Area profile · Rest of NSW
Parkes Surrounds has an estimated 3,091 residents, down 5.2% since the 2021 Census, with 100 projects tracked in the area around Parkes Surrounds.
Updated 14 Oct 2026.
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Parkes Surrounds Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 278 kilometres north-northwest from Canberra CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at around 3,091 as of Aug 2026, a decrease of 171 people (5.2%) since the 2021 Census count of 3,262 people. This estimate is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 3,079 as of June 2025, together with 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. The area is characterised by severely limited dwelling supply, strong outright home ownership, above-average children per family, affordable housing options, a notable agricultural employment base and detached housing. Population growth remains limited, alongside lower-quartile income levels and a generally lower education profile.
The area's picturesque landscapes, small towns and agricultural lands reflect a rural character. Heritage sites speak to Indigenous history and European settlement, while waterways and forests offer opportunities for hiking, fishing and birdwatching. Agriculture supports the local economy and lifestyle, alongside gourmet food and wine experiences.
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01Profile
The analysis, national rankings and who lives there.
Parkes Surrounds Statistical Area (Lv2) is located 278 kilometres north-northwest from Canberra CBD. AreaSearch estimates its population at around 3,091 as of Aug 2026, a decrease of 171 people (5.2%) since the 2021 Census count of 3,262 people. This estimate is inferred from the ABS estimated resident population of 3,079 as of June 2025, together with 104 validated new addresses since the Census date. The area is characterised by severely limited dwelling supply, strong outright home ownership, above-average children per family, affordable housing options, a notable agricultural employment base and detached housing. Population growth remains limited, alongside lower-quartile income levels and a generally lower education profile.
The area's picturesque landscapes, small towns and agricultural lands reflect a rural character. Heritage sites speak to Indigenous history and European settlement, while waterways and forests offer opportunities for hiking, fishing and birdwatching. Agriculture supports the local economy and lifestyle, alongside gourmet food and wine experiences.
Estimated resident population by year (ABS, not Census counts): 3,789 in 2001 and 3,079 in 2025. The dashed segment ends at the AreaSearch estimate for Aug 2026: 3,091 (ABS June 2025 base).
Share of residents in each age band (ABS age profile, scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate). Largest: 5 to 14, 14.8%.
Share of households in each weekly household income band (2021 Census). Largest: $1,500 - 2,999, 27.3%.
Parkes Surrounds ranks in the 59th percentile nationally for infrastructure drivers and the 47th for transport & access.
Each bar and spoke is a national percentile; the dashed ring is the typical area. 99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better. Orange marks the top three measures where a higher percentile is better; not Age, Housing or Housing Cost.
02Market and pipeline
Rents, sale prices and what is being built.
The median rent in Parkes Surrounds is $335 a week, up 4.5% over 12 months to Jun 2026 and 42% below Regional NSW. The gross rental yield across all dwellings is 4.8%.
42% below Regional NSW on median weekly rent
Median weekly rent by year, lodged bonds. Houses: $213 in 2017, $350 in 2026. The latest is to Jun 2026.
Yield is indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools.
