Parmelia - Orelia

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

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Parmelia - Orelia's population is around 13,008 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 1,722 people (15.3%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,286 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 12,301 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 252 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 1,661 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Parmelia - Orelia's 15.3% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the national average (9.9%) and the state average, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 53.1% 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). Anticipating future population dynamics, an above-median population growth compared to national areas is projected, with the area expected to expand by 1,604 persons by 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, recording a gain of 6.9% in total over the 17 years.

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

Parmelia - Orelia has averaged around 73 new dwelling approvals each year, with 365 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 100 so far in FY-26. With an average of 2.6 new residents per year gained for each dwelling built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), indicating healthy demand that should support property values, new homes are being built at an average cost of $217,000—below the regional average—suggesting more affordable housing options for buyers. There have also been $4.0 million in commercial approvals this financial year, supporting the area's residential character.

Relative to Greater Perth, Parmelia - Orelia records markedly lower building activity (58.0% below regional average per person). This constrained new construction usually reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes. New development consists of 93.0% detached houses and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving the area's suburban nature with an emphasis on detached housing attracting space-seeking buyers. With around 149 people per dwelling approval, Parmelia - Orelia shows characteristics of a growth area.

Looking ahead, Parmelia - Orelia is expected to grow by 897 residents through to 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). Based on current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Parmelia - Orelia has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total 9 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Parmelia Community Centre Redevelopment, Parmelia Oval Sports Pavilion Upgrade, and Kwinana Education Precinct, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

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 - Orelia face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Parmelia - Orelia has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment, with manufacturing and industrial sectors strongly represented, an unemployment rate of 13.9%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 5,638 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 9.8% above Greater Perth's rate of 4.1%, showing room for improvement, and workforce participation lags significantly (65.4% compared to Greater Perth's 71.9%). Based on Census responses, a low 4.1% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

The key industries of employment among residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The area demonstrates a particularly notable concentration in manufacturing, with employment levels at 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.4% versus the regional average of 8.2%. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, during the year to December 2025, the labour force increased by 0.8% combined with employment decreasing by 0.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.8 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Perth recorded employment growth of 2.3%, labour force growth of 2.6%, with unemployment rising 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Parmelia - Orelia. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Parmelia - Orelia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The area's income profile falls below national averages based on AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Parmelia - Orelia SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $59,183 with the average level standing at $68,676. This is slightly above average nationally and compares to levels of $60,748 and $80,248 across Greater Perth respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $64,876 (median) and $75,283 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes in Parmelia - Orelia all fall between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows 31.8% of the population (4,136 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, reflecting patterns seen at regional levels where 32.0% similarly occupy this range. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 82.7% of income remaining, ranking at the 19th percentile.

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

Dwelling structure within Parmelia - Orelia, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 89.4% houses and 10.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to Perth metro's 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Parmelia - Orelia was lagging that of Perth metro, at 23.2%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (45.4%) or rented (31.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well below the Perth metro average at $1,333, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $270, compared to Perth metro's $1,907 and $350. Nationally, Parmelia - Orelia's mortgage repayments are significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially below the national figure of $375.

Parmelia - Orelia features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households dominate at 66.6% of all households, comprising 26.0% couples with children, 21.6% couples without children, and 17.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 33.4%, with lone person households at 30.0% and group households comprising 3.4% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Parmelia - Orelia faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area faces educational challenges, with university qualification rates (11.5%) substantially below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees lead at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.3%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (8.6%) and certificates (32.0%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.4% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.6% in primary education, 8.7% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Public transport analysis reveals 116 active transport stops operating within Parmelia - Orelia, comprising a mix of train and buses. These stops are serviced by 22 individual routes, collectively providing 2,999 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 163 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 80%, with 10% by train. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling, which is below the regional average. A relatively low 4.1% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 428 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 25 weekly trips per individual stop. The accompanying map shows the 100 nearest stops to the location centrepoint.

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

Health data reveals substantial challenges facing Parmelia - Orelia, based on AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. The prevalence of common health conditions is notable across both younger and older age cohorts, and the rate of private health cover is just above the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the total population (~6,933 people). This compares to 59.0% across Greater Perth.

The most common medical conditions in the area are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.4% and 9.0% of residents, respectively, while 64.1% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,034 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

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

Parmelia - Orelia is more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 16.8% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 33.1% born overseas. The main religion in Parmelia - Orelia is Christianity, which makes up 41.6% of the population. However, the most apparent overrepresentation is in Islam, which comprises 1.7% of the population, compared to 3.2% across Greater Perth.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Parmelia - Orelia are English, comprising 29.7% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.4% of the population, and Other, comprising 8.5% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Maori is notably overrepresented at 2.4% of Parmelia - Orelia (vs 0.9% regionally), Filipino at 4.5% (vs 1.4%) and New Zealand at 1.1% (vs 0.8%).

Parmelia - Orelia's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

With a median age of 37, Parmelia - Orelia is equal to the Greater Perth figure of 37 and remains comparable to Australia's 38 years. The 15 - 24 age group shows strong representation at 14.4% compared to Greater Perth, whereas the 25 - 34 cohort is less prevalent at 12.7%. In the period since 2021, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 12.9% to 14.4% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 4.2% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort has declined from 14.6% to 13.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Parmelia - Orelia's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the 75 to 84 group will grow by 53% (369 people), reaching 1,062 from 692. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 62% of projected growth. On the other hand, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.