Parkinson is an outer southern suburb of Brisbane, approximately 23 kilometres south of the city's central business district (CBD). According to the 2021 census, the suburb had a population of 11,148. Its population has experienced consistent growth, increasing from 9,539 in 2011 to 10,878 in 2016.
The Mount Lindesay Highway marks Parkinson's eastern boundary, while the western boundary aligns with the Sydney–Brisbane rail corridor. The Logan Motorway bisects the suburb. The northern half is predominantly residential, with parklands, whereas the southern part remains undeveloped, with some industrial development in the southeast corner.
The Queensland Place Names Board named the suburb after railway engineer Henry Parkinson on 12 June 1972. Urban development began in the mid-1990s, and by 2008, the area had transformed from predominantly bushland to residential zones. In 2009, an industrial estate was established in the southeastern corner.
While Parkinson has no government schools, the suburb hosts private educational institutions. YMCA Vocational School, located at 61 Sandstone Street, is a private secondary school catering to students from Year 7 to Year 12. The school focuses on providing education tailored for children at risk of disengaging from traditional schooling.
Australian Technology and Agricultural College—Parkinson Campus is a private secondary school in Stone Place. Its students are in Years 10 to 12 and focus on employability skills, targeting the trades and agriculture sectors.
The nearest government primary schools are Algester State School in Algester, Calamvale Community College in Calamvale, and Stretton State College in Stretton. For secondary education, nearby government schools include Calamvale Community College, Stretton State College, and Browns Plains High State School.
Parkinson's offers a family-friendly environment with various parks and recreational facilities. The suburb is known for its peaceful atmosphere, which appeals to families and professionals seeking a suburban lifestyle within Brisbane's CBD.
Parkinson's property market is predominantly residential, with a significant proportion of owner-occupied homes. The suburb has experienced population growth, indicating a steady demand for housing.
Parkinson's blend of residential living, educational facilities, and accessibility to major transport routes contributes to its appeal as a desirable suburb in Brisbane's southern corridor. The area's development over recent decades reflects its growing popularity among homebuyers and investors.