Parkdale

Population growth drivers in Parkdale are slightly above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Parkdale is around 12,762. This represents an increase of 454 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 12,308. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 12,597 in June 2025, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS and an additional 180 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 3,574 persons per square kilometer, placing Parkdale in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Overseas migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch employs the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Parkdale is projected to have above median population growth nationally, with an expected increase of 1,817 persons by 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 12.9% over the 16 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Parkdale according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Parkdale's building approvals analysis by AreaSearch shows around 52 dwellings approved annually over the past five financial years up to FY-26. A total of 263 homes were approved during this period, with 45 approvals recorded so far in FY-26. The average construction value is $622,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. Commercial approvals this year amount to $42.5 million, reflecting strong commercial development momentum.

Compared to Greater Melbourne, Parkdale has about three-quarters the building activity per person and ranks at the 45th percentile nationally, suggesting limited buyer options but strengthening demand for established properties. Recent construction comprises 24.0% standalone homes and 76.0% townhouses or apartments, offering affordable entry pathways and attracting downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This shift from the area's existing housing (55.0% houses) reflects decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Parkdale has approximately 371 people per dwelling approval, with population forecasts indicating a gain of 1,652 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

Population forecasts indicate Parkdale will gain 1,652 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Construction is maintaining a reasonable pace with projected growth, although buyers could encounter growing competition as population increases.

Parkdale has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 30% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects that could influence the region. Notable projects are Mordi Aquatic Centre, Elanora Place, Kallara House, and OTIUM. The following details projects likely to have the greatest impact.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Parkdale has seen below average employment performance when compared to national benchmarks

Parkdale has an educated workforce with professional services well-represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.3%, according to AreaSearch's statistical area data aggregation. As of December 2025, 7,332 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate at 4.8% less than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 72.0%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 69.9%. Census responses indicate that 40.1% of residents work from home. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training shows particularly strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 2.9%, compared to 5.2% regionally. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population count versus resident population. During the year ending December 2025, Parkdale's labour force decreased by 0.4% and employment declined by 0.7%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.3 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 2.4%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is expected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parkdale's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Parkdale had a median taxpayer income of $62,493 and an average income of $83,367 in financial year 2023. These figures are among the highest nationally, compared to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By March 2026, estimated incomes would be approximately $68,505 (median) and $91,387 (average), based on a 9.62% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2023. Census data shows Parkdale's household, family, and personal incomes rank between the 74th and 76th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile indicates that 28.1% of residents (3,586 people) fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting metropolitan patterns where 32.8% occupy this range. Notably, 35.0% of Parkdale residents earn above $3,000 per week, suggesting strong economic capacity in the suburb. Housing expenses account for 14.3% of income, with residents ranking within the 76th percentile for disposable income. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

Parkdale displays a diverse mix of dwelling types, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Parkdale's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkdale stood at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,366, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Parkdale was $410, slightly higher than Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Parkdale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, with rents exceeding the national figure of $375.

Parkdale has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.9% of all households, including 35.4% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.1%, composed of 27.2% lone person households and 1.9% group households. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6 people.

Parkdale demonstrates exceptional educational outcomes, ranking among the top 5% of areas nationally based on AreaSearch's comprehensive analysis of qualification and performance metrics

In Parkdale Trail region, as of the latest data available (2016), 37.9% of residents aged 15 years or older hold university degrees, compared to 46.0% in the broader SA4 region. The most common educational attainment is bachelor degrees at 24.5%. Postgraduate qualifications and graduate diplomas are held by 8.8% and 4.6% respectively. Vocational credentials are prominent with 29.4%, including advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (16.6%).

Educational participation is high, with 29.4% currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (9.4%), secondary education (9.2%), and tertiary education (5.7%).

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

Parkdale has 41 active public transport stops, all serving buses. These stops are covered by 12 different routes, offering a total of 2,607 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated good, with residents living an average of 225 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily. Car remains the primary mode of transport, used by 88% of residents, while train usage stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling in Parkdale.

According to the 2021 Census, 40.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 372 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

Parkdale's residents are extremely healthy with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Analysis of health metrics shows strong performance throughout Parkdale. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were very low across all age groups.

Private health cover was found to be exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (7,618 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions in the area were asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.7 and 7.0% of residents respectively. 71.6% of residents declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrates better than average health outcomes. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (2,488 people), which is higher than the 15.0% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Parkdale records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Parkdale had a cultural diversity index above average, with 22.2% of its residents born overseas and 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Parkdale, accounting for 47.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism was overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.6% versus 1.0%.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (28.2%, regional average: 20.1%), Australian (24.8%, regional average: 18.4%), and Irish (10.5%). Other ethnic groups with notable differences included Russian (Parkdale: 0.6%, regional: 0.4%), Hungarian (Parkdale: 0.4%, regional: 0.3%), and Greek (Parkdale: 2.9%, regional: 2.7%).

Parkdale hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Parkdale is 43 years, significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 55-64 make up 13.7% of the population, while those aged 25-34 constitute only 9.1%. Since 2021, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 12.1% to 15.1%, and the 75-84 age group has risen from 5.4% to 6.5%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 13.0% to 11.5%, and the 45-54 age group has fallen from 16.4% to 15.1%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate that Parkdale's age structure will shift significantly. The 75-84 age cohort is expected to increase by 467 people (56%), growing from 829 to 1,297 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 59% of total population growth, reflecting Parkdale's aging demographic trend. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.