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Parkes suburb profile

Parkes is a vibrant regional town in New South Wales, renowned for its rich history and community spirit. Located approximately 365km west of Sydney, it is famous for the Parkes Observatory, a key player in the Apollo 11 moon landing. The town offers a blend of rural charm and modern amenities, with a strong agricultural base and growing tourism sector. Parkes hosts the annual Elvis Festival, attracting visitors from across the globe. With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse cultural events, and scenic landscapes, Parkes provides a unique and engaging lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.

Parkes property market performance

Parkes’ property market has shown modest growth over the past 12 months, with house values increasing by 4.2%, bringing the median house price to $465,000. The unit market remains stagnant with no change in median value, reflecting limited activity in this sector.

Sales activity has been more robust for houses, with 63 sold in the past 12 months, while only 3 units were sold, indicating a stronger demand for houses. Houses are spending a median of 67 days on the market, suggesting a steady but not rapid turnover.

The rental market in Parkes has seen slight increases, with house rents rising by 4.7% and unit rents by 5.4% over the last 12 months. The average rent for houses is $450, while units average $295, indicating a healthy rental demand.

HousesUnits
Median price
Past 3 months
$465KN/A
Change in value
Past 12 months
4.2%N/A
Sold
Past 3 months
633
Median days on market
Past 12 months
67N/A
Average rent
Past 12 months
$450$295
Change in rent
Past 12 months
4.7%5.4%

5 year median price trend for houses and units

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Parkes demographics

Parkes, located in the Central West region of New South Wales, is a charming town known for its rich history and community spirit. With a population of 11,324, Parkes offers a blend of rural tranquility and modern conveniences, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle. The median age of 39 suggests a mature community, with a mix of young families and long-term residents who appreciate the town's welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community.

The housing landscape in Parkes is characterized by a significant proportion of home ownership, with 35.3% of properties owned outright and 34.3% owned with a mortgage. This stability is complemented by a rental market that accounts for 30.4% of properties, providing options for those seeking flexibility. The suburb's family-oriented nature is evident, with 38.3% of households being couple families with children and 41.4% being couple families without children. One-parent families make up 19.1% of the community, highlighting the diverse family structures present in Parkes.

Parkes is perhaps best known for its iconic radio telescope, the Parkes Observatory, which plays a crucial role in astronomical research and has become a symbol of the town. The local economy is supported by agriculture, mining, and a growing tourism sector, offering employment opportunities across various industries. With its friendly community, affordable living, and unique attractions, Parkes is a delightful place to call home, offering residents a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.

Parkes infrastructure, key developments and investment opportunities

Parkes is being reshaped by the completion of the $187 million Parkes Bypass on the Newell Highway, which diverts heavy traffic away from the town centre, improving amenity and safety while potentially enhancing the appeal of residential areas closer to the CBD.[9] Combined with Parkes’s established role as a key freight and logistics hub, this improved connectivity is likely to support long-term employment prospects and underpin demand for local housing.

Council and state planning continue to focus on leveraging Parkes’s strategic location within national freight networks and proximity to major road and rail corridors, which may encourage further industrial and commercial development on the outskirts of the suburb.[3] For home buyers and sellers, this balance of quieter local streets with growing job opportunities nearby positions Parkes as a relatively affordable regional centre with improving liveability and stable property demand.

Parkes rental market trends

The rental market in Parkes has experienced moderate growth, with house rents increasing by 4.7% over the past year to $450 per week, while unit rents have risen by 5.4% to $295 per week. This steady growth reflects a balanced demand in the area, making Parkes an attractive option for both renters and investors seeking stable returns in a regional setting.

Suburbs near Parkes

Some popular suburbs near Parkes include:

How does Parkes compare to nearby suburbs?

  • Median house prices: Parkes’s median house price is 7.0% lower than Forbes’s.
  • House price growth: Over the past 12 months, house prices in Parkes have grown 1.8% higher than in Peak Hill.
  • Selling speed for houses: Properties in Parkes are selling 23.0% faster than in Forbes.

Common questions about Parkes

  • Is Parkes a nice place to live?

    Parkes is a delightful place to live, offering a harmonious blend of rural charm and modern conveniences. This charming town is known for its strong community spirit and welcoming atmosphere, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals alike. The suburb's peaceful vibe is complemented by its proximity to essential amenities, including shops, schools, and healthcare facilities, ensuring residents have everything they need within easy reach. The local parks and green spaces provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a great place for families to enjoy quality time together.

    Safety is generally not a major concern in Parkes, with the recent completion of the Parkes Bypass improving traffic flow and reducing congestion in the town centre. This development enhances the suburb's appeal, offering a quieter lifestyle while still maintaining connectivity to major road networks. While Parkes may not offer the bustling nightlife of larger cities, it makes up for it with a rich tapestry of cultural events and a strong sense of community. The annual Elvis Festival is a highlight, drawing visitors from near and far and adding a unique vibrancy to the town.

    For families, Parkes provides a nurturing environment with a variety of housing options, from charming family homes to modern apartments. The suburb's affordability and stable property market make it an attractive option for those looking to settle down. However, one trade-off to consider is the distance from major urban centres, which may require longer travel times for those commuting to Sydney or other large cities. Nonetheless, for those seeking a peaceful, community-focused lifestyle with a touch of rural charm, Parkes is a wonderful place to call home.

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  • Is it expensive to live in Parkes?

    Living in Parkes, a regional town in New South Wales, offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to many urban areas in the state. The current median house price in Parkes is $465,000, which is significantly lower than the property prices in major cities like Sydney. For those looking to rent, the average rent for houses is $450 per week, while units are even more budget-friendly at $295 per week.

    When comparing these figures to the average wage in New South Wales, which is approximately $90,000 per year, Parkes appears to be relatively affordable. The median total household income in Parkes is $1,401 per week, which suggests that residents can manage housing costs without stretching their finances too thin. This affordability makes Parkes an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a more cost-effective living environment.

    Overall, Parkes provides a balance between affordability and the charm of regional living. If you are thinking of living in Parkes, you'll find that the cost of living is manageable, especially when compared to the state's average wage and the higher expenses associated with city living.

    Disclaimer: To assess whether a suburb is considered expensive, we’ve looked at mortgage and rental costs as a proportion of the average local salary. That said, everyone’s financial situation is different, so it's important to consider your own circumstances when deciding which suburb is right for you.
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  • Is Parkes a good place to invest?

    Parkes presents a stable investment opportunity, particularly for those looking at long-term growth. Over the past year, the median house value in Parkes has increased by 4.2%, indicating a steady rise in property values. While the median unit value has remained unchanged, the rental market tells a different story. Rent for houses has increased by 4.7%, and units have seen a 5.4% rise in rent, suggesting strong demand for rental properties.

    The rental growth in Parkes is a positive sign for investors seeking reliable rental income. The steady increase in house values, coupled with the rising rental yields, makes Parkes an attractive option for those looking to invest in a market with consistent demand. While the suburb may not offer rapid capital growth, its stability and potential for rental income make it a solid choice for investors who prefer a low-risk, long-term investment strategy.

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Choose the right real estate agents in Parkes

In Parkes ,18 agents are actively selling property, but a small number do the heavy lifting. Just 5 agents handled 83.8% of all sales in the past year, giving them a strong presence and deep experience in the local market.

Commission rates usually sit between 2% and 3.25%. Comparing agents and understanding what’s included in their fee structure can help you find the right mix of service, value, and motivation—without compromising on outcomes.

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