Parmelia

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

Based on analysis of ABS population updates for the broader area, as of Nov 2025, Parmelia's estimated population is around 7,241. This reflects an increase of 1,057 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,184. The change was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 6,832 following examination of ABS's latest ERP data release in June 2024 and validation of an additional 121 new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,757 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Parmelia's growth rate of 17.1% since the 2021 census exceeded both the national average (9.7%) and state averages, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including natural growth and interstate migration were positive factors.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Future population trends project an above median growth for national areas, with the Parmelia SA2 expected to increase by 923 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 6.4% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Parmelia among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers allocated from statistical area data shows Parmelia averaged approximately 54 new dwelling approvals annually over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 274 homes. As of FY-26, 51 approvals have been recorded. Historically, between FY-21 and FY-25, an average of two new residents per year was associated with each dwelling constructed. This suggests a balance between supply and demand, supporting stable market dynamics.

The average construction value of new properties is $340,000. In FY-26, there have been $2.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Parmelia records about 58% of building activity per person and ranks among the 84th percentile nationally.

Recent construction comprises approximately 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a concentration of family homes suitable for buyers seeking space. The location has about 115 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Parmelia is expected to grow by 464 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering favourable conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Parmelia has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 48thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified seven projects likely impacting 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 most relevant.

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Employment conditions in Parmelia face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Parmelia has a balanced workforce consisting of white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are strongly represented in the area.

As of September 2025, the unemployment rate is 14.0%. There was an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the past year. The unemployment rate in Parmelia is 10.0% higher than Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%, indicating room for improvement. Workforce participation in Parmelia lags behind Greater Perth, at 56.5% compared to 65.2%.

Employment among residents is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. Manufacturing employment levels are particularly high, at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services have lower representation, at 3.7% compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1%, while labour force increased by 4.6%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 2.1 percentage points. In comparison, Greater Perth saw employment grow by 2.9% and unemployment rise marginally. State-level data as of 25-Nov shows WA employment contracted by 0.27%, with a state unemployment rate of 4.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. 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 Parmelia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes and do not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ending 2023, Parmelia had a median income among taxpayers of $54,406 and an average income of $63,467. These figures are lower than the national averages of $60,748 and $80,248 for Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year ending 2023, estimated median income in Parmelia as of September 2025 would be approximately $59,640, with average income at $69,573. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Parmelia fall between the 13th and 20th percentiles nationally for households, families, and individuals. Income analysis shows that 32.2% of Parmelia's population (2,331 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - $2,999 income range, similar to the regional average of 32.0%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Parmelia, with only 83.0% of income remaining after housing costs, 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), compared to Perth metro's 93.0% houses and 7.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Parmelia stood at 24.6%, with mortgaged properties at 46.5% and rented ones at 28.9%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,300, below Perth metro's average of $1,724. Median weekly rent in Parmelia was $280, compared to Perth metro's $315. Nationally, Parmelia's mortgage repayments were 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 account for 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 constitute 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 Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.2% of residents aged 15+, with advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 31.9%. Educational participation is high, with 29.5% currently enrolled in formal education: 10.8% in primary, 8.9% in secondary, and 3.1% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.8% in primary education, 8.9% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Parmelia has 54 active public transport stops, a mix of train and bus. These are serviced by 21 routes, providing 2,710 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is excellent, with residents typically 173 meters from the nearest stop.

Services average 387 trips per day across all routes, equating to about 50 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 high prevalence rates for common health conditions. Approximately 52% (~3,794 people) of Parmelia residents have private health cover, slightly higher than the average SA2 area rate. The most prevalent medical issues are mental health problems (10.7%) and asthma (9.0%), while 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 (15.7%, or 1,136 people), compared to Greater Perth's 10.4%. Health outcomes among seniors mirror those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Parmelia was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Parmelia, surveyed in 2016, had a higher linguistic diversity than most local areas, with 15.6% of its residents speaking a language other than English at home. In terms of birthplace, 32.5% of Parmelia's population was born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, accounting for 40.8%.

Judaism, however, was more prevalent in Parmelia with 0.1%, compared to none across Greater Perth. The top three ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.2%). Some ethnic groups showed notable differences: Maori at 2.5% (vs regional 2.1%), Filipino at 3.6% (vs 5.3%), and Welsh at 0.8% (vs 0.7%).

Parmelia's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

Parmelia's median age is 37, matching Greater Perth's figure and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group constitutes 12.8% of Parmelia's population, higher than Greater Perth's percentage, while the 35-44 cohort makes up 12.7%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.9% to 14.1%, whereas the 35 to 44 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 12.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parmelia's age structure. Notably, the 75 to 84 group is projected to grow by 60%, reaching 590 people from its current total of 369. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above accounting for 67% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are anticipated to experience population declines.