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 November 2025, the population of the Parkes (NSW) statistical area (Lv2) is estimated at around 11,667, reflecting an increase of 343 people since the 2021 Census. The 2021 Census reported a population of 11,324 in the area. This increase is inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 11,391 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024), along with an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. The current population density ratio is 11.9 persons per square kilometer. This growth rate exceeds that of the broader SA3 area, which saw a growth of 0.8% during the same period. Overseas migration contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains in recent periods.

AreaSearch's projections for the Parkes (NSW) (SA2), based on ABS/Geoscience Australia data released in 2024 with a 2022 base year, and NSW State Government's SA2-level projections released in 2022 with a 2021 base year for areas not covered by the former, indicate a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas. By 2041, the area is expected to increase by 835 persons, reflecting an overall increase of 4.7% over the 17-year period.

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

Parkes has seen approximately 43 new homes approved annually, with a total of 216 approvals over the past five financial years from FY-21 to FY-25. As of FY-26, there have been 6 approvals so far. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been relatively adequate, benefiting buyers while targeting the premium market segment with higher-end properties valued at around $458,000 on average.

This financial year has seen $38.1 million in commercial approvals registered, indicating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of NSW, Parkes records elevated construction activity, 34.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 65.0% standalone homes and 35.0% medium and high-density housing, expanding affordable housing options. This shift represents decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Parkes has a low density characteristic with around 303 people per dwelling approval. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Parkes is expected to grow by 546 residents through to 2041. Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should 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 20% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects 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 likely to be 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 comprising white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented in the area.

The unemployment rate was 3.6% as of September 2025, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. In this month, 5,853 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 0.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Parkes was 58.5%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The leading employment industries among Parkes residents 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. However, health care & social assistance is under-represented in Parkes, with only 13.2% of its workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW. Limited local employment opportunities are indicated by the comparison between Census working population and resident population counts. Over a 12-month period ending 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 Parkes. This compares to Rest of NSW where employment fell by 0.5%, labour force contracted by 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Providing broader context, state-level data up to 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest potential future demand within Parkes. Applying these projections to Parkes' employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years.

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. Both figures are lower than the national averages. Rest of NSW had a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215 during the same period. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median income would be approximately $55,709 and the average $69,255, based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86%. According to 2021 Census figures, incomes in Parkes rank modestly, between the 28th and 34th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income distribution shows that 30.5% of residents (3,558 people) fall into the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket, similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represents 29.9%. Housing costs are manageable with 87.0% retained, but disposable income is 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 structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In contrast, Non-Metro NSW had 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkes was at 35.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.2% and rented ones at 30.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Parkes was $1,300, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $1,200. Median weekly rent in Parkes was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Parkes' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,863 and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Parkes features high concentrations of lone person households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 66.9% of all households, including 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 is larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.3.

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 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%, comprising 11.5% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 2.0% in 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 553 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 40 routes providing 688 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents enjoy excellent transport accessibility, with an average distance of 126 meters to the nearest stop.

Service frequency is high, averaging 98 trips per day across all routes, which equates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

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, as indicated by health data. Both younger and older age groups have a notable prevalence of common health conditions.

The rate of private health cover is higher than the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,079 people), compared to 47.9% across Rest of NSW. Arthritis and asthma are the most common medical conditions in the area, affecting 9.7% and 9.6% of residents respectively. 63.2% of residents reported being completely clear of medical ailments, slightly higher than the 62.4% across Rest of NSW. The area has 19.8% of residents aged 65 and over (2,310 people), which is lower than the 23.8% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly inline with the general population's health profile.

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 had a cultural diversity index below the average, with 90.9% citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 68.4%, compared to 70.4% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (34.2%), English (31.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.9%).

Notably, South African, Irish, and Maltese ethnicities had different representations: South African was 0.3% in Parkes versus 0.2% regionally, Irish was 8.0% versus 8.9%, and Maltese was 0.3% versus 0.3%.

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 aligns with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Rest of NSW, Parkes has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.3%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 11.8% to 13.3% of Parkes' population, while the 5-14 cohort decreased from 14.2% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parkes' age structure. The 25-34 group is expected to grow by 21%, reaching 1,872 people from the current 1,551. Conversely, the 5-14 and 65-74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.