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, and new addresses validated by AreaSearch, the suburb of Parmelia's population is estimated at around 7,242 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,058 people (17.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,184 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 6,832, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 121 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 1,757 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Parmelia's 17.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%), along with the state, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration that 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, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and to estimate growth across all areas in the years post-2032, AreaSearch is utilising the growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). As we examine future population trends, an above median population growth of national areas is projected, with the suburb expected to increase by 933 persons to 2041 based on aggregated SA2-level projections, reflecting an increase of 6.4% in total over the 17 years.

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

Parmelia averaged approximately 54 new dwelling approvals each year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 274 homes. In FY-26 so far, 51 approvals have been recorded. Historically, about two new residents per year per dwelling constructed were observed between FY-21 and FY-25, suggesting a balanced supply and demand dynamic. The average construction value for new properties was $340,000.

This financial year has seen $2.8 million in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's predominantly residential nature. Compared to Greater Perth, Parmelia records about 57% of the building activity per person while ranking among the 84th percentile nationally. Recent construction comprised approximately 92.0% standalone homes and 8.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's suburban identity with a focus on family homes.

The location has around 115 people per dwelling approval, indicating an expanding market. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Parmelia is projected to grow by approximately 463 residents through to 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Parmelia has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

AreaSearch has identified seven projects that could impact the local area's performance. Key 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 likely to be most 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.

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

Parmelia has a balanced workforce with representation across white and blue collar jobs. Manufacturing and industrial sectors are prominent. The unemployment rate was 14.0% in September 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 2.1% over the previous year.

As of that date, 3,086 residents were employed while the unemployment rate stood at 10.0%, compared to Greater Perth's rate of 4.0%. Workforce participation in Parmelia was 64.7%, lower than Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 4.4% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts may have influenced this figure. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing, with manufacturing employment at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services had lower representation at 3.7%, compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, indicated by the count of working population versus resident population. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 2.1% while labour force increased by 4.6%, raising the unemployment rate by 2.2 percentage points. In Greater Perth, employment grew by 2.9%, labour force expanded by 3.0%, and unemployment rose marginally. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project a 6.6% expansion 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, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released on 27 June 2023, the suburb of Parmelia had a median income among taxpayers of $54,406 with the average level standing at $63,467. This is lower than national averages of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $59,640 (median) and $69,573 (average) as of September 2025. From the Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data released on 18 June 2021, household incomes in Parmelia fall between the 13th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income analysis reveals that 32.2% of Parmelia's population (2,331 individuals) have incomes within the $1,500 - 2,999 range, mirroring regional trends where 32.0% fall into this bracket. 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 a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

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 77.8% houses and 22.1% 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, below Perth metro's average of $1,907. Median weekly rent in Parmelia was $280, compared to Perth metro's $350. 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 2.6.

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 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% of residents 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 55 operational public transport stops offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 21 unique routes facilitating 2,710 weekly passenger trips in total. Residents' proximity to transport is rated excellent, with an average distance of 173 meters to the nearest stop. Commuter patterns show car use dominates at 81%, while train usage stands at 10%. The area has an average vehicle ownership of 1.3 per dwelling, below the regional norm. Only 4.4% of residents work from home (2021 Census).

Service frequency averages 387 trips daily across all routes, translating to roughly 49 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Parmelia is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Parmelia faces significant health challenges, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high, affecting both younger and older age groups.

Private health cover is more prevalent than average at approximately 52% (~3,794 people), compared to Greater Perth's 59.0%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common conditions, impacting 10.7 and 9.0% of residents respectively. However, 62.7% reported no medical ailments, compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age adults face notable challenges due to high chronic condition rates. The area has 16.3% (1,180 people) aged 65 and over, with health outcomes among seniors largely in line with national rankings.

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's population showed higher cultural diversity than 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 was overrepresented compared to Greater Perth, comprising 0.1% versus 0.3%.

The top three ancestry groups were English (31.5%), Australian (23.2%), and Other (8.2%). Significant differences existed in the representation of certain ethnic groups: Maori at 2.5% (versus regional 0.9%), Filipino at 3.6% (versus 1.4%), 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 and closely resembling Australia's median age of 38. The 55-64 age group is strongly represented at 13.0%, higher than Greater Perth, while the 35-44 cohort is less prevalent at 12.5%. Between 2021 and present, the 15 to 24 age group has increased from 12.9% to 14.3%, and the 75 to 84 cohort has risen from 4.2% to 5.4%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has decreased from 13.9% to 12.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Parmelia's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is set to grow by 50%, reaching 585 from 391, demonstrating the aging population trend with those aged 65 and above accounting for 64% of projected growth. Meanwhile, the 15 to 24 and 0 to 4 age groups are expected to experience population declines.