| Address | Sale price | Settled | Address type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Croft Street, Trundle NSW 2875 | $285,000 | 2 Oct 2026 | Street address |
| 502 Whitton Park Road, Peak Hill NSW 2869 | $790,000 | 30 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 64 Forbes Street, Trundle NSW 2875 | $230,000 | 10 Sep 2026 | Street address |
| 133 Derribong Street, Peak Hill NSW 2869 | $140,000 | 11 Aug 2026 | Street address |
| 44 Woodford Road, Bruie Plains NSW 2875 | $1,265,000 | 31 Jul 2026 | Street address |
| 102 Derribong Street, Peak Hill NSW 2869 | $300,000 | 16 Jul 2026 | Street address |
| 156 Caswell Street, Peak Hill NSW 2869 | $240,000 | 26 Jun 2026 | Street address |
| 27 Gobondery Street, Trundle NSW 2875 | $185,000 | 26 Jun 2026 | Street address |
| 51 Boori Street, Peak Hill NSW 2869 | $304,000 | 15 Jun 2026 | Street address |
| 120 Boori Street, Peak Hill NSW 2869 | $280,000 | 12 Jun 2026 | Street address |
The 10 most recent of the 33 residential sales recorded since 28 Nov 2025 (the latest settled 2 Oct 2026), newest first. The median of these 33, houses and units together, was $285,000 (a different set from the medians above). Source: NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch, to October 2026. Commercial, vacant land and nominal sales are left out. Unit means the address has a unit number; a street address has none.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $335 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent over 12 months | +4.5% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, all dwellings | 4.8% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median house price | $363k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date | |
| Median unit price | $580k | Contract-date median, 2026 to date |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median price, latest residential sales | $285,000 | Median of the 33 most recent residential sales, settled 28 Nov 2025 to 2 Oct 2026, NSW Valuer General / AreaSearch | |
| Median rent, houses | $350 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for houses over 12 months | +2.0% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, units | $252 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent for units over 12 months | +15.9% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Gross rental yield, houses | 5.2% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Gross rental yield, units | 2.7% | AreaSearch estimate, indicative: rents and sales come from different property pools | |
| Median rent, Lachlan Valley | $408 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Lachlan Valley, over 12 months | +5.4% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Central West | $514 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Central West, over 12 months | +6.3% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Median rent, Regional NSW | $580 a week | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 | |
| Change in median rent, Regional NSW, over 12 months | +6.6% | Rental bond lodgements, median for the 12 months to Jun 2026 |
See the development applications we track, then draw your own catchment and map retailers, health, schools and more.
Status of the 30 tracked applications: 9 approved, 7 under assessment, 14 other (refused, withdrawn or no status).
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AreaSearch tracks 100 projects in and around Parkes Surrounds, 28 of them under construction.
Approved State Significant Development for a 130 MW / 260 MWh battery energy storage system about 10 km west of Parkes, adjacent to Henry Parkes Way and close to the Transgrid Parkes Substation.
An $18 million BP Highway Service Centre situated at the northern gateway of the Parkes Special Activation Precinct. The facility includes a service station, convenience retail store, dedicated truck drivers lounge with amenities, dining options, and 26 heavy vehicle parking bays across a 20-hectare commercial site.
Infrastructure servicing works to extend water, sewer, roads and other essential services supporting expansion of the Parkes National Logistics Hub within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
Delivered as a community cultural initiative in conjunction with the Parkes Recycled Water Scheme, the Wiradjuri Indigenous Cultural Garden celebrates local Aboriginal heritage and traditional plant knowledge. The project established native vegetation, interpretive cultural signage, and gathering spaces irrigated by the recycled water network.
A $35 million intermodal freight terminal on 365 hectares within the National Logistics Hub. Capacity to process 450,000 containers annually with 1,800-metre rail sidings for double-stacked containers. Operational since 2019, employs 100 people. Australia's largest rail freight operator Pacific National's terminal launched operations in October 2019.
Internal mall redevelopment of the Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre repurposing 4,019 sqm of vacant retail space with council-approved specialty tenancies. The neighbourhood retail centre is anchored by Coles supermarket on an 11,905 sqm CBD site serviced by 298 on-grade car parking spaces.
The Parkes Special Activation Precinct is a 4,800-hectare master-planned industrial estate and inland port precinct at Parkes in central-west NSW. It targets freight and logistics, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, energy and resource recovery.
32-lot residential subdivision on the former Parkes Hospital site. Stage 1 will create 9 initial lots with completion scheduled for March 30, 2026. Project includes bulk earthworks, retaining walls, two new roads, and full servicing infrastructure. Development application was unanimously approved by Council in September 2023.
Proposed energy-from-waste facility in the Parkes Special Activation Precinct, west of Parkes, to process approximately 732,000 tonnes per year of residual waste by thermal treatment to generate electricity.
Parkes Shire Council is transforming the former sewage treatment ponds on Akuna Road into the Parkes Wetlands, a major biodiversity, recreation and ecotourism destination. Stage 1 earthworks were completed in 2023 and the 2.5 km all-abilities walking track was completed in early 2025.
The NSW Government delivered a $72.8 million state-of-the-art hospital on a greenfield site to serve Parkes and the surrounding Western NSW region. Opened in November 2015, the facility features a 24-hour emergency department, inpatient wards, maternity and birthing suites, and surgical services.
