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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Parkes (NSW) has an estimated population of around 11,669 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 345 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,324 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,391 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 91 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.9 persons per square kilometer. Parkes's growth rate of 3.0% since the 2021 census exceeded that of its SA3 area (0.8%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by overseas migration, contributing approximately 66.0% 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 NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Looking ahead, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected, with the suburb of Parkes (NSW) projected to increase by 843 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 4.8% in total over the 17 years.

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 based on AreaSearch analysis. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 216 homes were approved, with an additional 6 approved in FY-26. Despite population decline, development activity has been adequate relative to population change.

The average value of new homes is $458,000, indicating a focus on premium market segments. In FY-26, $38.1 million in commercial approvals were registered, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of NSW, Parkes has shown elevated construction activity, with 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 from the area's existing housing composition (currently 89.0% houses) suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles. Parkes has a low density characteristic with around 303 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Parkes is projected to grow by approximately 565 residents by 2041. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating further population growth beyond current projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects that may impact this 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 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 shows performance that lags behind national averages across key labour market indicators

Parkes has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with essential services well represented. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of December 2025, 5,815 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 4.3% (0.2% above Regional NSW's rate).

Workforce participation stands at 65.7%, slightly higher than Regional NSW's 61.3%. Census data shows that 9.1% of residents work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts are noted. Leading industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and public administration & safety. Notably, mining employment is high at 3.9 times the regional average.

However, health care & social assistance is under-represented, with only 13.2% of Parkes's workforce compared to 16.9% in Regional NSW. The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the Census working population vs resident population count. In the 12 months prior, labour force decreased by 2.5%, and employment fell by 4.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.6 percentage points. This contrasts with Regional NSW, where employment fell by 1.2% and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Parkes's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The latest postcode level ATO data from AreaSearch for financial year 2023 shows that Parkes has a median income among taxpayers of $51,175 and an average of $63,618. This is lower than the national average. In comparison, Regional NSW has a median income of $52,390 and an average of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Parkes would be approximately $55,709 (median) and $69,255 (average) as of September 2025. According to the 2021 Census figures, household, family, and personal incomes in Parkes rank modestly between the 28th and 34th percentiles. The income distribution shows that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominates with 30.5% of residents (3,559 people), which is 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

The dwelling structure in Parkes, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compared to Regional NSW's 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkes stood at 35.4%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. The median weekly rent was $260, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Parkes's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 account for 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 matches the Regional NSW average.

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 NSW's average of 32.2%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 10.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (2.1%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Trade and technical skills are prominent, with 40.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.2%) and certificates (31.8%).

Educational participation is 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 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These are served by 40 routes providing 688 weekly passenger trips. Residents enjoy excellent accessibility with an average distance of 126 meters to the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward from this primarily residential area, with cars being the dominant mode at 93%. Five percent walk for their commutes. Vehicle ownership averages 1.4 per dwelling.

According to the 2021 Census, only 9.1% of residents work from home, which may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency across all routes averages 98 trips per day, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops relative 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 according to AreaSearch's assessment.

Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are substantial across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover is more prevalent in Parkes compared to the average SA2 area, at approximately 52% of the total population (~6,080 people). The most common medical conditions are arthritis and asthma, affecting 9.7% and 9.6% of residents respectively. 63.2% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age population health challenges include elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 19.9% of residents aged 65 and over (2,322 people), lower than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Senior health outcomes present notable challenges, with national rankings higher than 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 has a lower cultural diversity, with 90.9% being citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, comprising 68.4%, compared to 55.9% regionally. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (34.2%), English (31.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.9%).

Some ethnic groups have notable differences: South Australian (0.3% vs regional 0.2%), Irish (8.0% vs 8.8%), and Maltese (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 Regional NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's median age of 38 years. Compared to Regional NSW, Parkes has a higher proportion of residents aged 25-34 (13.7%) but fewer residents aged 65-74 (10.4%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 25-34 increased from 11.8% to 13.7%, while the proportion of residents aged 55-64 decreased from 12.5% to 11.6%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parkes's age structure. Notably, the number of residents aged 25-34 is expected to grow by 17%, reaching 1,874 from 1,598. Conversely, the populations of residents aged 5-14 and 65-74 are projected to decline.