Parkdale

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

As of November 2025, Parkdale's population is estimated at around 12,868, reflecting an increase of 560 people since the 2021 Census. The ABS reported a population of 12,308 in that year. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 12,811 based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 149 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 3,604 persons per square kilometer, placing Parkdale in the upper quartile relative to national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Over the past decade, Parkdale has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%, outpacing the SA3 area. 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 by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, adjusted 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, Parkdale is projected to have above median population growth, with an expected increase of 1,937 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting a total increase of 15.6% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Parkdale recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

Parkdale has seen approximately 61 dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 306 homes. As of FY26, 48 approvals have been recorded. On average, each new dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodated about 1.1 new residents per year. However, this figure has increased to 5.6 people per dwelling over the past two financial years, suggesting growing popularity and potential undersupply. The average construction value of new homes is $622,000, which is higher than regional norms, indicating quality-focused development.

This fiscal year has seen $35.0 million in commercial approvals, reflecting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Parkdale has 10.0% less building activity per person but ranks at the 54th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprises 25.0% standalone homes and 75.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's current housing composition of 55.0% houses. This change may reflect decreasing developable sites and evolving lifestyles seeking more diverse, affordable housing options. Parkdale has approximately 295 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density market.

By 2041, Parkdale is projected to gain around 2,012 residents, maintaining a reasonable construction pace with population growth but potentially increasing competition among buyers.

Parkdale has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified nine projects likely to impact the area. Notable projects are Mordi Aquatic Centre, Elanora Place, Kallara House, and OTIUM. The following details projects expected to be 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 a well-educated workforce. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.

Employment stability has been relative over the past year. As of June 2025, 7,425 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 0.2% lower than Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation is fairly standard at 68.1%, compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%. 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 Census data. Between June 2024 and June 2025, the labour force increased by 1.4% while employment declined by 0.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.7 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project a 6.6% increase 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, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localized population projections.

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

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Parkdale was $62,493 in financial year 2022. Average income stood at $83,367. These figures are among the highest in Australia, compared to Melbourne's $54,892 and $73,761 respectively. By September 2025, estimated median and average incomes would be approximately $70,092 and $93,504, based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth since financial year 2022. Census data ranks Parkdale's household, family, and personal incomes between the 74th and 76th percentiles nationally. The earnings profile shows that 28.1% of residents (3,615 people) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly income bracket. High earners make up 35.0% of the suburb's population, indicating strong economic capacity. Housing costs account for 14.3% of income. Residents rank in the 76th percentile for disposable income, with the area's SEIFA income ranking placing it in the 9th decile.

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

Parkdale's dwellings, as per the latest Census, consisted of 54.7% houses and 45.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This is comparable to Melbourne metro's composition of 54.8% houses and 45.2% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkdale stood at 38.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 38.9% and rented dwellings at 22.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,366, higher than Melbourne metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Parkdale was recorded at $410, the same as Melbourne metro's figure. 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 higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 70.9% of all households, including 35.4% that are couples with children, 24.3% that are couples without children, and 10.3% that are 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 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

In Parkdale trail region, 37.9% of residents aged 15+ have university degrees, compared to the SA4 regional average of 46.0%. Bachelor degrees are most common (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 such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 12.8% and certificates at 16.6%. Educational participation is high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education.

This includes 9.4% in primary education, 9.2% in secondary education, and 5.7% pursuing tertiary education. The three schools in Parkdale have a combined enrollment of 1,249 students. These schools focus exclusively on primary education, with secondary options available in surrounding areas. School places per 100 residents (9.7) are below the regional average (15.6), indicating some students may attend schools outside the area. The region demonstrates significant socio-educational advantages and academic achievement, with an ICSEA score of 1114.

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

Parkdale has 35 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 11 different routes, facilitating a total of 3,235 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated good, with residents on average located 230 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 462 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 92 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 residents, with low prevalence rates for common health conditions.

Approximately 60% of its total population of 7,682 have private health cover, which is exceptionally high. The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma (affecting 7.7% of residents) and arthritis (7.0%). A significant majority, 71.6%, report being completely free from medical ailments, compared to 70.4% across Greater Melbourne. In Parkdale, 18.9% of residents are aged 65 and over, totaling 2,432 people. Health outcomes among seniors in the area are notably strong, outperforming general population health metrics.

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

Parkdale's population shows above-average cultural diversity, with 22.2% born overseas and 13.0% speaking a language other than English at home. Christianity is the dominant religion in Parkdale, accounting for 47.8%. However, Judaism is overrepresented compared to Greater Melbourne, comprising 0.6% versus 1.1%.

The top three ancestry groups are English (28.2%), Australian (24.8%), and Irish (10.5%). Notably, Russian (0.6%) and Greek (2.9%) are overrepresented in Parkdale compared to regional figures of 1.0% and 3.3%, respectively.

Parkdale hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

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 45-54 years make up a significant portion at 15.3%, while those aged 25-34 years are relatively smaller at 8.8% compared to Greater Melbourne. Between 2021 and the present, the proportion of individuals aged 15-24 has increased from 12.1% to 14.6%. Conversely, the percentage of those aged 5-14 has decreased from 13.0% to 11.8%, and the 45-54 age group has dropped from 16.4% to 15.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate substantial shifts in Parkdale's age structure. The number of individuals aged 75-84 is projected to rise significantly, increasing by 571 people (72%) from 797 to 1,369. Notably, the combined age groups of 65 and above are expected to account for 58% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the populations aged 0-4 and 5-14 are projected to decline.