A completed 10.5-kilometre bypass on the western outskirts of Parkes that relocated the Newell Highway about two kilometres west between Maguire Road and Barkers Road. Traffic switched onto the new bypass on 15 April 2025, and the project was formally declared complete on 21 November 2025 after 60 years of community advocacy.
Images marked AI impression are illustrative only and not photographs of the project; follow the project links for actual imagery. Original imagery? Contact us.
Estimated completion year of the 45 projects in and around the area that are not yet completed and have one: 2023 1, 2024 0, 2025 3, 2026 13, 2027 7, 2028 7, 2029 6, 2030 5, 2031 0, 2032 2, 2033 0, 2034 0, 2035 0, 2036 1. 28 have no completion year.
AreaSearch has tracked 30 substantial development applications lodged in and around Parkes Surrounds over the past 5 years, 20 in the last 12 months; 7 are recorded as under assessment. Coverage varies by council.
Applications per year (dashed: part year): 2021 (part year) 2, 2022 2, 2023 1, 2024 1, 2025 4, 2026 (to Nov) 20.
Key application Frazer Avenue, Peak Hill Childcare | $2.0m Approved
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tracked applications | 30 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Tracked, last 12 months | 20 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area | |
| ABS building approvals | 0.8 per 1,000 people | ABS building approvals | 9th percentile nationally |
| Average approvals a year | 3 | ABS building approvals | 8th percentile nationally |
| Applications approved | 9 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years | |
| Applications under assessment | 7 | Tracked by AreaSearch, in and around the area, last 5 years |
Dwelling approval activity in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 area has seen 3 residential approvals over the past two financial years, based on AreaSearch's SA2 aggregation method. The Parkes Surrounds SA2's current population of 3,091 has been supported by 3 approvals on average over recent years.
The Parkes Surrounds SA2 has seen 0.8 approvals per 1,000 people in recent years, compared to 5.7 approvals in Regional NSW. This means that one dwelling has been approved for every 2316 people in the Parkes Surrounds SA2, compared to one for every 183 in Regional NSW.
The long-run outlook for development is part of AreaSearch Operator and Pro. Log in to see the forecast detail in Full.
Looking at development activity over the past five years, the Parkes Surrounds SA2's approval levels have been significantly below the yearly average of 3, showing a notable downturn in recent development.
Over the past five years, the Parkes Surrounds SA2 has seen 13 residential approvals while population has remained stable or declined, indicating potential market oversupply.
Key infrastructure and planning changes likely to influence the Parkes Surrounds SA2 include: Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage System (Approved); Stevens Group BP Highway Service Centre - Northern Gateway (Construction); Parkes National Logistics Hub Infrastructure Extension (Planning); Parkes Special Activation Precinct (Construction); and Parkes Water Security Program (Construction). These projects represent significant developments that will shape the area's future infrastructure landscape.
Infrastructure development impacting the Parkes Surrounds SA2 spans multiple sectors including Transport & Logistics, Energy, and Environmental & Disaster Management, among others.
While specific investment values are not publicly disclosed for all projects impacting the Parkes Surrounds SA2, the area shows active development across multiple infrastructure categories within 15km.
Infrastructure development activity impacting the Parkes Surrounds SA2 currently ranks below national averages at the 33rd percentile.
03People
Population, age, income, work, education and more.
99th = higher than 99 in every 100 neighbourhood-sized areas across Australia (ABS SA2 areas). Higher means more of the measure, not necessarily better.
Parkes Surrounds has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,091 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | |
| Growth since 2021 Census | -5.2% | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, against the 2021 Census | 1st percentile nationally |
| Population density | 1 per km² | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026, from the ABS June 2025 base | 6th percentile nationally |
| Average yearly growth, 2020 to 2025 | -1.7% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Average yearly growth, 2015 to 2025 | -1.1% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population at the 2021 Census | 3,262 | 2021 Census | |
| Average yearly growth, 2022 to 2025 | -1.3% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Population growth, 2024 to 2025 | -0.4% | ABS estimated resident population series to June 2025 | |
| Land area | 5,418.16 km² | AreaSearch boundary analysis |
Total population for the Parkes Surrounds SA2 was estimated to be approximately 3,091 as at Aug 2026. This is based upon an estimated resident population of 3,079 from the ABS up to June 2025.
The parkes surrounds sa2 has lost approximately 171 people and shown a 5.24% decrease from the 3,262 people recorded at the 2021 Census period.
