Parkdale

Parkdale has seen population growth performance typically on par with national averages when looking at short and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the Parkdale statistical area's population is estimated at around 12,739 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 431 people (3.5%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 12,308 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 12,659, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on Jun 2024 and an additional 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 3,568 persons per square kilometer, placing it in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Parkdale has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking at population projections moving forward, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the area expected to increase by 1,942 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 16.9% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Parkdale when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers in Parkdale, around 60 dwellings received development approval annually over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. This totals an estimated 302 homes. Up until FY-26, 43 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.2 new residents moved in per year per dwelling constructed during this period. However, recent data shows this has increased to 4.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

New homes are being built at an average construction cost value of $622,000. In FY-26, there have been $42.5 million in commercial approvals, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Parkdale records 11.0% less building activity per person while it places among the 61st percentile of areas assessed nationally. Recent construction comprises 27.0% standalone homes and 73.0% townhouses or apartments, demonstrating a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 55.0% houses. The location has approximately 244 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low density market.

According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Parkdale is forecasted to gain 2,146 residents by 2041. Construction pace is maintaining with projected growth, but buyers may face growing competition as population increases.

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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones are Mordi Aquatic Centre, Elanora Place, Kallara House, and OTIUM. The following details those most relevant.

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.

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

Parkdale has an educated workforce with strong professional services representation. The unemployment rate is 4.5%, showing stability over the past year according to AreaSearch data aggregation.

As of September 2025, 7,382 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.5% compared to Greater Melbourne's 4.7%. Workforce participation is 68.1%, slightly higher than Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. Dominant employment sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training has a particularly strong presence, with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Transport, postal & warehousing, however, has limited presence at 2.9% compared to the regional 5.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities based on Census working population vs resident population data. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Parkdale's labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.5%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.0% and a smaller increase in unemployment. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows Victoria's employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parkdale's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, assuming constant population projections.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released on June 30, 2023, Parkdale had a median income among taxpayers of $62,493 and an average income of $83,367. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $57,688 and average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since June 30, 2023, current estimates for Parkdale would be approximately $67,649 (median) and $90,245 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals that household, family, and personal incomes in Parkdale rank highly nationally, between the 74th and 76th percentiles. The earnings profile shows that the majority of residents, 3,579 people or 28.1%, fall within the $1,500 - $2,999 weekly income bracket, reflecting patterns seen in metropolitan regions where 32.8% occupy this range. Notably, 35.0% of Parkdale residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity throughout the suburb. Housing expenses account for 14.3% of income, and residents' disposable income ranks them within the 76th percentile nationally. 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is similar to Melbourne metro's structure of 54.8% houses and 45.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkdale was higher at 38.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (38.9%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,366, above Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent was recorded at $410, equal to Melbourne metro's figure. Nationally, Parkdale's mortgage repayments were higher than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Parkdale has a typical household mix, with a higher-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 constitute the remaining 29.1%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is larger than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.4.

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

Parkdale Trail's residents aged 15+ have 37.9% with university degrees, compared to SA4 region's 46.0%. This difference indicates potential for educational development. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 29.4% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (16.6%) being prominent.

Current educational participation is high at 29.4%, including 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 operational public transport stops offering a combination of train and bus services. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes that facilitate a total of 2,607 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of transport in Parkdale is deemed good, with residents generally situated 225 meters away from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 372 daily trips across all routes, which translates to about 63 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Parkdale is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Parkdale shows superior health outcomes for both young and elderly populations, with low prevalence rates for common conditions.

Private health coverage is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (7,605 people). The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.7% and 7.0% of residents respectively. A significant majority, 71.6%, report being free from medical ailments compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.4%. The area has an 18.9% senior population (2,407 people), with seniors demonstrating particularly strong health outcomes that surpass general population metrics.

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 has a higher than average cultural diversity, with 22.2% of its population born overseas and 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Parkdale, accounting for 47.8% of the population. Notably, Judaism is overrepresented in Parkdale compared to Greater Melbourne, making up 0.6% versus 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups in Parkdale are English (28.2%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (10.5%). Some ethnic groups show notable differences: Russian is slightly overrepresented at 0.6% compared to the regional average of 1.0%, Hungarian remains largely consistent at 0.4%, while Greek shows a slight underrepresentation at 2.9% versus 3.3%.

Parkdale hosts a notably older demographic compared to the national average

The median age in Parkdale is 43 years, which is higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that individuals aged 45-54 make up a prominent 15.3% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.8%. Between 2021 and present, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has grown from 12.1% to 14.6%, while the 5-14 age group has declined from 13.0% to 11.8%. The 45-54 age group has also decreased, from 16.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parkdale's age structure. The 75-84 age cohort is projected to rise substantially by 581 people (74%), increasing from 789 to 1,371 individuals. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups are expected to account for 57% of total population growth. Conversely, the 0-4 and 5-14 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.