Orange

Orange has shown very soft population growth performance across periods assessed by AreaSearch

Orange's population was approximately 19,538 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 515 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 19,023. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 19,173 in June 2024 and an additional 330 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 431 persons per square kilometer. Orange's growth rate of 2.7% since the census is within 0.2 percentage points of its SA4 region, indicating competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration contributed approximately 89.6% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections, released in 2022 with a base year of 2021. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Projections indicate an overall population decline of 284 persons by 2041, but growth is anticipated in specific age cohorts, notably a projected increase of 407 people in the 25 to 34 age group.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Orange according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Orange averaged approximately 54 new dwelling approvals annually from FY21 to FY25. A total of 271 homes were approved during these five financial years, with an additional 20 approved in FY26 as of the current date. The average expected construction cost value for new homes is $315,000.

Orange has experienced population decline, yet housing supply remains adequate relative to demand, resulting in a balanced market with good buyer choice. Commercial development approvals totalled $67.6 million in FY26. Compared to the Rest of NSW, Orange records around 62% of building activity per person. Nationally, it ranks at the 42nd percentile for areas assessed, indicating more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties.

New building activity consists of 77.0% detached houses and 23.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Orange's traditional low density character focused on family homes. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 404 people, reflecting its quiet development environment. Population in Orange is expected to remain stable or decline, potentially reducing pressure on housing and creating opportunities for buyers.

Orange has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 18 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones include Orange FutureCity CBD Redevelopment, Redmond Place Precinct, Alchemy Orange, and Ophir Car Park Redevelopment. The following list details those expected to be most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Orange recording weaker employment conditions than most comparable areas nationwide

Orange has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 4.1%.

As of September 2025, there are 9,559 residents employed, with an unemployment rate at 4.1%, which is 0.3% above Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Orange is similar to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. The area specializes in health care & social assistance, with an employment share of 1.3 times the regional level.

In contrast, agriculture, forestry & fishing employs just 2.3% of local workers, below Rest of NSW's 5.3%. The ratio of 0.9 workers per resident indicates substantial local employment opportunities. Between August 2024 and July 2025, Orange's labour force decreased by 3.4%, while employment decreased by 4.6%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.2 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW saw employment contract by 0.5%, the labour force fall by 0.1%, and unemployment rise by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data from 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 suggest national employment will expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Orange's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not consider localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

Orange SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $48,926 and an average of $61,423 in financial year 2022, according to postcode level ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch. This was below the national average, with Rest of NSW having a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998. By September 2025, estimates suggest the median would be approximately $55,096 and the average $69,168, based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022. The 2021 Census figures placed household, family, and personal incomes in Orange between the 23rd and 37th percentiles. Income distribution showed that 5,666 people, or 29.0%, fell into the $1,500 - $2,999 category, similar to the metropolitan region's 29.9% in the same bracket. Housing affordability pressures were severe, with only 84.2% of income remaining, ranking at the 24th percentile.

Orange is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Orange's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 81.5% houses and 18.6% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.7% houses and 11.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orange was at 33.8%, aligning with Non-Metro NSW's figure. The remaining dwellings were either mortgaged (28.2%) or rented (38.0%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Orange was $1,510, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,700 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Orange was $300, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315 and the national figure of $375.

Orange features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households are the majority, making up 60.1% of all households in the region. They consist of 21.8% couples with children, 24.2% couples without children, and 12.8% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 36.4% and group households comprising 3.5%. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

Educational outcomes in Orange fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Orange trail residents aged 15+ have a university degree rate of 23.6%, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 16.3%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.2%). Vocational credentials are held by 36.3% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 26.2%. Educational participation is high at 29.5%, including primary education (10.4%), secondary education (9.0%), and tertiary education (3.3%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 9.0% in secondary education, and 3.3% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is good compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Orange has 416 active public transport stops, consisting of both train and bus services. These stops are served by 104 individual routes, offering a total of 2,324 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents located an average of 113 meters from the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 332 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately five weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Orange is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

Orange faces significant health challenges, as indicated by its health data. Both younger and older age groups have notable prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 51% (~9,886 people) of Orange's total population has private health cover, which is lower than the 53.9% rate across the Rest of NSW. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most prevalent medical conditions in Orange, affecting 11.8% and 9.9% of residents respectively. However, 60.7% of residents claim to be completely free from medical ailments, compared to 65.4% across the Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, with 21.6% (4,224 people) compared to the 18.7% in the Rest of NSW. The health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with those of the general population's health profile.

Orange is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Orange was found to have below average cultural diversity, with 89.1% of its population being citizens born in Australia who speak English only at home. The predominant religion is Christianity, accounting for 59.9% of Orange's population compared to 63.1% across the rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top three groups are Australian (30.8%), English (29.9%), and Irish (9.7%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher in Orange at 5.9%, compared to 4.9% regionally. Additionally, Russian and Scottish representations are slightly higher than regional averages, at 0.3% and 7.8% respectively, versus 0.2% and 7.6%.

Orange's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The median age in Orange is 39 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 but essentially aligned with Australia's average of 38 years. Relative to Rest of NSW, Orange has a higher concentration of residents aged 25-34 years (14.0%) but fewer residents aged 55-64 years (10.7%). According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of the population aged 15-24 years increased from 11.5% to 12.7%, while the proportion of those aged 55-64 years decreased from 11.7% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Orange's age structure. Notably, the number of residents aged 25-34 years is expected to grow by 11%, reaching 3,040 from 2,735. Conversely, the populations aged 5-14 years and 15-24 years are projected to decline.