The population density in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is estimated at 0 persons per square kilometre based on the latest population estimate.
Over the past 10 years, the population in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 has shown a compound annual growth rate of -1.1% per annum.
Population growth in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is driven by: Overseas migration (55.3%), Natural increase (44.7%), Interstate migration (0.0%). The primary driver is Overseas migration, contributing 55.3% of overall population gains.
Parkes Surrounds hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 45 years | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | 78th percentile nationally |
| Aged 65 and over | 25.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Children under 15 | 21.5% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 34 | 16.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 64 | 42.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age at the 2021 Census | 45 years | 2021 Census | |
| Aged 0 to 4 | 6.7% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 5 to 14 | 14.8% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 15 to 24 | 11.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 25 to 34 | 5.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 35 to 44 | 11.2% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 45 to 54 | 11.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 55 to 64 | 14.3% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 65 to 74 | 13.0% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 75 to 84 | 8.4% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate | |
| Aged 85 and over | 3.6% | ABS estimated resident population age profile (June 2025), scaled to the Aug 2026 AreaSearch estimate |
AreaSearch estimates the median age in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 at 45 years as at August 2026. That is in line with the 2021 Census figure of 45 years, on an age profile AreaSearch re-estimates for population change recorded since the Census.
At an estimated 45 years as at August 2026, Parkes Surrounds is 2 years older than the Regional NSW 2021 Census average (43 years) and 7 years older than the national Census average (38 years).
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most over-represented age group in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 5 - 14 group, making up 14.8% of the population.
On AreaSearch estimates updated to August 2026, the most under-represented age group in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 compared to the Regional NSW region is the 25 - 34 group, making up 5.4% of the population.
Yes, certain age groups in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 show significant variance compared to Regional NSW. The most under-represented age group is 25-34 year-olds (5.4% vs 11.5%).
AreaSearch estimates children aged 0-14 years at 21.5% of the population in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 as at August 2026.
AreaSearch estimates people aged 65 and over at 25.0% of the population in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 as at August 2026.
The area's income levels rank in the lower 11% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median taxable income (ATO) | $45,993 a year | ATO FY-24, annual | 6th percentile nationally |
| Average taxable income | $51,686 a year | ATO FY-24, annual |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Census household income / week | $1,205 | 2021 Census, weekly | 13th percentile nationally |
| Census personal income / week | $623 | 2021 Census, weekly | 14th percentile nationally |
| High-income households | 13.2% | 2021 Census | |
| Census family income / week | $1,556 | 2021 Census, weekly | |
| Low-income households | 32.9% | 2021 Census |
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is approximately $48,927. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded a median of $45,993.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is approximately $54,984. The official ATO data from FY-24 recorded an average of $51,686.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated median taxable income in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is approximately $48,927 compared to $59,289 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $45,993 and $55,733 respectively.
Based on Wage Price Index adjustments to June 2026, the estimated average taxable income in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is approximately $54,984 compared to $73,521 in Regional NSW. The official ATO data from FY-24 shows $51,686 and $69,112 respectively.
As per the 2021 Census, the weekly household income bracket containing the largest proportion of the Parkes Surrounds SA2's households (~27.3% / 326 households) is the $1,500 - 2,999 cohort.
The largest weekly household income cohort in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing about 27.3% of households. In comparison, Regional NSW's largest household income cohort is the $1,500 - 2,999 group, representing 29.9% of its households, according to the 2021 Census.
The 2021 Census data indicates that the median household income in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is $1,205/wk.
According to the 2021 Census, the median family income in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is $1,556/wk.
The 2021 Census shows that the median personal income in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is $623/wk.
The Parkes Surrounds SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-24. The Parkes Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $45,993 and the average income stands at $51,686, which compares to figures for Regional NSW's of $55,733 and $69,112 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 6.38% since FY-24, current estimates would be approximately $48,927 (median) and $54,984 (average) as of June 2026.
The estimated disposable income in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is $4,755 per year according to AreaSearch analysis.
The parkes surrounds sa2's disposable income is $4,755 compared to $5,252 for Regional NSW, based on AreaSearch analysis.
