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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
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Parkdale has an estimated 12,762 residents, up from 12,308 at the 2021 Census — a change of 454 people, or 3.7%. 180 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 3,575 residents on each square kilometre. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch since the Census the suburb of Parkdale has an estimated population of 12,762 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 454 people (3.7%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 12,308 people. This shift is calculated from a resident population of 12,597, estimated by AreaSearch following analysis of the June 2025 ABS ERP release and 180 validated new addresses added since the Census date. With these numbers, the local density stands at 3,574 persons per square kilometer, placing the area in the top quartile of national spots analyzed by AreaSearch.
Recent population expansion was driven mostly by overseas migration, which accounted for approximately 89.0% of the total demographic gains. AreaSearch relies on ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 district, published in 2022 as the base year and released in 2024. For any SA2 locations lacking this coverage, AreaSearch uses the 2023 VIC State Government Regional/LGA projections, adjusting them through weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. The age cohort growth rates from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for the period spanning 2032 to 2041. Future demographic forecasts point to above median population expansion compared to national areas, with the suburb of Parkdale expected to grow by 1,817 persons to 2041 under aggregated SA2-level projections, which is a 12.9% rise over the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
293 new dwellings have been approved in Parkdale over the past five years, an average of 58 a year. That is 4.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 58 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 28% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 48, broadly in line with that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
According to AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals allocated from statistical area records, the suburb of Parkdale averages approximately 58 approved residential properties annually, bringing the total to an estimated 293 homes over the past 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 44 approvals have been logged. As local population numbers fell in recent times, residential supply kept pace with demand to yield a balanced market offering buyers good choice, with new builds averaging a construction cost of $622,000, pointing to developers focusing on high-end, premium projects. Additionally, commercial approvals reached $42.5 million this financial year, showing strong commercial development activity.
Compared to Greater Melbourne, building activity per capita in the suburb of Parkdale is 13.0% lower, placing it in the 52nd percentile of locations analyzed nationwide. Modern building approvals consist of 28.0% standalone houses and 72.0% townhouses or multi-unit structures. This trend toward higher density housing options provides more affordable entry points and draws downsizers, investors, and first-home buyers. It highlights a clear departure from existing housing stock, where houses currently make up 55.0% of properties, showing that developable land is becoming scarce while resident lifestyles and preferences shift toward varied, budget-friendly choices. The ratio of residents to each residential approval is about 311 people, indicating a low density market context. Demographic forecasts indicate that the suburb of Parkdale will add 1,652 residents by 2041, based on the most recent quarterly estimate from AreaSearch. Current levels of building activity appear well-matched with future requirements, supporting stable market conditions without generating significant price pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Parkdale
SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 13 current infrastructure and development projects inside Parkdale, worth an estimated $6.19 billion. A further 48 sit in the immediately surrounding suburbs, taking the tracked pipeline within reach of the area to $44.1 billion. 24 are already under construction and 23 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, transport & logistics and communities, precincts & urban renewal. 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 infrastructure updates, planning decisions, and major project developments play a key role in regional performance. AreaSearch has identified a total of 9 projects that are expected to influence the local area. Notable projects include Mordi Aquatic Centre, Elanora Place, Kallara House, and OTIUM, with details on the most relevant works provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
Frankston Line Level Crossing Removal Program
A major Victorian Government initiative to remove all 27 level crossings on the Frankston Line by 2029. As of May 2026, a 3-week construction blitz is removing level crossings at McDonald Street, Mordialloc and Station Street, Aspendale. The new elevated Mordialloc Station is scheduled to open to passengers on 21 May 2026. Future works include the removal of crossings at Armstrongs Road and Station Street in Seaford, with major construction starting in 2027 and completion by 2029.
Kallara House
Boutique apartment project beside Parkdale Village delivering 33 one to three bedroom residences by Lowe Living, with architecture by Warren and Mahoney and landscaping by Tom Fritsch. Construction is underway with move ins targeted for summer 2025-26. Finishes include natural stone benchtops, engineered timber flooring, and premium appliance options.
Elanora Place
A contemporary bayside development by Lowe Living delivering 43 two- and three-bedroom apartments with a community rooftop terrace. Construction is underway following the October 2025 ground-breaking, with completion targeted for 2026.
189-201 Nepean Highway Mixed Development
Mixed-use development proposal with approved planning permit for hotel and apartment complex featuring 61-room hotel and residential apartments. Previously occupied by car dealership on 1,715sqm site with 72m frontage to Nepean Highway. Located near Woolworths and local amenities.
