The division is named after Sir Henry Parkes, seventh Premier of New South Wales and sometimes known as the 'Father of Federation'.

[1] According to the 2011 census, approximately 78 per cent of the population within the division identify as Christian,[2] more than any other electorate in Australia at that time.

[3] The 2015 redistribution resulted in Parkes expanded westwards to cover the state's Far West, including Broken Hill.

It also includes the towns of Broken Hill, Dunedoo, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Walgett, Narrabri, Moree, Warren, Nyngan, Cobar and Bourke.

The division does also include the namesake towns of Parkes, Forbes and West Wyalong by a redistribution since October 2024 - ready for the 2025 federal elections when called apon by May.