Parmelia

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

Following assessment of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region and fresh addresses verified by AreaSearch subsequent to the Census, the suburb of Parmelia has a projected residency of approximately 6,928 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 744 people (12.0%) compared to the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 6,184 individuals. This adjustment is derived from a resident headcount of 6,843, calculated by AreaSearch using the latest ERP data release from the ABS (June 2025) along with 122 validated new addresses identified since the Census date. Such a headcount translates to a density ratio of 1,681 persons per square kilometer, exceeding the typical figure recorded across national locations evaluated by AreaSearch. The 12.0% expansion in the suburb of Parmelia since the 2021 census outpaced the national benchmark (9.3%), positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population gains in this locality were chiefly propelled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 53.0% of the total growth during recent times, though all component drivers including natural increase and interstate migration registered positive gains.

AreaSearch incorporates ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, published in 2024 with 2022 as the anchor year. For any SA2 sectors lacking this coverage, and to calculate development patterns across all districts beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies the growth rates by age cohort set out by the ABS in its most recent Greater Capital Region projections (published in 2023, based on 2022 data). Assessing future population trends, an expansion exceeding the national median is anticipated, with the area projected to add 893 persons by 2041 based on compiled SA2-level forecasts, representing an overall increase of 11.7% over the 16 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Parmelia when compared nationally

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approvals compiled from statistical area records, Parmelia has averaged about 49 new residential approvals annually, amounting to a projected 247 homes over the last 5 financial years. Thus far in FY-26, 62 approvals have been registered. With an average of 1.9 new residents per year per dwelling built during the last 5 financial years (running from FY-21 to FY-25), demand and supply appear well balanced, promoting steady market conditions, while new dwellings are built at an average cost of $340,000. Additionally, commercial approvals worth $2.8 million have been registered this financial year, highlighting the area's predominantly residential character.

Relative to Greater Perth, Parmelia registers approximately half the rate of building activity per resident, although it ranks in the 75th percentile of areas evaluated nationally. Construction in recent times consists of 90.0% standalone houses and 10.0% townhouses or apartments, reinforcing the suburban character of the area with a focus on family dwellings suitable for buyers who value space. The district has roughly 163 people per residential approval, indicating a growing market.

Looking forward, Parmelia is projected to add 808 residents by 2041 (calculated from the most recent quarterly estimate by AreaSearch). At current construction rates, the supply of new housing is expected to satisfy demand easily, offering favorable conditions for purchasers and potentially underpinning growth that surpasses current population forecasts.

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

Few elements impact local performance as significantly as variations in local infrastructure, key projects, and planning changes. In total, 6 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are expected to influence the locality. Major initiatives include Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Parmelia Community Centre Redevelopment, Parmelia Oval Sports Pavilion Upgrade, and the Wolfdene Wellard Development, with the subsequent list detailing those expected to be of most relevance.

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

Parmelia possesses a balanced labor force that includes both white and blue collar jobs, with industrial and manufacturing fields well represented, alongside an unemployment rate of 14.1% derived from AreaSearch aggregations of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 2,952 residents are employed, whereas the unemployment rate is 9.9% higher than Greater Perth's level of 4.2%, pointing to potential for progress, and workforce participation falls short considerably (61.2% versus Greater Perth's 70.2%). Census responses indicate that a minor 4.4% of residents worked from home, though the influence of Covid-19 lockdowns should be taken into account.

Employment among local residents is centered in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing. The locality shows a particularly strong concentration in manufacturing, with employment rates at 1.9 times the regional average. In contrast, professional & technical roles show a smaller presence at 3.7% compared to the regional benchmark of 8.2%. The mostly residential district appears to provide few local job options, as shown by comparing the Census working population against the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from broader geographic areas, over the 12 months ending March 2026, labor force numbers contracted by 1.2% while employment figures dropped by 2.1%, leading to a 0.8 percentage point rise in unemployment. This stands in contrast to Greater Perth, where employment rose by 2.0%, the labor force expanded by 2.5%, and unemployment ticked up by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia as of May-25 offer additional perspective on prospective future demand in Parmelia. These forecasts, which span five and ten-year intervals, have been applied to the local employment profile to estimate growth dynamics. Although national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, expansion rates vary widely across different industrial sectors. Applying these sector-specific forecasts to the employment structure of Parmelia suggests local jobs should rise by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years (note that this is a basic weighted extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for local population projections).

