Parkwood

An assessment of population growth drivers in Parkwood reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Parkwood's population is around 9,157 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 320 people (3.6%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 8,837 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 9,145 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 6 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,474 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 77.8% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, Queensland State Government's SA2 area projections, released in 2023 and based on 2021 data, are adopted. It should be noted that these state projections do not provide age category splits; hence, where utilised, AreaSearch is applying proportional growth weightings in line with the ABS Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data) for each age cohort. Considering the projected demographic shifts, a population increase just below the median of Australian non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the area expected to increase by 1,343 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting an increase of 14.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development drivers sees a low level of activity in Parkwood, placing the area among the bottom 25% of areas assessed nationally

Parkwood has recorded around 43 residential properties granted approval per year, totalling 216 homes over the past 5 financial years. So far in FY-26, 2 approvals have been recorded. With an average of only 0.4 people per year moving to the area for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), new supply is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, offering ample buyer choice and creating capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts, while new homes are being built at an average value of $492,000—slightly above the regional average—suggesting a focus on quality developments. Additionally, $11.9 million in commercial approvals have been registered this financial year, demonstrating moderate levels of commercial development.

When measured against the Rest of Qld, Parkwood maintains similar construction rates (per person), preserving market equilibrium consistent with surrounding areas. New building activity shows 7.0% standalone homes and 93.0% townhouses or apartments. This focus on higher-density living creates more affordable entry points and suits downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. This represents a considerable change from the current housing mix (currently 91.0% houses), reflecting reduced availability of development sites and addressing shifting lifestyle demands and affordability requirements. The location has approximately 1901 people per dwelling approval, demonstrating an established market.

Looking ahead, Parkwood is expected to grow by 1,331 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Parkwood has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 32 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include the Griffith University Gold Coast Campus Expansion, New Coomera Hospital, Coomera Connector Stage 1 - Central Section, and Urbana (Coomera Urban Village) Stage 3, 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.

AreaSearch analysis indicates Parkwood maintains employment conditions that align with national benchmarks

Parkwood possesses a skilled workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.2%, and 1.8% in estimated employment growth over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,236 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% above Regional Qld's rate of 4.0%, and workforce participation is fairly standard (70.2% compared to Regional Qld's 65.4%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.4% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry & fishing has a limited presence with 0.3% employment compared to 4.5% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, employment levels increased by 1.8% and the labour force increased by 2.4%, resulting in unemployment rising by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Regional Qld recorded employment growth of 0.7%, labour force growth of 1.0%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Parkwood. 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 Parkwood's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.7% over five years and 13.9% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Parkwood SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $51,204 with the average level standing at $64,171. This is lower than average on a national basis and compares to levels of $53,146 and $66,593 across Regional Qld respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.91% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $56,278 (median) and $70,530 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household income ranks at the 69th percentile ($2,064 weekly), while personal income sits at the 35th percentile. Distribution data shows the predominant cohort spans 37.5% of locals (3,433 people) in the $1,500 - 2,999 category, consistent with broader trends across the surrounding region showing 31.7% in the same category. High housing costs consume 16.8% of income, though strong earnings still place disposable income at the 68th percentile and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Parkwood is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with ownership patterns similar to the broader region

Dwelling structure within Parkwood, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 90.7% houses and 9.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Regional Qld's 76.4% houses and 23.6% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Parkwood was lagging that of Regional Qld, at 27.7%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (41.9%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Regional Qld average at $1,894, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $538, compared to Regional Qld's $1,655 and $345. Nationally, Parkwood's mortgage repayments are higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Parkwood features high concentrations of group households and family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 80.6% of all households, comprising 38.1% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 13.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 19.4%, with lone person households at 12.8% and group households comprising 6.8% of the total. The median household size of 3.0 people is larger than the Regional Qld average of 2.5.

Parkwood performs slightly above the national average for education, showing competitive qualification levels and steady academic outcomes

The area's educational profile stands out regionally, with university qualification rates (26.8% of residents aged 15+) exceeding the Rest of Qld average of 20.6%, reflecting the community's emphasis on higher education. Bachelor degrees lead at 18.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (6.7%) and graduate diplomas (2.0%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 36.4% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (11.9%) and certificates (24.5%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 32.7% of residents aged 15+ currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 9.6% in tertiary education, 9.0% in primary education, and 7.8% pursuing secondary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 43 active transport stops operating within Parkwood, comprising a mix of light rail and buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 1,628 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 209 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.9 per dwelling, which is above the regional average. A relatively low 12.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 232 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 37 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health outcomes in Parkwood are marginally below the national average with common health conditions slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average outcomes in Parkwood, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Common health conditions are slightly more prevalent than average across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is relatively low at approximately 51% of the total population (~4,688 people).

The most common medical conditions in the area are asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.4% and 7.3% of residents, respectively, while 71.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 67.6% across Regional Qld. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 14.3% of residents aged 65 and over (1,312 people), which is lower than the 20.4% in Regional Qld. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, with national rankings even higher than the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Parkwood was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Parkwood is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 17.9% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 33.3% born overseas. The main religion in Parkwood is Christianity, which makes up 47.2% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 2.6% of the population, compared to 0.6% across Regional Qld.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Parkwood are English, comprising 29.0% of the population, Australian, comprising 21.9% of the population, and Other, comprising 9.9% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: New Zealand is notably overrepresented at 1.7% of Parkwood (vs 0.9% regionally), Maori at 2.0% (vs 0.8%) and Korean at 0.8% (vs 0.2%).

Parkwood's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 36, Parkwood is considerably lower than the Regional Qld figure of 41 and similarly marginally lower than Australia's 38 years. Compared to the Regional Qld average, the 15 - 24 cohort is notably over-represented (18.7% locally), while 75 - 84 year-olds are under-represented (4.3%). This 15 - 24 concentration is well above the national 12.5%. In the period since 2021, the 25 to 34 age group has grown from 13.3% to 15.9% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 17.2% to 18.7%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has declined from 11.8% to 9.8% and the 45 to 54 group dropped from 13.6% to 11.8%. Demographic modeling suggests Parkwood's age profile will evolve significantly by 2041. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to see notable expansion, expanding by 511 people (35%) from 1,459 to 1,971. Conversely, the 15 to 24 group will contract by 86 residents.