The labour market performance in Parkes Surrounds lags significantly behind most other regions nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Workforce participation | 66.1% | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Employed residents | 1,487 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Daytime population | 3,027 | AreaSearch estimate of residents and workers present on a weekday | |
| Labour force | 1,587 | ABS and DEWR labour data, compiled by AreaSearch |
As of June 2026, the Parkes Surrounds SA2 has approximately 1,487 employed residents with an unemployment rate of 6.3%. The unemployment rate is moderate, indicating some available workforce capacity. The area faces employment challenges compared to other regions nationally.
As of June 2026, the unemployment rate in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 stands at 6.3%, which is 2.2 percentage points above Regional NSW's rate of 4.1%. This higher unemployment rate may indicate local labour market challenges. For comparison, the national unemployment rate is 4.2%.
The employment landscape in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is dominated by several key sectors. The largest employers are agriculture, forestry & fishing (35.1% of employment), health care & social assistance (13.2%), and education & training (8.2%). These three sectors alone account for 56.5% of local employment, indicating significant concentration. Other significant employers include mining and public administration & safety.
Over the past year to June 2026, the Parkes Surrounds SA2 has experienced a decline in employment, with total jobs decreasing while the labour force decreased. As a result, the unemployment rate has risen. By comparison, Regional NSW saw employment decreased and its unemployment rate rose.
The workforce participation rate in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is 66.1%, which represents the proportion of working-age residents who are either employed or actively seeking work. This healthy participation rate reflects good employment opportunities and workforce engagement. The local rate leading the Regional NSW average of 60.6%, indicating stronger workforce attachment in the local area.
The parkes surrounds sa2 shows notable specialisation in agriculture, forestry & fishing, which employs 35.1% of the local workforce compared to 5.3% across Regional NSW. With a local vs regional employment ratio of 6.6, this represents a significant industry cluster that likely serves markets beyond the local area. The area also shows above-average employment in 1 other sectors, contributing to a distinctive economic profile.
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The parkes surrounds sa2's employment market shows weaker performance compared to most areas nationally. This suggests the need for targeted economic development initiatives. Recent job advertisement trends show the broader employment region experienced 11.8% growth, ranking 6th out of 37 regions nationally.
Skilled workers will find selective opportunities in the Parkes Surrounds SA2, with knowledge-based sectors representing 24.9% of local jobs. Key sectors for skilled workers include health care & social assistance (13.2%), education & training (8.2%), and professional & technical (2.2%).
Parkes Surrounds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor qualifications | 12.6% | 2021 Census | 29th percentile nationally |
| Postgraduate qualifications | 2.6% | 2021 Census | 25th percentile nationally |
| University qualifications | 16.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Vocational qualifications | 31.8% | 2021 Census | 83rd percentile nationally |
| Graduate diploma or certificate | 0.9% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced diploma or diploma | 8.0% | 2021 Census | 8th percentile nationally |
| No post-school qualification | 44.1% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending an educational institution | 30.6% | 2021 Census | |
| Residents attending university or other higher education | 2.1% | 2021 Census | 14th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending primary school | 13.1% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
| Residents attending secondary school | 9.4% | 2021 Census | 80th percentile nationally |
16.1% of people aged 15 and over in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 have university qualifications, compared to 21.3% in Regional NSW.
44.1% of people aged 15 and over in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 have no formal qualifications, compared to 39.1% in Regional NSW.
The parkes surrounds sa2 ranks in the 8th percentile nationally for education based on AreaSearch's analysis of qualification and performance metrics.
The most common qualifications in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 are: Certificate (31.8%), Bachelor Degree (12.6%), Advanced Diploma (8.0%).
30.6% of the population in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is currently engaged in formal education, including 13.1% in primary school, 9.4% in secondary school, 2.1% at university (all shares of total residents).
The average ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) score for schools in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is 882, indicating below-average socio-educational advantage compared to the national average of 1000.
There are 5 schools within the Parkes Surrounds SA2, with a combined enrollment of approximately 300 students.
The parkes surrounds sa2 includes 3 primary schools, 2 combined schools.