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Based on AreaSearch's compilation of the most recent postcode level ATO statistics published for the 2023 financial year, taxpayers in the suburb of Parmelia recorded a median income of $54,406, alongside an average income of $63,467. This is lower than the typical national standard and compares to benchmarks of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Incorporating Wage Price Index expansion of 10.93% since the 2023 financial year, current estimates point to approximately $60,353 (median) and $70,404 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Parmelia all sit between the 13th and 20th percentiles nationally. Income distribution data shows that 32.2% of the population (2,230 individuals) fall into the $1,500 - 2,999 earnings bracket, closely matching the wider region where 32.0% are in this range. Pressures on housing affordability are substantial, leaving only 83.0% of income remaining, which ranks in the 19th percentile.

Parmelia is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

The mix of housing in Parmelia at the time of the latest Census consisted of 94.4% houses and 5.6% other options (such as semi-detached properties, apartments, and alternative dwellings), compared to the Perth metro profile of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Furthermore, home ownership in Parmelia was lower than in the Perth metro area, sitting at 24.6%, with the remaining properties being mortgaged (46.5%) or rented (28.9%). The median monthly mortgage payment in the locality was significantly below the Perth metro average at $1,300, while the median weekly rent was recorded at $280, compared to Perth metro values of $1,907 and $350. Nationally, mortgage payments in Parmelia are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are likewise well below the national figure of $375.

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

Family units represent the majority of households at 67.0%, consisting of 26.0% couples raising children, 22.4% couples without children, and 17.2% single parent households. Non-family arrangements account for the remaining 33.0% of homes, with single person households representing 29.4% and group households making up 3.5% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly below 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 locality experiences educational challenges, with university qualification levels (11.7%) sitting considerably below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a hurdle and an opening for focused educational strategies. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 8.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational and technical capabilities are highly represented, with 40.2% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas (8.3%) and certificates (31.9%).

Participation in study is notably strong, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in some form of education. This is comprised of 10.8% in primary schooling, 8.9% in high school education, and 3.1% undertaking tertiary studies.

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

Public transport analysis indicates 55 active transport stops in Parmelia, consisting of a combination of train stations and bus stops. These stops are serviced by 21 separate routes, which together provide 2,710 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is classified as excellent, with residents generally living 173 meters from the nearest stop. Being a primarily residential area, most residents travel elsewhere for work, with cars being the primary mode of transport at 81%, and 10% utilizing the train. Car ownership averages 1.3 vehicles per household, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.4% of residents work from home, based on 2021 Census data, which may reflect the impact of COVID-19 conditions.

Service frequency averages 387 trips daily across all routes, which translates to roughly 49 weekly trips for each transport 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

Significant health issues are apparent in Parmelia, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality patterns and the presence of chronic illnesses, with various health conditions showing significant effects on both younger and older cohorts, while the rate of private health insurance is just ahead of the average SA2 area at approximately 52% of the overall population (~3,630 people). This compares to 59.0% recorded across Greater Perth.

The most prevalent medical conditions reported in the locality were mental health difficulties and asthma, affecting 10.7 and 9.0% of residents, respectively, whereas 62.7% of the population reported no chronic medical conditions, compared to 71.9% throughout Greater Perth. The working-age cohort experiences notable health issues, with higher rates of chronic ailments. Residents aged 65 and over make up 16.2% of the population (1,122 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some difficulties, with national rankings generally matching the broader 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 exhibits greater cultural diversity than most local markets, with 15.6% of its population speaking a non-English language at home and 32.5% born outside Australia. The primary religion in Parmelia was recorded as Christianity, representing 40.8% of the community. However, the most distinct variation in religious representation was in Judaism, which accounts for 0.1% of the local population, compared to 0.3% across Greater Perth.

Regarding ancestry (the birthplace of residents' parents), the three most common backgrounds in Parmelia are English, representing 31.5% of the population, Australian, representing 23.2% of the population, and Other, representing 8.2% of the population. In addition, there are distinct variations in the proportions of other ethnic groups: Maori is highly represented at 2.5% of Parmelia (compared to 0.9% across the region), Filipino stands at 3.6% (compared to 1.4%) and Welsh is at 0.8% (compared to 0.7%).

Parmelia's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, Parmelia matches the Greater Perth median of 37 and is close to the Australian median of 38 years. The 55 - 64 age range shows a strong presence at 13.1% compared to Greater Perth, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 12.4%. Since 2021, the 15 to 24 age bracket has expanded from 12.9% to 14.4% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort rose from 4.2% to 5.5%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 age bracket contracted from 13.9% to 12.4%. Looking forward to 2041, demographic projections indicate notable shifts in the age structure of Parmelia. Leading this transformation, the 75 to 84 cohort is projected to expand by 56% (211 people), rising from 381 to 593. This aging trend is clear, with individuals aged 65+ making up 56% of the projected growth. Conversely, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are expected to see population decreases.