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Parma

NSW 2540 • New South Wales

167
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
19.43 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalFamily-FriendlyCoastal
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About Parma

Parma is a small rural locality in the City of Shoalhaven on the NSW South Coast, situated approximately 16 kilometres south-west of Nowra and 185 kilometres south of Sydney, west of the Princes Highway in the Parish of Tomerong. The locality covers 19.4 square kilometres of predominantly grazing land and rural-residential properties and recorded a population of 167 at the 2021 census. Parma's landscape consists of gently rolling farming country typical of the Shoalhaven's inland rural hinterland, with beef cattle and horse properties predominating. The area falls within the Kiama state electorate and Gilmore federal division, reflecting its position in the broader South Coast agricultural belt.

Parma residents enjoy a peaceful rural lifestyle within easy reach of Nowra's comprehensive services and the exceptional natural assets of the Shoalhaven coast. Nowra (16 km north-east) is the regional service hub, offering supermarkets, the Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, schools and Bomaderry railway station on the South Coast Line with connections to Sydney. The spectacular Jervis Bay — one of Australia's most pristine coastal areas — is approximately 40 kilometres to the south-east, while the Morton National Park's escarpment scenery and swimming holes are accessible to the west. The combination of affordable rural properties, South Coast proximity and the Shoalhaven's natural beauty makes Parma popular with families, hobby farmers and those seeking a tree-change within two hours of Sydney.

Parma falls under postcode 2540 and is governed by the Shoalhaven Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Gilmore, while state elections fall under the Unclassified (OT) electorate.

📍 Location

State
New South Wales
Postcode
2540
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Shoalhaven
Federal Electorate
Gilmore
State Electorate
Unclassified (OT)
Type
Locality
Timezone
Sydney (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-34.86°, 150.62°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
19.43 km²
Population Density
9 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 2540

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 2540, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$41,687
Median 2023–24
$51,296
▲ 23.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,661

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 2540; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Bomaderry
20 km
South Coast Line – NSW TrainLink to Sydney Central ~2.5 hrs

Bus Services

  • Nowra Coaches local routes — Nowra / Bomaderry Station ~25 min to Nowra

Commute to Sydney CBD

Distance
185 km
By Train
~3 hrs (drive ~20 km to Bomaderry, then South Coast Line to Central)
By Bus
~2.5 hrs (Premier coach via Princes Highway to Sydney)
By Car (Peak)
~2 hr 20 min via Princes Highway and M1/Bulli Pass
By Car (Off-Peak)
~2 hrs

🛣️ Nowra (16 km north-east) is the local service hub; Bomaderry station (20 km) provides South Coast Line connections. Jervis Bay (~40 km south-east) is a key natural attraction. Daily Sydney commuting is possible by train.

Walkability Car Dependent

Parma is a rural locality with no local shops. A car is needed for all daily activities. Nowra provides the full range of services within approximately 20 minutes' drive.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
167
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest 2025 rates for the Shoalhaven Local Government Area, which contains Parma. Rates are per 100,000 residents; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods ending Dec 2025.

Break & enter (dwelling)
223.8 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.6%
Motor vehicle theft
175.1 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 2.2%
Non-DV assault
461.2 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Up 1.7%
Robbery (unarmed)
8.1 / 100k
2yr — 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
245.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 6.0%
View all 62 offence types for Shoalhaven →

Source: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parma known for? +

Parma is a small rural locality in NSW. With a very small resident population, it is primarily recognised as a geographic locality rather than a suburban community.

How far is Parma from Sydney CBD? +

Parma is approximately 123 kilometres from Sydney CBD, typically a ~2 hrs drive under normal traffic conditions. The suburb is a significant distance from the city and is oriented towards its local regional centre rather than the capital CBD.

Does Parma have public transport? +

Public transport options in Parma are very limited. There is no rail service, and bus connections to major centres are infrequent or unavailable. A private vehicle is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Parma? +

According to the 2021 Census, Parma has a population of approximately 167 residents. The suburb has a modest population and retains a quiet, close-knit character.

Is Parma a good place to live? +

Parma is best suited to those seeking a very quiet rural setting. With a minimal resident population and limited local services, it is suited to lifestyle blocks, farming, or those who value remoteness and natural surroundings.

What is the postcode for Parma? +

The postcode for Parma, NSW is 2540.

Is Parma a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Parma is part of the Shoalhaven LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.