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, the population of Parmelia - Orelia is approximately 12,819 as of May 2026. This represents a growth of 1,533 people (13.6%) from the 2021 Census, which counted 11,286 people. This shift is calculated using the June 2025 ABS estimated resident population of 12,669 combined with 263 validated new addresses registered after the Census. This population level yields a density of 1,637 persons per square kilometer, a figure that sits above the average for national sites evaluated by AreaSearch. The 13.6% growth rate in Parmelia - Orelia since the 2021 census outpaced the national average (9.3%), positioning it as a regional growth leader. Population gains were primarily fueled by overseas migration, which accounted for roughly 52.4% of the total increase during recent periods, though all growth components including natural increase and interstate migration registered positive contributions.

AreaSearch incorporates projections from the ABS and Geoscience Australia for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline year. For SA2 regions lacking this dataset, and to project development beyond 2032, AreaSearch applies cohort-specific growth rates published by the ABS in its 2023 Greater Capital Region projections, which utilize 2022 data. Looking at future demographic trends, the area is projected to experience population growth above the national median, with expectations of adding 1,540 residents by 2041 relative to the most recent annual ERP statistics, representing a total expansion of 10.8% over the 16 years.

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

Parmelia - Orelia has recorded approximately 73 residential building approvals annually, translating to 365 homes authorized during the last 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 132 during the current FY-26. An average increase of 3 new residents per year was recorded for every dwelling constructed over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demonstrating solid demand that is likely to bolster property values. The average construction cost for these new dwellings is $217,000, which falls below regional benchmarks and highlights more affordable entry points for home buyers. Furthermore, commercial approvals have reached $4.0 million this financial year, pointing to a quiet period for local business development.

Compared against the wider Greater Perth region, building activity in Parmelia - Orelia is significantly subdued, running 57.0% below the regional average per capita. This low volume of new construction typically maintains demand and price levels for the existing housing stock. Houses make up 93.0% of the new residential development while medium and high-density housing accounts for 7.0%, reinforcing the suburban character of the area and appealing to buyers seeking extra space. The ratio of roughly 152 people for every dwelling approval highlights the typical traits of a developing market.

Projecting forward, Parmelia - Orelia is anticipated to add 1,390 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly estimates from AreaSearch. Current construction trends suggest that the incoming supply of housing will comfortably satisfy demand, creating favorable buyer conditions and potentially enabling population increases that outpace current forecasts.

Parmelia - Orelia has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 19thth percentile nationally

Few elements impact local performance as significantly as changes to regional infrastructure, major works, and municipal planning. AreaSearch has identified a total of 9 projects that are likely to influence this location. Significant undertakings include the Parmelia Primary School Modernisation Stage 2, Parmelia Community Centre Redevelopment, Parmelia Oval Sports Pavilion Upgrade, and the Kwinana Education Precinct, with the following index detailing those of greatest significance.

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

The local workforce in Parmelia - Orelia is distributed across both white and blue collar jobs, with a notable concentration in industrial and manufacturing fields, alongside an unemployment rate of 14.3%. As of March 2026, employed residents number 5,592, whereas the unemployment rate is 10.1% higher than the Greater Perth average of 4.2%, indicating potential for labor market improvements. Additionally, labor force participation is low at 62.9% compared to 70.2% in Greater Perth. According to self-reported Census data, only 4.1% of residents worked from home, though this figure may have been influenced by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The primary sectors employing residents are health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. The community displays an especially strong specialization in manufacturing, where employment density is 1.9 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are underrepresented, accounting for 3.4% of local employment compared to the regional average of 8.2%. The residential nature of the locality suggests that local employment opportunities are limited, as shown by comparing the count of the Census working population against the resident population.

According to AreaSearch's evaluation of SALM and ABS statistics, the local labor force contracted by 0.9% and total employment fell by 1.8% during the year to March 2026, leading to a 0.8 percentage point increase in unemployment. In contrast, Greater Perth experienced a 2.0% rise in employment and a 2.5% expansion of the labor force, with its unemployment rate increasing by 0.4 percentage points. National employment projections released by Jobs and Skills Australia in May-25 offer additional context on future labor demand for Parmelia - Orelia. These five and ten-year projections have been applied to the local workforce structure to model potential growth. Although total national employment is projected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, the rates of change vary widely across different sectors. Applying these industry projections to the employment profile of Parmelia - Orelia suggests local jobs could grow by 5.6% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a basic weighted projection for illustration that does not incorporate local demographic forecasts.

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

Based on AreaSearch's compilation of tax data at the postcode level released by the ATO for financial year 2023, the median income for taxpayers in the Parmelia - Orelia SA2 was $59,183, and the average income was $68,676. These figures are slightly higher than the national averages and compare to $60,748 and $80,248 in Greater Perth, respectively. Accounting for a Wage Price Index increase of 10.93% since financial year 2023, the estimated figures would stand at approximately $65,652 for the median and $76,182 for the average as of March 2026. The 2021 Census data indicates that personal, family, and household incomes in Parmelia - Orelia are situated between the 16th and 19th percentiles nationwide. Income distribution statistics show that 31.8% of the local population (representing 4,076 individuals) earn within the $1,500 - 2,999 brackets, which aligns closely with regional statistics where 32.0% fall into this category. Affordability pressures are high, with residents retaining only 82.7% of their income, placing the area in the 19th percentile.

