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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 12,775 residents, up from 12,308 at the 2021 Census — a change of 467 people, or 3.8%. 181 new addresses have been validated here since Census night. That puts 3,578 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
Demographic assessments by AreaSearch combining broader ABS updates with post-Census address verification place the resident count of the suburb of Parkdale at approximately 12,775 as of Aug 2026. This marks an expansion of 467 people (3.8%) relative to the 12,308 people recorded in the 2021 Census. The updated tally builds upon an estimated resident population of 12,600 identified through the ABS ERP release of June 2025 alongside 181 validated new addresses confirmed following the Census. The suburb of Parkdale registers a density of 3,578 persons per square kilometer, positioning it within the top quartile nationwide in AreaSearch benchmarks.
Net overseas migration has served as the primary demographic catalyst, generating roughly 89.0% of recent population additions. Projections for the suburb of Parkdale incorporate 2024 ABS/Geoscience Australia figures pegged to a 2022 baseline, supplemented where necessary by 2023 VIC State Government regional and local government models aggregated to SA2 scales. For the 2032 to 2041 timeframe, growth distributions across age brackets are derived from these combined datasets. Future demographic trajectories for the suburb of Parkdale sit above the national median, with aggregated SA2 modeling forecasting a gain of 1,789 persons by 2041, representing a cumulative increase of 12.6% across the 16-year projection horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
297 new dwellings have been approved in Parkdale over the past five years, an average of 59 a year. That is 4.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Of the 57 dwellings approved in the latest reporting year, 26% were detached houses and the rest townhouses or apartments. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 50, 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
Statistical allocations of ABS building data examined by AreaSearch reveal that Parkdale has averaged roughly 59 residential approvals annually, yielding an aggregate of 297 homes across the prior 5 financial years. Within FY-25 to date, 50 approvals have been logged. In the context of recent population contraction, this level of home building represents sufficient supply for prospective buyers. The mean expected construction cost per dwelling stands at $740,000, illustrating an emphasis among builders on upmarket residential stock. Furthermore, commercial permits registered this financial year total $42.5 million, underscoring solid non-residential investment.
Per capita building volumes in Parkdale track closely with Greater Melbourne, sustaining an equilibrium aligned with the wider metropolitan territory. Recent residential planning approvals comprise 26.0% standalone houses alongside 74.0% attached dwellings. This orientation toward higher-density options creates accessible purchasing tiers for entry-level buyers, downsizers, and property investors. It contrasts sharply with the established local housing stock, where separate houses represent 55.0%, pointing to shrinking greenfield land and shifting lifestyle and affordability dynamics. With roughly 293 people per approval, the locality maintains low-density characteristics. According to forward-looking demographic estimates, Parkdale is slated to add 1,614 residents by 2041 relative to the latest quarterly calculation from AreaSearch. Current volumes of residential construction appear well-calibrated to future population needs, supporting stable market fundamentals without generating substantial pricing tension.
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 billion. 25 are already under construction and 24 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 capital programs, major developments, and civic planning initiatives play a decisive role in shaping community outcomes. AreaSearch has pinpointed 8 key projects expected to influence the locality, including the Mordi Aquatic Centre, Elanora Place, Kallara House, and OTIUM.
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.
189-201 Nepean Highway Mixed Development
Approved mixed-use redevelopment of a former 1,715sqm automotive dealership site with 72m frontage to Nepean Highway. The planning permit allows for a multistory complex comprising a 61-room hotel alongside residential apartments and ground-level retail spaces. The project is situated within Kingston City Council, in close proximity to Mentone Activity Centre and transport amenities.
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.
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.
7,363 residents of Parkdale are employed, from a labour force of 7,711. Unemployment sits at 4.5%, with participation at 72.3%. 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 10,140, 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
Parkdale possesses a highly educated labor pool with significant concentration in professional services and a jobless rate of 4.5%, according to statistical aggregations by AreaSearch. In March 2026, employed residents numbered 7,363, while local unemployment tracked 0.3% below the Greater Melbourne benchmark of 4.8%. Labor force participation stood at 72.3%, slightly surpassing the metropolitan level of 70.1%. Census records indicated that 40.1% of workers carried out their duties remotely, an outcome influenced by Covid-19 restrictions. The dominant employment sectors for local residents comprise health care & social assistance, education & training, along with professional & technical services.
The workforce displays substantial specialization in education & training, capturing a sector share 1.3 times the regional average. Conversely, transport, postal & warehousing exhibits reduced representation, engaging only 2.9% of local workers relative to 5.2% across Greater Melbourne. A comparison between Census working and resident populations underscores the predominantly residential profile of the area, which provides modest employment capacity within its borders. Analysis conducted by AreaSearch using data from SALM and ABS, which was aggregated from wider statistical regions, indicates that the labour force shrank by 0.4% and employment fell by 0.5% during the year to March 2026, leading to a 0.1 percentage point increase in unemployment. In comparison, Greater Melbourne experienced a 2.1% rise in employment, a 2.3% growth in the labour force, and a 0.2 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Mar-26 provide additional context regarding potential future demand in Parkdale. These projections, which span five and ten-year periods, have been overlaid onto the local employment profile to estimate growth trajectories. National employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and by 13.7% over ten years, though sectoral growth rates vary considerably. When these industry-specific forecasts are applied to Parkdale's employment composition, local employment is expected to rise by 6.8% over five years and by 13.8% over ten years. It is important to note that this calculation relies on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not incorporate localised population projections.
