Median house price
$467k
+0.4% change
NSW · Parkes Council
Parkes, 2870
Est. population · Jun 2025
13,314
Growth (1 yr)
-0.3%
Growth (5 yr)
-2.2%
Median age
39
Median income
$1,401/wk
Employment rate
55.6%
Median house price · October to December 2025
$467,000
Languages at home
4.1%non-English
Most common: Mandarin, Australian Indigenous languages, Afrikaans
2021 Census · usual residence
Desirability score
- Green suburb
- Excellent transport
- National parks
- Education hub
- Heritage area
Suburb profile
Parkes offers a slower established suburb life in Parkes Council, with open surrounds and a close-knit community feel. Residents are mostly families and working professionals, with family life visible on every street. Everyday life leans local, with a handful of trusted shops, a familiar main street and neighbours who know your name.
Everyday basics may be close by, but bigger shopping and services typically require a trip to a nearby centre. Parks and open space are a real strength relative to many regional towns, easy for walks, sport and weekend downtime. Buses are a genuine asset, linking residents to work, study and nearby neighbourhoods.
Housing is more affordable than in many parts of the state. Active development is adding new homes and refreshed pockets throughout the suburb.
Against similar regional towns, the suburb sits around average overall, mainly because safety, plus community and employment lag behind, despite relative strength in schools and education. Limited access to some essential local services also trimmed the result.
At a glance
Parkes snapshot
A quick read of housing, growth, livability, and risk
Median rent
$400/wk
Houses $450 · Units $320
Population (ERP)
13,314
-0.3% annual growth
Dwelling vacancy
11.6%
Census unoccupied dwellings
Livability profile
Desirability pillars vs the peer median (50th percentile)
How it compares
Relative standing using percentiles, ranks, and national deciles
Desirability
#49
among Country & regional · Established
Safety
89th
percentile in state (higher = safer)
Pop. growth
6th
percentile in NSW
Advantage (IRSAD)
2/10
national SEIFA decile
School ICSEA
17th
percentile among schools with ICSEA
Population growth
Recent ERP change over 1 and 5 years
Housing mix
Dwelling types from the 2021 Census
Risks & flags
Quick scan — open a section below for full context
Living here
Desirability
Ranks & confidence
- Desirability score
- 44.9/100 — Average
- State standing
- Top 42% of New South Wales' suburbs
- National rank
- 2933rd in Australia
- State rank
- 892nd in NSW
- Peer rank
- #49 among Country & regional · Established suburbs
- Cohort rank
- #214 among Country & regional suburbs
- Data confidence
- 100%
Data sources & freshness
- Suburb Guide desirability index — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
Housing
- Flats / units (January to March 2026)
- $320
- Houses (January to March 2026)
- $450
- All types (January to March 2026)
- $400
- Rental bonds lodged (January to March 2026)
- 90
- Median house price (October to December 2025)
- $467,000
- Median price change
- +0.4%
Median weekly rent from NSW DCJ rent tables. Figures can be unreliable where few bonds were lodged in the quarter.
Contributes to desirability score · Housing (15%) · Future Growth (7%)
Median price, rental yield and vacancy Recent price momentum
Data sources & freshness
- DCJ rent and sales tables — NSW Department of Communities and Justice · January to March 2026; October to December 2025 · Updated · Quarterly releases
Population
Estimated resident population
13,314(June 2025)
-0.3% annual · -2.2% over 5 years · 6th percentile in NSW
Growth figures & methodology
- Annual growth
- -0.3%
- 5-year growth
- -2.2%
- Change in 1 year
- -36
- Change in 5 years
- -305
- Growth rank in NSW
- 6th percentile
ABS Estimated Resident Population allocated to this suburb from SA2-level data. Not an official ABS suburb count.
Methodology
Figures are allocated from ABS Estimated Resident Population at Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2), using 2021 Census share within overlapping SA2 regions. Where Census data is unavailable, area overlap is used instead.
The dashed chart line is a simple growth-trend estimate to June 2030 (~13,100), extrapolated at -0.3% average annual growth since 2011. It is illustrative only — not an official ABS forecast.
