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This analysis uses ABS Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2) boundaries, which can materially differ from Suburbs and Localities (SAL) even when sharing similar names.
SA2 boundaries are defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and are designed to represent communities for statistical reporting (e.g., census and ERP).
Suburbs and Localities (SAL) represent commonly-used suburb/locality names (postal-style areas) and may use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
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ABS ERP | -- people | --
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Parkes Surrounds is $350k. House values have moved 4.9% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Parkes Surrounds has an estimated 3,081 residents, down from 3,262 at the 2021 Census — a change of 181 people, or 5.5%. The population has thinned by an average 1.7% a year over five years, slower than 99% of areas nationally. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to the analysis by AreaSearch, the population of Parkes Surrounds is approximately 3,081 as of May 2026. This represents a contraction of 181 people (5.5%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 3,262 residents. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 3,079 alongside 2 validated new addresses registered since the Census. With this population level, the density ratio stands at 0.60 persons per square kilometer, indicating a spacious residential environment. The main driver of population growth in recent times has been overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 55.3% of the total demographic gains.
AreaSearch implements projections from ABS and Geoscience Australia published in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. In instances where SA2 areas lack coverage in this release, SA2 level projections from the NSW State Government published in 2022 using a 2021 base year are utilized. Growth rates across different age cohorts from these datasets are applied to all locations for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic trends, population growth is projected to be slightly below the median for non-metropolitan locations, with the population set to expand by 248 persons by 2041 based on the most recent annual ERP statistics, which equates to an overall increase of 8.0% over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
Detail
Residential building activity in Parkes Surrounds is very low, averaging 2 dwelling approvals each year, totaling 11 approvals across a five-year timeframe. These modest figures reflect the rural character of the region, where construction is generally spurred by localized housing demands rather than broad market dynamics. It should be noted that because of this restricted sample size, specific individual developments can significantly alter yearly growth rates and relative trends. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Parkes Surrounds exhibits much lower levels of construction activity, a trend that is also below national benchmarks.
Furthermore, all recent building approvals have been for standalone houses, which aligns with the local demand for space and privacy associated with rural living. The ratio of 2312 people in the area for every single dwelling approval underscores this quiet and low-intensity development landscape. Demographic projections indicate that Parkes Surrounds will add 246 residents by 2041, based on the latest quarterly estimation by AreaSearch. If current building rates do not change, the supply of new housing may not keep pace with population growth, which could increase competition among purchasers and support upward pressure on prices.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Parkes Surrounds
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| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks one current infrastructure or development project inside Parkes Surrounds, worth an estimated $183 million. A further 101 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $46.8 billion. 32 are already under construction and 37 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans transport & logistics, energy and residential development. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local performance is heavily shaped by changes to infrastructure, major developments, and planning schemes. AreaSearch has tracked 26 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Key projects include the Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage System, the Stevens Group BP Highway Service Centre - Northern Gateway, the Parkes Hospital (Lachlan Health Service), and the Parkes National Logistics Hub Infrastructure Extension, with the most relevant ones detailed in the list below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Ridgey Creek Battery Energy Storage System
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. The project will use grid-forming battery technology in containerised units with inverters, transformers, control equipment, internal access tracks, civil works and a project substation connecting by underground cabling. Potentia Energy has received development consent and issued notice to proceed under its Transgrid connection agreement, with construction targeted from late 2025 or 2027 depending on final investment decision and operations targeted around 2027 to 2028.
Stevens Group BP Highway Service Centre - Northern Gateway
A $18 million BP Highway Service Centre at the northern gateway to Parkes SAP. Includes convenience store, truck drivers lounge with showers, laundry, diner and 26 heavy vehicle parking spaces. Part of a 20-hectare commercial and business park development. Stevens Group is one of Australia's leading private property developers, founded in 1982.
Parkes National Logistics Hub Infrastructure Extension
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. The works enable further industrial and freight developments associated with the National Logistics Hub and support major logistics operators and intermodal freight growth.
Pacific National Parkes Logistics Terminal
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.
Parkes Special Activation Precinct
A 4,800-hectare master-planned industrial estate and inland port precinct at Parkes, focused on freight and logistics, advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, energy and resource recovery. The NSW Government-led precinct has completed planning and is in the delivery phase, with development-ready serviced land, streamlined planning support and business concierge services available. Current works and related approvals include enabling infrastructure, road and utility upgrades, the determined 132kV and 66kV powerline augmentation works, and private developments such as Parkes Gateway retail and light industrial space.
