Parmelia (WA)

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Following assessment of ABS population revisions for the surrounding region and fresh addresses verified by Districts 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 Districts 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 Districts. 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.

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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 Districts 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.

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Based on Districts' 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 are in this range. Pressures on housing affordability are substantial, leaving only of income remaining, which ranks in the th percentile.

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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.

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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.

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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%).

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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.

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Significant health issues are apparent in Parmelia, according to Districts' 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.

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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.

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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 to cohort is projected to expand by ( people), rising from to . This aging trend is clear, with individuals aged + making up of the projected growth. Conversely, the to and to age groups are expected to see population decreases.

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Parmelia currently has an estimated 387 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 236 children aged 0-2 and 157 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 1% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 375 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 687. Birth rates in the area have averaged 12.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a high rate (among the top 30% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.