Violetta Apartments
Modern apartment development at 203 Nepean Highway featuring 22 residential apartments (4 one-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom) designed by Bruce Henderson Architects. Contemporary design with park views and comprehensive amenities including lounge areas. 4-storey development with excellent transport connections.
Charman Road Shopping Centre Upgrade
Enhancement of local shopping centre facilities including improved accessibility, updated facades, additional parking, and modernized retail spaces to better serve the community.
OTIUM
Thirteen boutique apartments in a three-level building with secure basement parking in central Parkdale. Construction has commenced with LABCO as builder and Huxtable Property as developer. Located steps to Parkdale Station and a short walk to the beach, residences feature stone benchtops, engineered oak floors, and generous balconies/terraces.
Balcombe Road Level Crossing Removal and Mentone Station Rebuild
Removal of level crossing at Balcombe Road with new Mentone Station opened July 2020. Features heritage bridge preserving historic station buildings, new station gardens, and 3.5km shared path to Cheltenham. Heritage-listed trees preserved and enhanced landscaping program implemented.
7,378 residents of Parkdale are employed, from a labour force of 7,728. Unemployment sits at 4.5%, with participation at 72.6%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 6.8% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 10,117, about 79% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
According to statistical area data aggregated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Parkdale has a highly educated workforce with a strong concentration in professional services, an unemployment rate of 4.5%, and relatively stable employment conditions over the past year. In March 2026, there were 7,378 working residents, with local unemployment sitting 0.2% below the Greater Melbourne average of 4.8%, while participation in the workforce was typical at 72.6% compared to 70.2% across Greater Melbourne. Census records show that a high proportion of residents, 40.1%, worked from home, though this figure likely reflects the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns.
The primary employment fields for residents are health care & social assistance, education & training, and professional & technical services. Education & training is a key local specialty, accounting for a share 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing has a minor presence at 2.9% of local jobs compared to 5.2% regionally. The area is mostly residential and offers limited local job opportunities, as shown by comparing the count of the Census working population against resident workers. AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data for broader statistical areas indicates that in the year ending March 2026, the local workforce shrank by 0.3% while total employment fell by 0.4%, leading to a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. Over the same period, Greater Melbourne saw employment rise by 2.1%, the workforce grow by 2.3%, and unemployment increase by 0.2 percentage points. National employment projections from May-25 by Jobs and Skills Australia provide further context on future demand patterns in the suburb of Parkdale. Mapped against the local workforce profile, these five and ten-year forecasts project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, with performance varying by sector. Applying these trends locally suggests employment in the suburb of Parkdale should increase by 6.8% over five years and 13.8% over ten years, representing a simple weighted projection based on industry mix that does not account for local population changes.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Parkdale is $2,130 a week (about $111,000 a year), with median personal income at $974 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $62,493 a year against an average of $83,367. 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
Based on AreaSearch's aggregation of postcode-level ATO data released for the financial year 2023, taxpayers in the suburb of Parkdale recorded a median income of $62,493 and an average income of $83,367. These figures are among the highest nationwide, compared to $57,688 and $75,164 across Greater Melbourne. Adjusting for a Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since the financial year 2023, current estimates for March 2026 are approximately $68,505 for median income and $91,387 for average income. Census data ranks household, family, and personal incomes in the suburb of Parkdale between the 74th and 76th percentiles nationally.
The local weekly earnings distribution is led by the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket at 28.1% of residents (3,586 people), reflecting the metro-wide pattern of 32.8%. High earners represent a large share of the community, with 35.0% making more than $3,000/week, showing strong financial capacity. Housing costs represent 14.3% of income, while solid earnings put residents in the 76th percentile for disposable income, and the area ranks in the 9th decile on the SEIFA index.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Parkdale had 4,753 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 55% detached houses and 10% apartments. 39% are owned with a mortgage, 23% rented and 39% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $410 a week and the median mortgage repayment $2,366 a month. Rent absorbs 19.2% of household income here and mortgage repayments 25.6%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census data, residential housing in the suburb of Parkdale consists of 54.7% detached houses and 45.2% other types of housing, such as townhouses and apartments, compared to 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings across metro Melbourne. Home ownership rates in the suburb of Parkdale are higher than the metropolitan average at 38.6%, with the remaining residences being mortgaged (38.9%) or rented (22.5%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $2,366 is higher than the Melbourne metro average of $2,000, while the median weekly rent stands at $410, compared to the metropolitan average of $390.