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
Taxation records compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 place Parkdale's median taxpayer income at $62,493 and the mean at $83,367, substantially exceeding Greater Melbourne figures of $57,688 (median) and $75,164 (average). Accounting for a 9.62% increase in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023, updated estimates reach roughly $68,505 for median earnings and $91,387 for average earnings by March 2026. In the 2021 Census, personal, family, and household incomes placed between the 74th and 76th percentiles across Australia. Among local earners, 28.1% (3,589 people) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 weekly bracket, compared with 32.8% regionally, while 35.0% receive over $3,000 weekly.
Housing costs absorb 14.3% of earnings, disposable income sits in the 76th percentile, and the SEIFA income metric occupies the 9th decile.
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
At the most recent Census, the dwelling profile of Parkdale consisted of 54.7% standalone houses and 45.2% other housing formats (including semi-detached units and apartments), diverging from the Melbourne metro split of 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Full home ownership reached 38.6%, well above the metropolitan rate, with mortgaged properties comprising 38.9% and rental accommodation making up 22.5%. Median monthly mortgage commitments were recorded at $2,366 against the Melbourne metro benchmark of $2,000 and the national standard of $1,863. Median weekly rent stood at $410, outpacing both the metropolitan figure of $390 and the Australian median 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 constitute the vast majority of local domestic arrangements at 70.9%, comprising couples with children at 35.4%, couples without children at 24.3%, and single parent households at 10.3%. Non-family living situations represent 29.1% of homes, consisting of single-person dwellings at 27.2% and share housing at 1.9%. The median occupancy rate is 2.5 people per home, slightly under the Greater Melbourne benchmark 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
University degree attainment in Parkdale stands at 37.9% among residents aged 15+, trailing the SA4 region level of 46.0%. Bachelor qualifications account for 24.5% of the adult population, postgraduate degrees represent 8.8%, and graduate diplomas comprise 4.6%. In vocational education, 29.4% of people aged 15+ hold qualifications, divided between certificates at 16.6% and advanced diplomas at 12.8%. Formal study engagement is substantial, with 29.4% of the population attending an educational institution. This proportion includes 9.4% enrolled in primary education, 9.2% attending secondary school, and 5.7% undertaking tertiary programs.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Parkdale reaches 41 stops on 13 routes, timetabled for about 3,600 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 Parkdale feature 41 bus stops spanning 13 transit routes that deliver 3,571 weekly passenger services. Accessibility is favorable, with an average distance of 225 meters to the closest stop. Given the residential orientation of the area, outbound travel is standard, with private vehicles accounting for 88% of journeys and train travel capturing 5%. Vehicle ownership sits at an average of 1.4 per household. Remote work engagement reached 40.1% during the 2021 Census under prevailing pandemic circumstances. Transit service frequency across the network totals 510 trips each day, which translates to roughly 87 departures weekly at each individual 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
Evaluations by AreaSearch regarding mortality and long-term health conditions indicate excellent overall health across Parkdale, marked by minimal illness prevalence across age brackets. Private health insurance coverage is extensive, encompassing roughly 60% of residents (7,626 people), which surpasses the Greater Melbourne proportion of 56.7%. Asthma and arthritis represent the most prevalent diagnosed conditions in the area, recorded among 7.7% and 7.0% of the population, respectively. Residents reporting no chronic medical issues comprise 71.6%, compared with 72.6% regionally. The population aged under 65 records favorable health indicators, while individuals aged 65 and over account for 19.2% of locals (2,452 people), outpacing the Greater Melbourne share of 15.1%.
Health measures for older residents perform strongly and align with broader national rankings.
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
Parkdale displays strong cultural diversity measures, with 22.2% of residents born abroad and 13.0% utilizing a non-English language in their homes. Christianity is the predominant religious faith, accounting for 47.8% of the local community. Judaism represents 0.6% of residents, contrasting with 1.0% across Greater Melbourne. Ancestral backgrounds based on parental birthplace show English heritage as the largest segment at 28.2%, notably exceeding the regional mark of 20.1%. Australian ancestry follows at 24.8% (above the 18.4% regional average), with Irish ancestry representing 10.5%. Divergences also appear across other heritages, with Greek heritage at 2.9% (compared to 2.7% regionally), Russian at 0.6% (versus 0.4%), and Hungarian at 0.4% (versus 0.3%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Parkdale is 43. 24.7% 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
Parkdale has a population skewed toward older demographics. According to estimates revised through August 2026, 28.9% of the population falls into the middle aged and young retiree group (45 - 64), which is higher than the 22.3% rate for Greater Melbourne. The 25 - 44 age bracket makes up 21.6% of Parkdale residents compared to 32.1% in the wider region. These figures place the median age at approximately 43, matching the 2021 Census result, and sitting 6 years higher than the Greater Melbourne median of 37 from that same Census.
The national median age at that time was 38. The most noticeable shift since the Census concerns the 0 - 24 age group, which rose from 29.9% to an estimated 31.1%. Projections for 2041 indicate the biggest growth will occur in the 65+ retiree and elderly segment, increasing by 1,045 residents (43%) to reach 3,498. In contrast, the younger 0 - 24 cohort is anticipated to decline 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 Oct 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) | Aug 2026 2 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 Aug 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to Aug 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Aug 2026 2 months ago headline measures · Jul 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Oct 2026 this month headline measures · Sep 2026 baseline |
| 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 Oct 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, State agencies, Local governments Daily | Sep 2026 last month 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 Sep 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 7 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) | Sep 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Sep 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 — 181 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for Aug 2026, not a 2021 count (12,308 at the 2021 Census → 12,775 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 Aug 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.