Parkes Surrounds

Parkes Surrounds has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Parkes Surrounds's population is around 3,114 as of Feb 2026. This reflects a decrease of 148 people (4.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,262 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,092 from the ABS as of June 2024 and 1 validated new address since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer, providing ample space per person. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth, which contributed approximately 52.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts 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 utilizes 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. Anticipating future population dynamics, a population increase just below the median of locations outside of capital cities is expected, with the area expected to increase by 265 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 7.8% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Parkes Surrounds is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

Parkes Surrounds has minimal residential development activity with 2 dwelling approvals annually (11 approvals over five years). Such low development levels are characteristic of rural areas where housing needs are modest and construction activity is naturally limited by local demand and infrastructure capacity. Note: with such low approval numbers, yearly growth figures and relativities can vary considerably based on individual projects.

Parkes Surrounds shows significantly less construction activity than Rest of NSW. Development levels are likewise under national averages. Further, new construction has been completely comprised of detached dwellings, which aligns with rural living preferences for space and privacy. The estimated count of 2326 people in the area per dwelling approval reflects its quiet, low activity development environment.

Looking ahead, Parkes Surrounds is expected to grow by 243 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Parkes Surrounds has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 26 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage System, Stevens Group BP Highway Service Centre - Northern Gateway, Parkes Hospital (Lachlan Health Service), and the Parkes National Logistics Hub Infrastructure Extension, 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.

The labour market performance in Parkes Surrounds lags significantly behind most other regions nationally

Parkes Surrounds has a skilled workforce with diverse sector representation and an unemployment rate of 5.7%. As of December 2025, 1,509 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.7% above Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%, and workforce participation is well beyond standard (66.5% compared to Regional NSW's 61.3%). Based on Census responses, a moderate 22.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with employment levels at 6.6 times the regional average. On the other hand, construction is under-represented, with only 3.7% of Parkes Surrounds's workforce compared to 9.7% in Regional NSW. While local employment opportunities exist in the area, it appears many residents commute elsewhere for work, based on the count of Census working population to local population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force decreased by 2.6% while employment declined by 4.9%, resulting in the unemployment rate rising by 2.3 percentage points. This compares to Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2%, the labour force contracted 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 Surrounds. 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 Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 4.9% over five years and 11.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

The Parkes Surrounds SA2's income level is below the national average according to the latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for FY-23. The Parkes Surrounds SA2's median income among taxpayers is $45,200 and the average income stands at $49,246, 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 $49,205 (median) and $53,609 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Parkes Surrounds all fall between the 13th and 14th percentiles nationally. Looking at income distribution, the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket dominates with 27.3% of residents (850 people), aligning with the metropolitan region where this cohort likewise represents 29.9%. While housing costs are modest with 91.1% of income retained, the total disposable income ranks at just the 21st percentile nationally.

Parkes Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Parkes Surrounds, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 95.5% houses and 4.5% 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 Surrounds was higher than that of Regional NSW, at 50.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (22.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Regional NSW average at $1,083, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $180, compared to Regional NSW's $1,733 and $330. Nationally, Parkes Surrounds's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households dominate at 66.8% of all households, comprising 25.2% couples with children, 28.6% couples without children, and 12.2% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.2%, with lone person households at 31.0% and group households comprising 2.3% of the total. The median household size of 2.4 people matches the Regional NSW average.

Parkes Surrounds 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 (16.1%) substantially below the NSW average of 32.2%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.6%) and graduate diplomas (0.9%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 39.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (31.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.6% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 13.1% in primary education, 9.4% in secondary education, and 2.1% 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 307 active transport stops operating within Parkes Surrounds, comprising a mix of trains and buses. These stops are serviced by 34 individual routes, collectively providing 397 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 194 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 88%, with 10% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.8 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. Some 22.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 56 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 1 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

Health performance in Parkes Surrounds 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 Surrounds, 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 extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~1,432 people). This compares to 51.9% across Regional NSW, while the national average is 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and asthma, impacting 11.0 and 9.3% of residents, respectively, while 63.4% 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 22.9% of residents aged 65 and over (711 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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 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 is Christianity, which makes up 72.2% of people in Parkes Surrounds, compared 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 the regional average of 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% regionally), Lebanese at 0.2% (vs 0.2%) and Irish at 7.8% (vs 8.8%).

Parkes Surrounds hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

Parkes Surrounds's median age of 44 years is similar to Regional NSW's 43 and well above the 38-year national average. Relative to Regional NSW, Parkes Surrounds has a higher concentration of 5 - 14 residents (14.8%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (7.8%). Since the 2021 Census, the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 10.1% to 12.2% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 6.4% to 8.0%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 16.3% to 14.3% and the 65 to 74 group dropped from 13.4% to 11.7%. By 2041, Parkes Surrounds is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 26% (64 people), reaching 315 from 250. On the other hand, the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.