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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Parkes's population is around 11,277 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 358 people (3.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 10,919 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 11,000 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 90 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 48 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Parkes's 3.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.8%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 66.1% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to expand by 803 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 4.7% in total 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 around 43 new dwelling approvals per year, totalling 215 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 5 approvals have been recorded. As the area has experienced population decline, housing supply has remained adequate relative to demand, creating a well-balanced market with good buyer choice, while new homes are being built at an average value of $367,000. Additionally, $38.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, suggesting robust local business investment.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Parkes shows moderately higher building activity (38.0% above the regional average per person over the 5 year period), preserving reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand. New building activity consists of 64.0% detached dwellings and 36.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an expanding range of medium-density options that create a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This marks a significant departure from existing housing patterns (currently 88.0% houses), suggesting diminishing developable land availability and responding to evolving lifestyle preferences and housing affordability needs. The location has approximately 293 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

Looking ahead, Parkes is expected to grow by 526 residents through to 2041 (based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). 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

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 16 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, Parkes National Logistics Hub Infrastructure Extension, Middleton Urban Masterplan, and Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre Redevelopment, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 features a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with essential services sectors well represented, and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. As of December 2025, 5,610 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (66.0% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a low 8.5% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and mining. The area shows particularly strong specialization in mining, with an employment share of 3.9 times the regional level. Conversely, health care & social assistance shows lower representation at 13.2% versus the regional average of 16.9%. The area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of Census working population vs resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force decrease by 2.5% alongside a 4.1% employment decline, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 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 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Parkes. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Parkes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The Parkes SA2's income level is lower than average on a national basis according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Parkes SA2's median income among taxpayers is $53,484 and the average income stands at $62,998, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $52,390 and $65,215 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $58,223 (median) and $68,580 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank modestly in Parkes, between the 27th and 34th percentiles. Distribution data shows the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings band captures 30.2% of the community (3,405 individuals), consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 29.9% in the same category. Housing costs are manageable with 86.8% retained, though 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 within Parkes, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 88.5% houses and 11.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Parkes was lagging that of Regional NSW, at 34.9%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (34.1%) or rented (31.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $260, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Parkes's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 66.6% of all households, comprising 25.5% couples with children, 27.2% couples without children, and 12.9% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 30.9% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

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

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (14.3%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.2%) and graduate diplomas (1.7%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.7% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.1%) and certificates (31.6%).

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

Public transport analysis reveals 499 active transport stops operating within Parkes, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 40 individual routes, collectively providing 683 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 126 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 93%, with 5% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. A relatively low 8.5% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 97 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trip per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Parkes, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 50% of the total population (~5,683 people), compared to the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 9.7% and 9.7% of residents, respectively, while 62.8% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,238 people), which is lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general 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 was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 90.8% of its population being citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 95.8% speaking English only at home. The main religion in Parkes is Christianity, which makes up 68.2% of people in Parkes, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Parkes are Australian, comprising 34.0% of the population, English, comprising 31.1% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 9.1% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Irish is notably overrepresented at 8.0% of Parkes (vs 8.8% regionally), French at 0.4% (vs 0.4%) and South Australian at 0.3% (vs 0.2%).

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

The 39-year median age in Parkes is significantly below Regional NSW's average of 43 while essentially aligned with Australia's 38 years. Relative to Regional NSW, Parkes has a higher concentration of 25 - 34 residents (13.9%) but fewer 65 - 74 year-olds (10.3%). Following the 2021 Census, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 11.9% to 13.9% of the population. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 14.2% to 13.1% and the 55 to 64 group dropped from 12.4% to 11.4%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Parkes's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 25 to 34 group will grow by 17% (270 people), reaching 1,835 from 1,564. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.