-age individuals face notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Parkes has 20.2% (2,224 people) of its population aged 65 and over, lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings for the overall population.

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 score below average, with 90.8% citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, comprising 68.2%, compared to Regional NSW's 55.9%. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.0%), English (31.1%), and Australian Aboriginal (9.1%).

Notably, Irish ethnicity is overrepresented at 8.0% in Parkes versus the regional average of 8.8%, while French and South Australian ethnicities remain largely consistent with regional averages at 0.4% each for both Parkes and Regional NSW.

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

The median age in Parkes is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Regional NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Parkes has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.5%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 11.9% to 13.3%, while the 55-64 cohort decreased from 12.4% to 11.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parkes's age structure. The 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 20% (adding 289 people), reaching a total of 1,759 from the current 1,469. Conversely, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.