Locally, mortgage repayments exceed the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are higher than the national figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Parkdale counted 4,753 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 35% are couples with children, against 24% couples without children. 27% of households are people living alone, and families average 1.5 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Families make up 70.9% of households in the suburb of Parkdale, consisting of 35.4% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 10.3% single parent families. Non-family living arrangements account for the remaining 29.1%, with single-person households at 27.2% and group housing making up 1.9% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is slightly smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
37.9% of adults in Parkdale hold a university qualification, including 24.5% with a bachelor degree and 8.8% with postgraduate qualifications, higher than 95% of areas nationally. A further 16.6% hold a vocational qualification. 3 schools serve the area, with 1,249 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 1,114 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 suburb of Parkdale is lower than regional figures, with 37.9% of residents aged 15+ holding a university degree compared to 46.0% across the SA4 region, suggesting opportunities for further skills development. Bachelor degrees are the most common qualification at 24.5%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 8.8% and graduate diplomas at 4.6%. Vocational qualifications are held by 29.4% of residents aged 15+, comprising advanced diplomas (12.8%) and certificates (16.6%). A high level of educational enrollment is recorded, with 29.4% of residents actively participating in formal study. This includes 9.4% in primary schools, 9.2% in secondary schools, and 5.7% in tertiary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Parkdale reaches 41 stops on 12 routes, timetabled for about 2,600 services a week. The typical home sits about 230 m from its nearest stop. Buses carry the largest share of public transport commuters. Households keep an average of 1.4 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 in the suburb of Parkdale include 41 active stops with bus connections. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes, which accommodate 2,607 passenger journeys per week. Transport links are rated as good, with residents living an average of 225 meters from a stop. Local commuters travel outside the area for work, with private cars being the primary mode of transport at 88%, followed by trains at 5%. Car ownership averages 1.4 vehicles per household. Additionally, 40.1% of residents worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which was likely affected by pandemic conditions.
Services run at an average frequency of 372 daily trips across all routes, which translates to approximately 63 trips per week for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
71.6% of residents in Parkdale report no long-term health condition, a healthier profile than 78% of areas nationally. 4.6% need daily assistance with core activities, and 59.7% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 4.3 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators show positive outcomes in the suburb of Parkdale, based on AreaSearch assessments of mortality and chronic illnesses, which reveal a low incidence of common health issues across all demographics. Additionally, private health insurance uptake is high, covering approximately 60% of the population (7,618 people), compared to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. Asthma and arthritis are the most common medical diagnoses in the area, affecting 7.7% and 7.0% of the population, respectively. Meanwhile, 71.6% of residents reported having no long-term health conditions, compared to 72.6% in Greater Melbourne. Residents under 65 show better than average health outcomes.
The proportion of residents aged 65 and over is 19.5% (2,488 people), higher than the 15.0% average for Greater Melbourne, with senior health indicators showing national rankings that align well with the overall population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Parkdale is largely Australian-born, at 77.8% of residents, with 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are English (28.2%) and Australian (24.8%). Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity in the suburb of Parkdale is above average, with 22.2% of residents born overseas and 13.0% speaking a non-English language at home. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 47.8% of the local population. Judaism is represented by 0.6% of residents, indicating a local concentration compared to the Greater Melbourne average of 1.0%. Regarding ancestry (parents' birthplaces), the primary heritages represented in the suburb of Parkdale are English at 28.2% of the population, which is higher than the regional average of 20.1%, Australian at 24.8%, also higher than the regional average of 18.4%, and Irish at 10.5%.
There is also higher representation of certain other groups compared to regional averages, including Russian heritage at 0.6% (compared to 0.4% regionally), Hungarian at 0.4% (compared to 0.3%), and Greek at 2.9% (compared to 2.7%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Parkdale is 43. 24.2% 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 the suburb of Parkdale is 43, which is higher than the Greater Melbourne average of 37 and the national average of 38. The age distribution features a large group of 55 - 64 year-olds (13.7%), while the 25 - 34 cohort is smaller (9.1%) than the metropolitan average. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has increased from 12.1% to 15.1% of the population, and the 75 to 84 bracket grew from 5.4% to 6.5%. During the same period, the 5 to 14 cohort declined from 13.0% to 11.5%, while the 45 to 54 cohort fell from 16.4% to 15.1%.
Demographic projections to 2041 indicate that the 75 to 84 cohort will increase by 467 people (56%), rising from 829 to 1,297. Residents aged 65 and over are expected to account for 59% of overall population growth, while the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 brackets are projected to decrease in size.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Parkdale
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 Suburb (SAL) 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 13 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) | Aug 2026 this 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 — 180 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (12,308 at the 2021 Census → 12,762 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 (SAL22037). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.