Parkes Water Security Program
An $80 million water infrastructure program upgrading Parkes Shire's ageing water supply network. Works include duplication of 35 kilometres of raw water transfer pipeline, two new pump stations (Eugowra Road and Akuna Road), augmentation of the Lachlan River pump station, a new pre-treatment plant, a new 20ML raw water storage lagoon, bore refurbishments, and solar energy systems. The program will more than double Parkes' current water transfer capacity and future-proof supply for residential and industrial growth linked to the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre Redevelopment
Redevelopment opportunity for 4,019 sqm of vacant retail space with DA approved internal mall redevelopment including 601 sqm of boutique specialty tenancies. Anchored by Coles on 11,905 sqm CBD land holding with 298 parking bays.
Wiradjuri Indigenous Cultural Garden
A value-add component of the Recycled Water Rising Main Project aimed at increasing community awareness of local Aboriginal heritage and culture. Part of efforts to preserve and celebrate Wiradjuri language and traditions in Parkes.
1,506 residents of Parkes Surrounds are employed, from a labour force of 1,598. Unemployment sits at 5.8%, with participation at 66.3%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 4.9% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Parkes Surrounds has a skilled workforce distributed across various sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of 5.8%. As of March 2026, there are 1,506 residents employed. The unemployment rate sits 1.7% above the Regional NSW benchmark of 4.1%, while workforce participation is notably high at 66.3% compared to 60.6% for Regional NSW. Census data indicates that 22.9% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The workforce in the region is predominantly employed in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.
The agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector shows a particularly high concentration, with an employment share that is 6.6 times higher than the regional benchmark. Conversely, the construction sector accounts for only 3.7% of local employment, which is lower than the 9.7% observed across Regional NSW. Although local employment is available, the ratio of Census working population to local population indicates that a significant number of residents travel to other areas for work. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics shows that during the 12 months leading up to March 2026, the local labor force contracted by 1.2% and total employment fell by 3.1%, resulting in a 1.9 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate. In comparison, Regional NSW experienced a 0.9% drop in employment, a 0.4% decline in the labor force, and a 0.5 percentage point rise in unemployment. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 provide context for future labor demand in Parkes Surrounds. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential expansion. While national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary considerably by sector. Applying these industry-specific trends to the local employment structure suggests that employment in Parkes Surrounds could rise by 4.9% over five years and 11.4% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted extrapolation that does not account for localized population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Parkes Surrounds is $1,205 a week (about $63,000 a year), with median personal income at $623 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,200 a year against an average of $49,246. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
The latest postcode-level ATO statistics compiled by AreaSearch for the 2023 financial year show that incomes within the Parkes Surrounds SA2 are below the national average, with a median of $45,200 and an average of $49,246. This is lower than the Regional NSW median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215. Factoring in Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates would be approximately $49,865 for the median and $54,328 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census indicates that household, family, and personal incomes in the area sit between the 13th and 14th percentiles nationally.
The largest income bracket contains 27.3% of the population earning between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (841 residents), which is similar to the broader region where 29.9% fall into this range. Although housing costs are low, leaving residents with 91.1% of their income, total disposable income ranks at the 21st percentile nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Parkes Surrounds had 1,194 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 96% detached houses and 1% apartments. 27% are owned with a mortgage, 22% rented and 51% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $180 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,083 a month. Rent absorbs 14.9% of household income here and mortgage repayments 20.7%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
The dwelling mix in Parkes Surrounds at the time of the latest Census consisted of 95.5% houses and 4.5% other dwelling types, such as townhouses, apartments, or alternative structures, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings in Regional NSW. Home ownership was high at 50.7% compared to Regional NSW, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (26.9%) or rented (22.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment was $1,083, which is below the Regional NSW average of $1,733, and the median weekly rent was $180 compared to $330 in Regional NSW. On a national level, mortgage repayments are lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents are below the national average of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Parkes Surrounds counted 1,194 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.4 people each. 25% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 31% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.3 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up the majority of households at 66.8%, consisting of couples with children at 25.2%, couples without children at 28.6%, and single-parent households at 12.2%. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 33.2%, with single-person households making up 31.0% and group houses accounting for 2.3%. The median household size is 2.4 residents, which is identical to the average for Regional NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
16.1% of adults in Parkes Surrounds hold a university qualification, including 12.6% with a bachelor degree and 2.6% with postgraduate qualifications, lower than 92% of areas nationally. A further 31.8% hold a vocational qualification. 5 schools serve the area, with 300 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 882 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational attainment in the area presents difficulties, with university graduation rates at 16.1%, which is lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. This situation highlights a key area for targeted educational strategies. Bachelor degrees represent the most common higher qualification at 12.6%, followed by postgraduate studies at 2.6% and graduate diplomas at 0.9%. Vocational and technical skills are common, with 39.8% of residents aged 15 and over holding a vocational qualification, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.0%) and certificates (31.8%). Participation in study is high, with 30.6% of the population enrolled in an educational program.