2021 Census figures
2021 Census
- Population
- 11,324
- Median age
- 39
- Median household income / week
- $1,401
- Dwelling vacancy
- 11.6%
- Unoccupied private dwellings
- 563 of 4,833
- Median monthly mortgage
- $1,300
- Employment rate
- 55.6%
- Dwelling mix (houses / semi / flats)
- 3,776 / 168 / 282 (+ 22 other)
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Employment, household income and age diversity (2021 Census)
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
- Estimated Resident Population — Australian Bureau of Statistics · 2025 · Updated · SA2 ERP allocated to suburb boundaries
Community & culture
No 2021 Census cultural diversity data for this suburb yet.
Data sources & freshness
- 2021 Census — General Community Profile — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
The 2026 Census runs in August 2026; suburb-level updates are expected from mid-2027.
Crime & safety
Reported offences increased compared with the previous period.
Offence counts & rates
- Total offences (Jan 2025 to Dec 2025)
- 1,702
- Against the person
- 492
- Against property
- 595
- Rate per 1,000 residents
- 127.8
- Person-crime prevalence
- About 1 in 23 residents
- State safety percentile
- 88.8th (lower crime is better)
- Increase (daily rate)
- +9.5%
Most common offence types
- Breach Bail Conditions118
- Domestic Violence Related Assault120
- Intimidation, Stalking And Harassment213
- Malicious Damage To Property126
- Non-Domestic Violence Related Assault107
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Crime rate and year-on-year trend
Data sources & freshness
- BOCSAR postcode crime statistics — NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research · Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 → Jan 2025 to Dec 2025; Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 · Updated · Rolling 12-month windows
Family & Lifestyle
Schools & preschools
- Schools within 2 km
- 6
- Median school ICSEA (6 schools)
- 922.5
- Median ICSEA percentile
- 17th
School list
- Holy Family Parish SchoolPrimary · Catholic · ICSEA 988 · 41th percentile · LBOTE 11% · 171 students · Top SEA quarter 13%View on My School →
- Middleton Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 891 · 9th percentile · LBOTE 2% · 173 students · Top SEA quarter 3%View on My School →
- Parkes Christian SchoolCombined · Independent · ICSEA 1014 · 53th percentile · LBOTE 3% · 402 students · Top SEA quarter 19%View on My School →
- Parkes East Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 949 · 24th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 281 students · Top SEA quarter 11%View on My School →
- Parkes High SchoolSecondary · Government · ICSEA 894 · 10th percentile · LBOTE 4% · 467 students · Top SEA quarter 5%View on My School →
- Parkes Public SchoolPrimary · Government · ICSEA 896 · 10th percentile · LBOTE 3% · 363 students · Top SEA quarter 5%View on My School →
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
School and preschool counts, median school ICSEA
Data sources & freshness
- ACARA school locations — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
- School ICSEA scores — Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority · 2025 · Updated · Annual release
Childcare
2 childcare services from OpenStreetMap
- Parkes Early Childhood Centrekindergarten
- Victoria Street Childrens Centrekindergarten
Contributes to desirability score · Education (15%)
Childcare centre count
Data sources & freshness
- Childcare services — OpenStreetMap · current · Updated
Public transport
970 public transport stops in this suburb
- Parkes High School, High St
- Parkes Public School Infant Campus, Hill St
- Parkes Public School Primary Campus, Hill St
- Thornbury St At Orange St
- Victoria St At Albert St
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Public transport stop coverage
Data sources & freshness
- Timetables Complete GTFS stops (© Transport for NSW, CC BY 4.0) — Transport for NSW — Open Data Hub · current · Updated · Nightly GTFS feed
Amenities
No OpenStreetMap amenities mapped for this suburb yet.
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Food, shopping, recreation and sport (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- Local amenity insights — Suburb Guide (derived) · current · Updated
- OpenStreetMap amenities — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Parks & reserves
31 parks and public open space in this suburb
- AE Fox ParkPark
- Armstrong ParkPark
- Bernard McGuire ParkPark
- Boulder Hill ParkPark
- Bumberry Dam Recreation AreaPark
- Bushmans Hill ReservePark
- Cheney ParkPark
- Cooke ParkPark
- Cooper's ParkPark
- Davey ParkPark
Data sources & freshness
- Parks & reserves — State government + ABS LGA boundaries · current · Updated
Green cover
- Parks & woodland (OSM)
- 48
- Parks (OSM)
- 35
OpenStreetMap parks and natural woodland features mapped within the suburb boundary.