Parkes Surrounds features high concentrations of lone person households, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household size | 2.4 people | 2021 Census | 36th percentile nationally |
| Lone-person households | 31.0% | 2021 Census | 75th percentile nationally |
| Couples with children | 25.2% | 2021 Census | 31st percentile nationally |
| Couples without children | 28.6% | 2021 Census | 63rd percentile nationally |
| One-parent families | 12.2% | 2021 Census | 68th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group households | 2.3% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Households at the 2021 Census | 1,194 | 2021 Census | |
| Estimated households | 1,131 | AreaSearch estimate, Aug 2026 | |
| Family households | 66.8% | 2021 Census | 32nd percentile nationally |
| Average children per family | 2.3 per family | 2021 Census | 99th percentile nationally |
As of the 2021 Census, the Parkes Surrounds SA2 had 1,194 households. Based on population growth patterns, this has decreased by approximately 5.3% to an estimated 1,131 households today.
The average household size in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is 2.4 people. This compares to 2.4 in Regional NSW and reflects the area's household composition mix.
Family households dominate at 66.8% of all households. Non-family households consist of lone person households (31.0%), group households (2.3%), and other household types (0.0%).
Of the 798 family households, couples with children account for 25.2% of all households, couples without children at home 28.6%, and single parent families 12.2%. This mix shapes local demand for schools, family services, and housing types.
Compared to Regional NSW, the Parkes Surrounds SA2 shows distinct household patterns. This higher proportion of single-person households drives demand for smaller dwellings and different community services.
Families in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 have an average of 2.3 children, slightly above the Regional NSW average of 1.8. This influences local demand for child-related services and larger family homes.
Marriage patterns reveal 46.9% of the adult population are currently married, while 32.9% have never married. This compares to 45.6% married and 34.3% never married across Regional NSW.
Single-person households represent 31.0% of all households in the Parkes Surrounds SA2, similar to the average for Regional NSW of 27.9%. This affects demand for smaller dwellings and single-person accommodation.
Group households (unrelated people sharing) account for 2.3% of households, below the Regional NSW average of 3.3%. This lower rate suggests less student or young professional shared accommodation.
The latest Census data sees Parkes Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born overseas | 4.9% | 2021 Census | 2nd percentile nationally |
| Speak another language at home | 2.2% | 2021 Census | 4th percentile nationally |
| English only at home | 97.8% | 2021 Census | 95th percentile nationally |
| Australian citizens | 88.7% | 2021 Census | 64th percentile nationally |
| Born in Australia | 95.1% | 2021 Census | 97th percentile nationally |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents | 10.8% | 2021 Census | 96th percentile nationally |
Parkes Surrounds was found to be below average in terms of cultural diversity, with 88.7% of its population being citizens, 95.1% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking English only at home.
The main religion in Parkes Surrounds was found to be Christianity, which makes up 72.2% of people in Parkes Surrounds. This compares to 55.9% across Regional NSW.
In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Parkes Surrounds are Australian, comprising 34.2% of the population, English, comprising 30.2% of the population, and Australian Aboriginal, comprising 10.8% of the population, which is substantially higher than Regional NSW's 4.6%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: German is notably overrepresented at 3.6% of Parkes Surrounds (vs 3.1% across Regional NSW), Lebanese at 0.2% (vs 0.2%) and Irish at 7.8% (vs 8.8%).
4.9% of the Parkes Surrounds SA2 population was born overseas, compared to 13.0% across Regional NSW.
2.2% of the population in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 7.1% in Regional NSW.
10.8% of the Parkes Surrounds SA2 population identifies as Australian Aboriginal, compared to 4.6% in Regional NSW.
88.7% of the Parkes Surrounds SA2 population holds citizenship, compared to 89.2% in Regional NSW.
04Place
Housing, health, transport, local services and the reports on them.
Parkes Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rented homes | 22.4% | 2021 Census | 33rd percentile nationally |
| Owned outright | 50.7% | 2021 Census | 92nd percentile nationally |
| Detached houses | 95.5% | 2021 Census | 81st percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment | $1,083 a month | 2021 Census, monthly | 10th percentile nationally |
| Owned with a mortgage | 26.9% | 2021 Census | 19th percentile nationally |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-detached, terrace and townhouses | 2.1% | 2021 Census | 17th percentile nationally |
| Median weekly rent paid, 2021 Census | $180 | 2021 Census, weekly | 4th percentile nationally |
| Median rent as a share of median household income | 14.9% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 8th percentile nationally |
| Median mortgage repayment as a share of household income | 20.7% | 2021 Census, ratio calculated by AreaSearch | 20th percentile nationally |
| People per bedroom | 0.7 per bedroom | 2021 Census | 12th percentile nationally |
In the Parkes Surrounds SA2, 50.7% of homes are owned outright, 26.9% are owned with a mortgage, and 22.4% are rented.
