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 Parkes (NSW) statistical area (Lv2)'s population is estimated at around 11,424 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 100 people (0.9%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,324 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 11,398, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS on June 2024 and an additional 86 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 11.6 persons per square kilometer in the Parkes (NSW) (SA2). The area's 0.9% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area's growth rate of 0.4%, though growth remains modest. Population growth for the area 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch is utilising the NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, as released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are also applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Moving forward with demographic trends, a population increase just below the median of Australia's non-metropolitan areas is expected in the Parkes (NSW) (SA2). The area is expected to increase by 828 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.8% 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 saw around 43 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Between FY-21 and FY-25, approximately 215 homes were approved, with 4 more in FY-26 as of the present time. Despite population decline during this period, development activity has been adequate relative to population changes.

The average value of new homes is $458,000, indicating a focus on the premium market segment. This financial year, Parkes registered $38.0 million in commercial approvals, demonstrating strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of NSW, Parkes records elevated construction activity, with 33.0% more approvals per person over the past five years. Recent construction comprises 64.0% standalone homes and 36.0% medium and high-density housing, showing an increase in medium-density options.

This shift reflects decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles requiring diverse housing options. Parkes has around 303 people per dwelling approval, indicating a low-density area. By 2041, Parkes is projected to grow by 782 residents based on AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should meet demand, potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 17 projects likely to impact the area. 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.

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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 with both white and blue collar jobs. Essential services sectors are well represented.

The unemployment rate is 3.6%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of September 2025, there are 5,848 residents employed, with an unemployment rate of 0.2% lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 58.5%, slightly higher than Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include 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, with only 13.2% of Parkes's workforce compared to 16.9% in Rest of NSW. The area may have limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data on working population versus resident population. Between July 2024 and June 2025, labour force decreased by 3.6%, while employment declined by 5.0%, leading to a rise in unemployment rate by 1.4 percentage points. Comparatively, Rest of NSW saw employment fall by 0.5%, labour force contract by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate is 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment 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 simplified extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Parkes' median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $51,177, with an average of $63,622. This was slightly lower than the national average. The Rest of NSW had a median income of $49,459 and an average of $62,998 in the same period. By September 2025, based on Wage Price Index growth, Parkes' estimated median income would be approximately $57,630 and the average would be around $71,645. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Parkes ranked modestly, between the 28th and 34th percentiles for household, family, and personal incomes. The income distribution showed that the $1,500 - $2,999 bracket dominated with 30.5% of residents (3,484 people). This was similar to the surrounding region where this cohort represented 29.9%. Housing costs in Parkes were manageable with 87.0% retained. However, disposable income ranked 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 recorded in the latest Census, consisted of 88.9% houses and 11.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 92.0% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parkes stood at 35.4%, with the rest of dwellings either mortgaged (34.2%) or rented (30.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, above Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,200. Median weekly rent was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $220. Nationally, Parkes' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,300 versus Australia's average of $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 account for 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 make up the remaining 33.1%, with lone person households at 30.5% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, 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 primary education (11.5%), secondary education (9.0%), and tertiary education (2.0%).

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 564 active public transport stops. These include both train and bus services. There are 40 different routes operating in total, which provide 618 weekly passenger trips combined.

The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents typically living within 125 meters of the nearest stop. On average, there are 88 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 notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 52% (~5,953 people) of Parkes residents have private health cover, compared to 48.3% across the rest of NSW. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (affecting 9.7% of residents) and asthma (9.6%). A total of 63.2% of residents report no medical ailments, slightly higher than the 62.4% in the rest of NSW. Parkes has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 19.7% (2,250 people), compared to 23.8% in the rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, broadly consistent 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' population was found to be predominantly homogeneous, with 90.9% being citizens, 93.6% born in Australia, and 95.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 68.4%, slightly lower than the 70.4% regional average. The top three ancestral groups were Australian (34.2%), English (31.0%), and Australian Aboriginal (8.9%).

However, there were notable differences in the representation of certain ethnicities: South African residents were overrepresented at 0.3%, Irish residents were higher at 8.0% compared to the regional average of 8.9%, and Maltese residents were equally represented at 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 closely 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 (10.3%). According to the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group increased from 11.8% to 13.3%, while the 5-14 age group decreased from 14.2% to 13.3%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parkes's age structure. Notably, the 25-34 age group is expected to grow by 23% (352 people), reaching a total of 1,872 from 1,519. Conversely, the 65-74 and 55-64 age groups are projected to experience population declines.