Contributes to desirability score · Environment (10%)
Parks and green cover (OpenStreetMap)
Data sources & freshness
- OpenStreetMap green cover — OpenStreetMap contributors · current · Updated
Health access
- Hospitals & GP clinics in suburb
- 6
- Nearest hospital
- Parkes District Hospital (11.1 km)
- Nearest hospital type
- Hospital
- Nearest hospital emergency
- Emergency department
- Emergency department in suburb
- On site
- Barratt and Smith PathologyLaboratory
- Ochre Health Medical Centre ParkesDoctor
- Parkes Diagnostic ImagingRadiology
- Parkes District HospitalMorrissey WayHospital
- Parkes Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries CentrePhysiotherapist
- Ron DunfordPharmacy
Contributes to desirability score · Accessibility (15%)
Hospitals and GP clinics
Data sources & freshness
- Hospitals & clinics — OpenStreetMap + state health datasets · current · Updated
NDIS participation
- NDIS participants (31 March 2026)
- 382
- Participants per 1,000 residents
- 28.7
Active NDIS participants allocated from NDIA Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2, ASGS 2016) counts to this suburb boundary. Not an official suburb-level NDIS figure · as at 31 March 2026.
For NDIS spend and service-demand exploration by SA2 or postcode, see the Care Sector Demand Map.
Data sources & freshness
- NDIS participants by SA2 — National Disability Insurance Agency · 2026-Q1 · Updated · Quarterly SA2 counts allocated to suburb boundaries
Weather
Typical conditions by season for suburbs in the same ~44 km climate area. Rainfall totals are summed from monthly WorldClim layers; rainy-day counts are approximate.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
- Usual max / min
- 32° / 17°
- Rainfall
- 161 mm · ~20 rainy days
Autumn (Mar–May)
- Usual max / min
- 24° / 11°
- Rainfall
- 136 mm · ~17 rainy days
Winter (Jun–Aug)
- Usual max / min
- 15° / 4°
- Rainfall
- 125 mm · ~16 rainy days
Spring (Sep–Nov)
- Usual max / min
- 23° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 150 mm · ~19 rainy days
Contributes to desirability score · Lifestyle (15%)
Temperature and humidity comfort
Data sources & freshness
- Seasonal climate normals — WorldClim 2.1 · Updated
Future & Planning
Planning & development
Development applications from NSW Planning Portal.
2026· 61 proposals
August 2026
- Demolition; Shed; Erection of a new structure5 DALLEY STREET PARKES 2870Under Assessment
- Temporary building, structure or use; Camping ground; Caravan park1 VICTORIA STREET PARKES 2870Additional Information Requested
- Temporary building, structure or use; Camping groundHOOLEY STREET PARKES 2870Additional Information Requested
July 2026
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential AccommodationCHENEY ROAD PARKES 2870Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure10 DOWNES CRESCENT PARKES 2870Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure3 STOKES STREET PARKES 2870Under Assessment
- Secondary dwelling; Erection of a new structure3 ROSARY CLOSE PARKES 2870Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure8 DRUMMOND STREET PARKES 2870Determined
June 2026
- Shed; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation9 ACACIA CIRCUIT PARKES 2870Under Assessment
- Shed; Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Tennis courts350 BACK TRUNDLE ROAD PARKES 2870Under Assessment
- Shed; Erection of a new structure30 BARTON STREET PARKES 2870Additional Information Requested
- Subdivision114-120 CONDOBOLIN ROAD PARKES 2870Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure10 NASH STREET PARKES 2870Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Residential Accommodation20 CECILE STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Subdivision7272 EUGOWRA ROAD PARKES 2870Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation25 ACACIA CIRCUIT PARKES 2870Under Assessment
- Temporary building, structure or use; Entertainment associated with existing premises17 Station Street Parkes NSW 2870Under Assessment
- Demolition60 CURRAJONG STREET PARKES 2870Determined
May 2026
- Shed; Erection of a new structure10 NOONAN STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Demolition; Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure5 HODGES STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Carport6 FISHER STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure12 GRENFELL STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Manufactured home52 OLD PINES ROAD PARKES 2870Determined
- Subdivision15 FISHER STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Demolition; Subdivision34-40 CLARINDA STREET PARKES 2870Additional Information Requested
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure9452B HENRY PARKES WAY PARKES 2870Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure80-82 CLARINDA STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Demolition; Shed; Erection of a new structure9 ALBERT STREET PARKES 2870Determined
April 2026