According to the latest data, 95.5% of dwellings in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 are houses.
In the Parkes Surrounds SA2, 1.4% of dwellings are apartments or units, with an additional 2.1% being semi-detached dwellings.
Outright home ownership in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 stands at 50.7%, compared to 39.6% in Regional NSW.
The median monthly mortgage repayment in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is $1,083, compared to $1,733 in Regional NSW.
The aggregate monthly housing cost in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is $466, which represents the average monthly cost across all housing types.
In the Parkes Surrounds SA2, households with mortgages typically spend 20.7% of their income on mortgage repayments, while renters spend 14.9% of their income on rent.
The average persons per bedroom ratio in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 is 0.7, indicating the level of household density.
Housing affordability in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 shows mortgage holders spending 20.7% of income on repayments (vs 27.9% in Regional NSW), while renters spend 14.9% of income on rent (vs 23.0% in Regional NSW).
The dwelling mix in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 consists of 95.5% detached houses, 2.1% semi-detached dwellings, 1.4% apartments, and 1.0% other dwelling types.
Housing in Parkes Surrounds consumes approximately 8.9% of median household income ($5,218 monthly), indicating costs are highly affordable. The generally accepted benchmark is that housing should not exceed 30% of household income.
Development activity remains minimal in this area with fewer than 5 recent applications recorded.
Health performance in Parkes Surrounds is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private health cover | 46.2% | ATO FY 2024, private health cover | 1st percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition | 63.4% | 2021 Census | 20th percentile nationally |
| Need help with daily activities | 7.1% | 2021 Census | 77th percentile nationally |
| No long-term health condition, under 65 | 72.7% | 2021 Census | 26th percentile nationally |
| Three or more long-term health conditions, under 65 | 2.7% | 2021 Census | 88th percentile nationally |
Around 46.2% of people in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 are covered by private health insurance, which compares to 52.2% in Regional NSW.
In the Parkes Surrounds SA2, 7.1% of the population is identified as requiring ongoing medical assistance. By comparison, 6.8% of people in Regional NSW require similar assistance.
9.3% of people in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 are diagnosed with asthma. In comparison, 8.4% of the population across Regional NSW is affected by asthma.
Diabetes affects 5.8% of the Parkes Surrounds SA2 population, while in Regional NSW, 4.7% of people are diagnosed with diabetes.
4.6% of people in the Parkes Surrounds SA2 have heart disease. Across Regional NSW,4.4% of the population is affected by heart disease.
In the Parkes Surrounds SA2, 46.2% of the population are estimated to have private health insurance. Comparatively, Regional NSW sees an estimated private health coverage rate of 52.2%.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport access | 47 out of 100 | AreaSearch transport analysis of timetable data | 47th percentile nationally |
| Public transport stops | 308 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 96th percentile nationally |
| Weekly public transport trips | 339 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | 19th percentile nationally |
| People per public transport stop | 10 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch | |
| Public transport routes | 32 | Public transport timetable (GTFS) data, compiled by AreaSearch |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per dwelling | 1.8 per dwelling | 2021 Census | |
| Working residents who worked from home | 22.9% | 2021 Census, taken during COVID-19 restrictions |
There are 308 public transport stops within the Parkes Surrounds SA2.
The Parkes Surrounds SA2 has 339 weekly trips across 32 routes, averaging 48 trips per day.
On average, residential properties are 190 metres from the nearest transport stop.
From the typical resident, the nearest school is 9.1 km away and the nearest child care centre 11.2 km.
Distance from the typical resident to the nearest of each service. Every bar starts at 0 m. The nearest is orange.
Public transport 308 stops nearby, 339 weekly trips, access rating 47 out of 100.
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amenity score | 17 out of 100 | AreaSearch proximity analysis | 17th percentile nationally |
| Nearest school | 9.1 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest child care | 11.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest GP | 11.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest pharmacy | 11.5 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
| Measure | Value | Source and date | National percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest hospital | 11.7 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest supermarket | 20.2 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest bank | 25.4 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest dentist | 35.0 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest shopping centre | 35.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest government service | 35.9 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident | |
| Nearest fitness centre | 36.8 km | AreaSearch proximity analysis, from the typical resident |
Sector reports that go deeper on these services: child care, medical, retail, aged care and specialist disability accommodation (SDA). There is 1 long day care centre with 28 places in Parkes Surrounds, about 7.4 children aged 0-4 per place.
