Parkes (NSW)

Parkes is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of February 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Parkes (NSW) is around 11,669, reflecting an increase of 345 people since the 2021 Census. The resident population was estimated at 11,391 by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, with an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this increase. This results in a population density ratio of 11.9 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 3.0% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.8%, marking Parkes as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, driving this growth. AreaSearch is using ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year for areas not covered by this data.

These projections indicate a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas, with an expected increase of 831 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 4.7% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Parkes according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers, allocated from statistical area data, Parkes has seen around 43 new homes approved each year. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, approximately 216 homes were approved, with a further six approved so far in FY26. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population change, which is positive for buyers.

The average expected construction cost value of new homes is $458,000, indicating developers target the premium market segment with higher-end properties. This financial year alone, $38.1 million in commercial approvals have been registered, suggesting strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of NSW, Parkes records elevated construction levels, 34.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period, balancing buyer choice and supporting current property values. Recent construction comprises 65.0% standalone homes and 35.0% medium and high-density housing, expanding the range of medium-density options to create a mix of opportunities across price brackets.

This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing composition, currently 89.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and demand for diverse, affordable housing options. With around 303 people per dwelling approval, Parkes shows characteristics of a low-density area. Looking ahead, Parkes is expected to grow by 545 residents through to 2041, according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Parkes has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 17 projects likely affecting the region. Notable ones include Parkes Special Activation Precinct, Parkes National Logistics Hub Infrastructure Extension, Middleton Urban Masterplan, and Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre Redevelopment. The following list 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.

The employment landscape in Parkes presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.6%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Parkes has a balanced workforce encompassing white and blue collar jobs, with essential services sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate is 3.6%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, 5,853 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's 3.8%.

Workforce participation stands at 66.3%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 61.5%. Census responses indicate that only 9.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. The leading employment industries are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Notably, mining has a high concentration with employment levels at 3.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 13.2% of Parkes's workforce compared to Rest of NSW's 16.9%. The area appears to have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the ratio of Census working population to resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.6% while employment declined by 5.0%, causing unemployment rate to rise by 1.4 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that over five years, national employment is projected to expand by 6.6% and by 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parkes's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Parkes' median income among taxpayers was $51,175 in financial year 2023. The average income was $63,618 during the same period. These figures are lower than national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 in the same year. By September 2025, estimates suggest Parkes' median income could reach approximately $55,709 and the average could be around $69,255, based on an 8.86% growth since financial year 2023. In 2021 Census figures, incomes in Parkes ranked modestly, between the 28th and 34th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 30.5% of residents (3,559 people), similar to surrounding regions where this cohort represented 29.9%. Housing costs were manageable with 87.0% retained, but disposable income was below average at the 32nd percentile.

Parkes is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Parkes' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkes was at 35.4%, with the rest either mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,733 and Australia's average of $1,863. Median weekly rent in Parkes was $260, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $330 and the national figure of $375.

Parkes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households constitute 66.9% of all households, consisting of 26.0% couples with children, 27.5% couples without children, and 12.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households making up 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which aligns with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Parkes faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 14.1%, significantly lower than the NSW average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (31.8%). Educational participation is high at 29.0%, with 11.5% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.0% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Parkes has 547 operational public transport stops offering train and bus services. These are covered by 40 routes providing 688 weekly passenger trips. Residents' average distance to the nearest stop is 126 meters, indicating excellent accessibility. Most residents commute outwards, with cars being the primary mode at 93%, followed by walking at 5%. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 9.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency is 98 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop. A map accompanies this data, depicting the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

Health performance in Parkes is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Parkes faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment as of June 2021.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is at approximately 52% of Parkes' total population (~6,080 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.7% and 9.6% of residents respectively. However, 63.2% of residents claim to be free from medical ailments, similar to the 63.3% reported across Rest of NSW. Working-age adults face notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Parkes has 19.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,298 people), lower than the 23.4% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings higher than those of the general population.

The latest Census data sees Parkes placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Parkes, as per the census data from June 2016, showed a lack of cultural diversity with 90.9% of its population being Australian citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Parkes, accounting for 68.4% of the population, which is higher than the 55.9% recorded across the Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups in Parkes were Australian (34.2%), English (31.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.9%).

Notably, certain ethnic groups had different representations compared to regional averages: South African at 0.3% (vs 0.2%), Irish at 8.0% (vs 8.8%), and Maltese at 0.3% (vs 0.4%).

Parkes's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

The median age in Parkes is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Parkes has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 11.8% to 13.7% of Parkes' population, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 14.2% to 13.1%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parkes' age structure. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 17%, reaching 1,872 people from the current 1,598. Conversely, the 65-74 and 55-64 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.