This group includes 13.1% in primary school, 9.4% in high school, and 2.1% in tertiary education.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Parkes Surrounds reaches 307 stops on 34 routes, timetabled for about 400 services a week. The typical home sits about 190 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.8 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
Public transport services include 307 active stops in Parkes Surrounds, consisting of a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 34 distinct routes that run a total of 397 passenger trips per week. Accessibility is high, with residents living an average of 194 meters from their nearest transit stop. Given the residential nature of the area, most workers commute out of the district, with private vehicles being the primary mode of travel for 88% of commuters, and 10% walking. The average rate of vehicle ownership is 1.8 cars per household, which is higher than the regional average.
Census data from 2021 shows that 22.9% of residents worked from home, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 trends. Transit services average 56 runs per day across all routes, which corresponds to approximately 1 weekly trip for each individual stop. The map shows the locations of the 100 closest transit stops to the center of the area.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
63.4% of residents in Parkes Surrounds report no long-term health condition, a less healthy profile than 79% of areas nationally. 7.1% need daily assistance with core activities, and 46.0% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.2 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health outcomes present difficulties in Parkes Surrounds according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality data and the occurrence of chronic illnesses. The presence of common medical conditions is notable across both younger and older demographics, and the rate of private health insurance is low, covering approximately 46% of the population (~1,417 people). This is below the 51.9% rate for Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.0% and 9.3% of the population respectively. Meanwhile, 63.4% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions, which is similar to the 63.3% rate in Regional NSW.
The working-age population shows high rates of chronic illness, and 24.4% of the population is aged 65 and over (751 people), compared to 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health status among older residents presents some issues, with national rankings generally matching those of the broader community.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Parkes Surrounds is largely Australian-born, at 95.1% of residents, with 2.2% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (34.2%) and English (30.2%). 10.8% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in Parkes Surrounds is lower than average, with citizens making up 88.7% of the population, 95.1% born in Australia, and 97.8% speaking only English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion, adhered to by 72.2% of residents, which is higher than the 55.9% recorded in Regional NSW. In terms of family background and parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups are Australian at 34.2%, English at 30.2%, and Australian Aboriginal at 10.8%, which is higher than the regional average of 4.6%. There are also differences in other backgrounds: German ancestry represents 3.6% of the population (compared to 3.1% regionally), Lebanese stands at 0.2% (compared to 0.2% regionally), and Irish is at 7.8% (compared to 8.8% regionally).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Parkes Surrounds is 44, older than 78% of areas nationally. That is 1 year younger than at the 2021 Census. 17.0% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in Parkes Surrounds is 44 years, which is close to the Regional NSW average of 43 years and higher than the national average of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, the area has a higher proportion of children aged 5 to 14 (14.6%) but fewer young adults aged 25 to 34 (6.9%). Since the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75 to 84 has risen from 6.4% to 8.3%, and the 35 to 44 age bracket has increased from 10.1% to 11.7%. Conversely, the 25 to 34 cohort fell from 9.4% to 6.9%, and the 55 to 64 group decreased from 16.3% to 14.2%.
By 2041, demographic shifts will alter the local age structure, with the 75 to 84 cohort projected to expand by 27% (68 people) to reach 323 residents from 254, while the 65 to 74 and 55 to 64 age groups are expected to shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Parkes Surrounds
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the SA2 boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 1 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 2 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (3,262 at the 2021 Census → 3,081 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
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.