Short silent previews of sample pages. Sector reports are ordered for a catchment you draw, not for the suburb as a whole.
05Reports and tools
Order a report and find more tools.
An area report on Parkes Surrounds is built to order and emailed to you.
Ordered reports
The other sector reports are ordered on a custom catchment: draw your own area to add them. The order window shows the estimate before you place the order.
Order a reportShort silent previews of sample pages. Base and Child Care can be ordered for Parkes Surrounds.
06About this profile
Where the figures come from, downloads and nearby areas.
On AreaSearch's development drivers ranking, residential development activity in Parkes Surrounds is exceptionally low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally.
Parkes Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rd percentile nationally.
No headline figures are reported for this area.
Parkes Surrounds's affordable property market has recorded 122 sales in the 12 months to September 2026, comprising 52% residential, 35% commercial and 13% vacant land transactions.
Parkes Surrounds has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch.
Parkes Surrounds hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average.
The area's income levels rank in the lower 11% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data.
The labour market performance in Parkes Surrounds lags significantly behind most other regions nationally.
Parkes Surrounds faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally.
Parkes Surrounds features high concentrations of lone person households, with an average household size in line with Regional NSW.
The latest Census data sees Parkes Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics.
Parkes Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership.
Health performance in Parkes Surrounds is well below the national average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts.
Transport servicing is moderate compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility.
Amenity provision was found to be below the typical area assessed nationally by AreaSearch, based on counts and proximity analysis.
Parkes Surrounds has an estimated 3,091 residents, down 5.2% since the 2021 Census, with 100 projects tracked in the area around Parkes Surrounds.
Latest estimate as at Aug 2026; other figures from the 2021 Census, ATO FY-24 and AreaSearch estimates where labelled. Updated 14 Oct 2026.
Sources: ABS Census 2021, ABS estimated resident population, ATO taxation statistics, state rental bonds and property sales records where published, and AreaSearch analysis for Parkes Surrounds.
Data currency
Refreshed . Sales to Oct 2026, rents to Jun 2026, population and age estimated to Aug 2026, taxable income FY 2024 and projects to May 2026. Housing and cultural diversity are from the 2021 Census (next update with the 2026 Census results).
Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, and are labelled as such. Other sections were compiled 15 Oct 2026 from sources that update on their own cycles; "See the evidence" lists each source and its cycle.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb or locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For a complete picture, consider both boundary types where available.
Main sources: ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (103021068). QuickStats reports 2021 only; the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.
This page uses ABS Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2) boundaries for statistical reporting (for example census and ERP). SA2 areas can differ materially from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, even when they share similar names, because they are defined for different purposes and often use different geographic boundaries.
AreaSearch compiles this page from official and industry sources, including ABS, Geoscience Australia, GNAF, ATO, State governments, Valuer General, Rental Board and Infrastructure Australia, then calculates statistics for the boundary shown, and ranks, growth rates and benchmarks itself. Property sales come from the state valuation authority, rents from state rental bond lodgements, development applications from council and state planning portals, school data from ACARA, and public transport from state transport departments. Infrastructure projects and development applications also include sites in the surrounding area, labelled as such.
No. Most of this page is built beyond the Census. Dated for this area: population (Aug 2026), age profile (Aug 2026), infrastructure projects (May 2026) and income (FY 2024). Compiled with this profile from sources that publish on their own cycles: development and approvals, property sales and rents, employment, households, education, transport, health and services and amenities. Only housing and cultural diversity remain wholly Census-based, because no more current small-area dataset exists for those measures.
Key demographics and figures for Parkes Surrounds from the 2021 Census, ATO taxpayer data and AreaSearch estimates and analysis. Each topic has its own table of key figures beside the section it belongs to, and each row names its source and date. The percentile compares Parkes Surrounds with every neighbourhood-sized area across Australia (ABS SA2 areas): a higher percentile means more of that measure than most, not necessarily better.
Source: AreaSearch (areasearch.com.au) compiled from ABS Census 2021, ATO and other public sources.
