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.
| Houses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
Median price Past 3 months | $465K | N/A |
Change in value Past 12 months | 4.2% | N/A |
Sold Past 3 months | 63 | 3 |
Median days on market Past 12 months | 67 | N/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
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.

