Parkdale

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

As of Feb 2026, Parkdale's population is estimated at around 12,744, reflecting an increase of 436 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 12,308. This change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of resident population at 12,659 following examination of ABS ERP data release in June 2024 and an additional 138 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 3,569 persons per square kilometer, placing Parkdale 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%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 89.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises 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 are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, above median population growth is projected for the suburb, expected to increase by 1,927 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 16.6% 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, allocated from statistical area data, Parkdale has experienced around 60 dwellings receiving development approval annually over the past five financial years. This totals an estimated 302 homes. So far in FY-26, 43 approvals have been recorded. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY-21 and FY-25 accommodated approximately 1.2 new residents per year. However, recent data shows this has intensified to 4.7 people per dwelling over the past two financial years.

New homes are being built at an average expected construction cost of $622,000, indicating a focus on premium properties. This financial year has seen $42.5 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Relative to Greater Melbourne, Parkdale records 12.0% 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, offering affordable entry pathways for downsizers, investors, and first-time purchasers. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition, which is currently 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 2,118 residents by 2041. Construction is maintaining pace with projected growth, although buyers may face increasing competition as the population grows.

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 expected to influence the region. Notable projects are Mordi Aquatic Centre, Elanora Place, Kallara House, and OTIUM. The following details projects likely most relevant.

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 4.5%, per AreaSearch's statistical area aggregation. As of September 2025, there are 7,375 employed residents, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.7%.

Workforce participation is similar to the regional average (73.0%). Census data shows 40.1% work from home; Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Dominant sectors include health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training has a strong presence with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has limited presence at 2.9% compared to the regional average of 5.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. Between September 2024 and September 2025, Parkdale's labour force increased by 0.6%, while employment declined by 0.5%, leading to a rise in unemployment of 1.1 percentage points. Greater Melbourne, however, recorded employment growth of 3.0% during the same period. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia (May-25) project national employment growth at 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 approximately 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

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

In financial year 2023, Parkdale had a median taxpayer income of $62,493 and an average income of $83,367. These figures rank among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's median of $57,688 and average of $75,164. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $67,649 (median) and $90,245 (average), based on an 8.25% increase 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 earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly (3,581 people), which is similar to the metropolitan region's 32.8%. Notably, 35.0% of residents earn above $3,000 per week, indicating strong economic capacity in the suburb. Housing expenses account for 14.3% of income, and residents rank 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). This compares to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkdale was at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented ones at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $2,366, exceeding Melbourne metro's average of $2,000. Median weekly rent in Parkdale was $410, compared to Melbourne metro's $390. Nationally, Parkdale's mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded 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%, with lone person households at 27.2% and group households comprising 1.9%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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 has a regional benchmark of 37.9% residents aged 15+ with university degrees, compared to the SA4 region's 46.0%. This indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 24.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (8.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 29.4% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 16.6%.

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

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 serving a mix of bus routes. These stops are covered by 12 different routes, offering a total of 2,607 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents typically living within 225 meters of the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area. Car remains the dominant transport mode at 88%, while train usage stands at 5%. On average, there are 1.4 vehicles per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, 40.1% of residents work from home, which may reflect COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 372 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 based on AreaSearch's assessment. 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 (7,608 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The most common medical conditions were asthma and arthritis, impacting 7.7% and 7.0% of residents respectively. Seventy-one point six percent declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 72.6% across Greater Melbourne. The under-65 population demonstrated better than average health outcomes. Nineteen point six percent of residents were aged 65 and over (2,497 people), higher than the 15.1% in Greater Melbourne. Health outcomes among seniors were 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's cultural diversity was above average, with 22.2% born overseas and 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity dominated Parkdale's religious landscape at 47.8%. Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.6%, compared to Melbourne's 1.0%.

In ancestry, the top groups were English (28.2%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (10.5%), all higher than regional averages of 20.1%, 18.4%, respectively. Notably, Russian (0.6%) and Hungarian (0.4%) were overrepresented compared to regional figures of 0.4% and 0.3%.

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 those aged 55-64 years make up 13.6% of the population, while those aged 25-34 years comprise only 8.6%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.1% to 14.9%, and the 75 to 84 age cohort has risen from 5.4% to 6.5%. Conversely, the 45 to 54 age group has decreased from 16.4% to 14.9%, and the 5 to 14 age group has dropped from 13.0% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parkdale's age structure. The 75 to 84 age cohort is projected to rise by 538 people (65%), from 828 to 1,367. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 56% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age cohorts are expected to experience population declines.