Dubbo vs Parkes

Dubbo and Parkes are regional centres in New South Wales, though Dubbo is more connected. About 82.9% of Dubbo homes are within a 10-minute walk of public transport, compared to 70.2% in Parkes. This ease of access is mirrored in other areas, with Dubbo also having more homes within a 15-minute walk of parks, schools, and groceries. Dubbo has a far larger First Nations population with 7,079 people, compared to 1,867 in Parkes. In Dubbo, First Nations Year 12 completion is well higher at 33.8%, while First Nations unemployment is much lower than most areas at 8.8%.

Both areas have remained similar since 2011, with their general layouts and walkability staying consistent. They are both described as somewhat walkable and share a similar terrain slope. The First Nations population in both places is also very similar in age, with a typical age of 22, and about 3% of people in each area speak a First Nations language. While Dubbo is generally more walkable, Parkes is better for accessing health services on foot, with 44.6% of homes within a 15-minute walk compared to 35.9% in Dubbo.