- Erection of a new structure; Manufactured home; Non-standard HousingLot 681 DP 750152 Rose Street Parkes NSW 2870Determined
- Temporary building, structure or use; Temporary structure1 VICTORIA STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure; Balcony, deck, patio, terrace or verandah (screened enclosures)9 HYDRANGEA AVENUE PARKES 2870Determined
- Dwelling house; Alterations or additions to an existing building or structure41 ALBERT STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Change of use of land or a building or the classification of a building under the Building Code of Australia; Vehicle body repair workshop3 LANGLANDS STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Erection of a new structure; Garage, carport or carparking space15 BEST STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure40 THOMAS STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure39 FARRER STREET PARKES 2870Determined
March 2026
- Dwelling house; Erection of a new structure; Residential Accommodation61 HIGH STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Demolition; Cabanas, cubby houses, ferneries, garden sheds, gazebos and greenhouses8 BOLLINGER STREET PARKES 2870Determined
- Shed; Erection of a new structure31 AITKEN LANE PARKES 2870Determined
- Commercial development; Erection of a new structure; Retail PremiseLot 6, 22-26 Parkes Road ForbesDetermined
Contributes to desirability score · Future Growth (7%)
Development and planning activity
Data sources & freshness
- Online DA development application register — NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure · 2026 · Updated · Daily feed (from Oct 2018)
Heritage
2 heritage places
- Parkes Post Office39 Currajong Street ParkesSHR
- Parkes Railway Station groupMay Street ParkesSHR
Data sources & freshness
- State heritage register — State heritage authority · current · Updated
Hazards
- Bushfire planning zone
- No overlay at centroid
Bushfire overlay checked at suburb centroid via NSW bush fire prone land mapping.
Contributes to desirability score · Safety (18%)
Bushfire hazard overlays
Data sources & freshness
- Hazard planning overlays — State government hazard layers · current · Updated
Politics & representation
- Federal electorate
- Parkes
- Member of Parliament
- Jamie CHAFFEY (The Nationals)
- Results from
- 2025 federal election
- Electorate enrolment (2025)
- 130,841
- Turnout (2025)
- 89.2%
- Swing since 2022 (2025)
- +5.2 pp toward Labor
Two-party preferred (2025)
Coalition 63.0%Labor 37.0%
Estimated suburb voting profile
Estimated from 8 nearby ordinary polling places (up to 38.2 km away).
Coalition 63.1%Labor 36.9%
0.2 percentage points more Coalition-leaning than the electorate
Estimated swing since 2022: +1.4 pp toward Labor
Nearest polling places
- Parkes EastLabor 36.3% · Coalition 63.7% TPP (2025)7.1 km away
- ParkesLabor 39.5% · Coalition 60.5% TPP (2025)8.0 km away
- Parkes NorthLabor 37.9% · Coalition 62.1% TPP (2025)8.3 km away
- Parkes SouthLabor 34.9% · Coalition 65.1% TPP (2025)9.1 km away
- Parkes WestLabor 38.5% · Coalition 61.5% TPP (2025)9.9 km away
Federal electorate from AEC federal division boundaries (2025 redistribution). Division-level results are official AEC figures from the latest general election, with by-election updates where applicable. The estimated suburb profile blends up to eight nearest ordinary polling booths in the same electorate using inverse-distance weighting from the suburb centroid — an approximation, not official AEC data. Nearest polling places are shown for reference.
Data sources & freshness
- Federal election results — Australian Electoral Commission · Updated · 2025 election with by-election overlays
Socio-economic
- IRSAD decile (2021)
- 2/10
- IRSD decile (2021)
- 2/10
ABS Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), 2021 release — the latest available, derived from the 2021 Census. Deciles rank suburbs nationally from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).
What do IRSAD and IRSD measure?
IRSAD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. Combines indicators of advantage (e.g. high income, skilled occupations) and disadvantage. Higher decile = more advantaged relative to other Australian areas.
IRSD — Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage. Focuses on disadvantage only (e.g. low income, unemployment, limited education). Higher decile = less disadvantage nationally.
A new SEIFA edition typically follows each census; the ABS has not announced a release date beyond 2021.
Contributes to desirability score · Community (5%)
Socio-economic advantage (IRSAD decile)
Data sources & freshness
- SEIFA 2021 (IRSAD / IRSD) — Australian Bureau of Statistics · Updated
Compare with
Similar suburbs to weigh up side by side — scores, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
More in Parkes Council
Other suburbs in the same local government area.
Comparable suburbs
Similar population and socio-economic profile in other parts of New South Wales.