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

According to the latest Census, the mix of housing types in Parmelia - Orelia consisted of 89.4% detached houses and 10.6% alternative structures like apartments, semi-detached properties, and other dwellings, compared to the wider Perth metropolitan ratio of 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. The rate of home ownership in Parmelia - Orelia stood at 23.2%, which is below the metropolitan average, with the remaining properties occupied by mortgage holders (45.4%) or renters (31.4%). The median monthly mortgage payment of $1,333 was significantly lower than the Perth metropolitan average of $1,907, while the median weekly rent was $270 compared to $350 across Perth. On a national scale, mortgage repayments in Parmelia - Orelia are much lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and weekly rents are also well below the national average of $375.

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

Families form the largest share of households at 66.6%, consisting of couples with children at 26.0%, couples without children at 21.6%, and single parent families at 17.5%. The remaining 33.4% are non-family households, which are made up of single-person households at 30.0% and group housing at 3.4%. The median household occupancy of 2.5 persons is slightly lower 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 locality presents educational disparities, as university qualification rates stand at 11.5%, which is well below the Australian average of 30.4%. This represents both a difficulty and a possibility for focused educational programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common tertiary qualification at 8.4%, followed by postgraduate degrees at 1.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.3%. Vocational and technical capabilities are highly represented, with 40.6% of residents aged 15+ holding qualifications from vocational institutions, consisting of advanced diplomas at 8.6% and certificates at 32.0%.

Engagement in learning is quite high, with 29.4% of the population enrolled in an educational program. This comprises 10.6% of residents in primary schooling, 8.7% in secondary schools, and 3.1% undertaking tertiary studies.

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

An evaluation of public transport options shows 116 active stops operating in Parmelia - Orelia, comprising both rail and bus facilities. These stops are served by 22 unique routes, which deliver 2,999 passenger journeys weekly. Transit accessibility is classified as excellent, with the typical resident living 163 meters from the nearest stop. Because this is a residential district, most commuters travel out of the area, with private vehicles remaining the primary mode of travel at 80% and trains accounting for 10%. Household vehicle ownership stands at 1.3 cars per home, which is below the regional average. A relatively low proportion of residents (4.1%) worked from home according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The average daily frequency of services is 428 runs across all routes, which corresponds to roughly 25 weekly runs per individual stop. The associated map illustrates the location of the 100 closest stops relative to the center of the area.

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

Health indicators point to notable difficulties in Parmelia - Orelia, based on AreaSearch's evaluation of death rates and the occurrence of chronic conditions, which are prevalent across both younger and older cohorts, while the proportion of residents with private health insurance is just above the average SA2 area at approximately 53% of the population (~6,832 people). This compares to 59.0% recorded throughout Greater Perth.

Mental health difficulties and asthma were identified as the most prevalent health concerns, affecting 10.4 and 9.0% of the population, respectively, while 64.1% of residents reported having no chronic medical conditions compared to 71.9% in Greater Perth. Working-age residents experience elevated rates of chronic illness, presenting clear challenges. Residents aged 65 and older make up 15.4% of the population (1,970 people). Senior health outcomes show some difficulties, with national rankings aligning closely with those of the broader local community.

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 displays higher levels of cultural diversity than most comparable property markets, with 16.8% of residents using a non-English language at home and 33.1% born outside Australia. Christianity is the primary religion, followed by 41.6% of the population. The most prominent statistical divergence is in the Islamic population, which represents 1.7% of the community compared to 3.2% across Greater Perth.

Based on parental country of birth, the three largest ancestry groups in Parmelia - Orelia are English at 29.7%, Australian at 24.4%, and Other at 8.5%. Notable deviations in other demographic groups show Maori residents overrepresented at 2.4% of the population (compared to 0.9% across the region), Filipino residents at 4.5% (compared to 1.4% regionally), and New Zealand ancestry at 1.1% (compared to 0.8% regionally).

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

With a median age of 37, Parmelia - Orelia matches the Greater Perth median of 37 and is close to the national average of 38 years. The 15 - 24 age bracket is highly represented at 14.5% compared to Greater Perth, while the 35 - 44 cohort is less common at 13.3%. Since 2021, the proportion of residents aged 15 to 24 grew from 12.9% to 14.5%, and the 75 to 84 bracket rose from 4.2% to 5.3%. Conversely, the 35 to 44 cohort fell from 14.6% to 13.3%. Demographic forecasts out to 2041 point to significant changes in the local age structure. The 75 to 84 cohort is projected to grow by 59% (representing 400 people), rising from 679 to 1,080. The aging trend is pronounced, with people aged 65+ making up 54% of the total projected growth. By contrast, the 0 to 4 and 5 to 14 age groups are projected to contract.