Parmelia

An assessment of population growth drivers in Parmelia reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of Nov 2025, the estimated population of Parmelia is around 7,044. This figure reflects a growth of 860 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,184. The resident population estimate of 6,806 by AreaSearch, based on the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date, suggests this growth. This results in a density ratio of 1,709 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Parmelia's population growth of 13.9% since the 2021 census is above the national average of 8.9%. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% to this growth, with all drivers being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 estimates, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its Greater Capital Region projections released in 2023 based on 2022 data. Future population trends project an above median growth for Parmelia, with an expected increase of 920 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 9.3% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Parmelia among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

Parmelia has averaged approximately 52 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 261 homes. As of FY-26, 28 approvals have been recorded. Each dwelling has accommodated an average of 2 new residents per year between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting robust demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for new dwellings is $340,000, which is below regional norms, indicating more affordable housing options.

This financial year, $4.0 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Parmelia's primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Parmelia has roughly half the rate of new dwelling approvals per person and ranks among the 79th percentile nationally. Recent construction consists of 91.0% detached houses and 9.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban character with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers.

The location has approximately 140 people per dwelling approval, suggesting an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Parmelia is expected to grow by 658 residents through to 2041. With current construction levels, housing supply should adequately meet demand, creating favourable conditions for buyers while potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Parmelia has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 7 projects that are likely to impact the area. Notable projects include Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Parmelia Community Centre Redevelopment, Parmelia Oval Sports Pavilion Upgrade, and Cassia Estate Bertram. The following list details those projects considered most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Employment drivers in Parmelia are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Parmelia has a balanced workforce across white and blue collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors well-represented. The unemployment rate in June 2025 was 13.5%.

Employment grew by 2.3% over the past year, according to AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data. As of June 2025, 3,124 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 9.6%, significantly higher than Greater Perth's rate of 3.9%. Workforce participation in Parmelia lagged at 56.5% compared to Greater Perth's 65.2%. Employment was concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with a notable concentration in manufacturing (1.9 times the regional average).

Professional & technical employment was lower at 3.7%, compared to the regional average of 8.2%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 2.3% while labour force grew by 6.0%, causing unemployment to rise by 3.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 3.7%, labour force expand by 3.8%, and unemployment rise by 0.1 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 suggest that Parmelia's employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released in financial year 2022, Parmelia had a median taxpayer income of $54,406 and an average income of $63,467. Nationally, the median was $58,380 and the average was $78,020 for Greater Perth. By September 2025, estimated incomes would be approximately $62,132 (median) and $72,479 (average), based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2%. The 2021 Census shows Parmelia's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 13th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals 32.2% of Parmelia's population (2,268 individuals) have incomes in the $1,500 - $2,999 range, similar to the regional average of 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 83.0% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile nationally.

Parmelia is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Parmelia's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Perth metro's 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parmelia was at 24.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 46.5% and rented ones at 28.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,724. The median weekly rent in Parmelia was $280, compared to Perth metro's $315. Nationally, Parmelia's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Parmelia has a typical household mix, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 67.0% of all households, including 26.0% couples with children, 22.4% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 33.0%, with lone person households at 29.4% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.7.

Educational outcomes in Parmelia fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 11.7%, significantly lower than the Australian average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (31.9%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, comprising 10.8% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

St Vincent's School and North Parmelia Primary School serve 699 students collectively, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 986) and balanced educational opportunities. Both schools focus on primary education, with secondary options available nearby. There are 9.9 school places per 100 residents, below the regional average of 13.7, indicating some students may attend schools in adjacent areas.

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

Parmelia has 54 active public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 10 individual routes, facilitating 1,520 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 173 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 217 trips per day across all routes, amounting to approximately 28 weekly trips per individual stop.

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

Parmelia faces significant health challenges, as indicated by health data.

Both younger and older age groups have a high prevalence of common health conditions. The rate of private health cover in Parmelia is approximately 52% of its total population (~3,691 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. Mental health issues and asthma are the most prevalent medical conditions, affecting 10.7 and 9.0% of residents respectively. Conversely, 62.7% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 71.4% in Greater Perth. Parmelia has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 15.7% (1,105 people), compared to the 10.4% in Greater Perth. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally aligning with the overall health profile of the population.

Parmelia was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets in Australia, upon assessment of a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Parmelia's population showed higher cultural diversity compared to most local markets, with 15.6% speaking a language other than English at home and 32.5% born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion in Parmelia, accounting for 40.8% of its population. Notably, Judaism had a higher representation in Parmelia at 0.1%, compared to none in Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry, the top three groups were English (31.5%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.2%). Some ethnic groups showed significant differences: Maori was overrepresented at 2.5% in Parmelia versus 2.1% regionally, Filipino at 3.6% versus 5.3%, and Welsh at 0.8% versus 0.7%.

Parmelia's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Parmelia has a median age of 37, matching Greater Perth's figure of 37 and remaining comparable to Australia's median age of 38 years. The 55-64 age group is strongly represented at 12.8%, compared to Greater Perth, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 12.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15-24 age group has increased from 12.9% to 14.1% of Parmelia's population. Conversely, the 35-44 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Parmelia's age structure. The 75-84 group is projected to grow by 64%, reaching 590 people from the current 359. Those aged 65 and above are expected to comprise 61% of this growth. Meanwhile, the 0-4 and 5-14 age groups are projected to experience population declines.