Orange Surrounds

An assessment of population growth drivers in Orange Surrounds reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Orange Surrounds' population is approximately 12,444 as of November 2025. This figure represents an increase of 614 people, a growth of 5.2% since the 2021 Census which reported a population of 11,830. The change is inferred from ABS' estimated resident population of 12,039 in June 2024 and 366 validated new addresses added since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of 2.8 persons per square kilometer. Orange Surrounds' growth rate of 5.2% since the 2021 census exceeds both the SA4 region (3.1%) and the SA3 area, indicating it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.0% to 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, NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Future population dynamics anticipate an increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas, with Orange Surrounds expected to expand by 1,463 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a total gain of 8.5% over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is slightly higher than average within Orange Surrounds when compared nationally

Orange Surrounds recorded approximately 71 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, a total of 356 homes were approved, with an additional 36 approved in FY-26 so far. On average, around 0.6 people moved to the area each year for every dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new construction is keeping pace with or even exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections. The average construction cost value of new properties was $415,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In the current financial year, approximately $6.1 million in commercial development approvals have been recorded, demonstrating the area's primarily residential nature.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Orange Surrounds has seen slightly more development activity, with a 32.0% increase per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity in Orange Surrounds shows that 93.0% of dwellings are detached, and only 7.0% are medium or high-density housing. This maintains the area's traditional low-density character, with a focus on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 189 people per dwelling approval, Orange Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate that Orange Surrounds is expected to gain approximately 1,058 residents by the year 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given current development patterns, new housing supply should readily meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current projections.

Orange Surrounds has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 31 projects likely impacting the region. Notable initiatives include Molong Road Entrance Candidate Area, Torulosa Rise, North Corridor Candidate Area, and Bingara Gardens Seniors Housing. The following list details projects expected to be most relevant.

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

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AreaSearch analysis reveals Orange Surrounds significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Orange Surrounds has an unemployment rate of 1.3% as of September 2025. This is 2.5 percentage points lower than the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. The workforce participation rate in Orange Surrounds is 74.1%, compared to 61.5% in Rest of NSW.

According to Census responses, 18.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area has a strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented, with only 4.7% of Orange Surrounds's workforce compared to 7.8% in Rest of NSW.

In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.4% and employment declined by 3.9%, resulting in a rise in unemployment rate by 0.6 percentage points. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Orange Surrounds's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2023 indicates that median income in Orange Surrounds SA2 is $55,693 and average income stands at $71,291. This compares to Rest of NSW's median income of $52,390 and average income of $65,215 for the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth rate of 8.86% from July 2023 to June 2025, estimated median income in Orange Surrounds would be approximately $60,627 and average income around $77,607 by September 2025. According to the 2021 Census, incomes in Orange Surrounds cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The largest segment of earners comprises 31.3% with weekly incomes between $1,500 and $2,999 (3,894 residents), similar to the surrounding region at 29.9%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Orange Surrounds is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Orange Surrounds' dwellings were 93.8% houses and 6.3% other types at the latest Census. Non-Metro NSW had 82.6% houses and 17.4% others. Home ownership in Orange Surrounds was 45.6%, with mortgages at 40.2% and rentals at 14.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,773, higher than Non-Metro NSW's $1,733. Median weekly rent in Orange Surrounds was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $330. Nationally, Orange Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower at $1,773 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $260 compared to the national figure of $375.

Orange Surrounds features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 77.5% of all households, including 35.2% couples with children, 34.1% couples without children, and 7.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households comprising 1.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.4.

Orange Surrounds shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

Orange Surrounds has a lower proportion of residents aged 15 and above with university degrees compared to New South Wales (NSW). Specifically, 23.8% of Orange Surrounds' residents have such qualifications, while NSW's figure stands at 32.2%. This discrepancy suggests potential for educational advancement and skill improvement in the region. Bachelor degrees are the most common, held by 16.5% of residents aged 15 and above, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%).

Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.3% of residents in this age group possessing them. This includes advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (29.7%). Notably, educational participation is high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes primary education (12.5%), secondary education (9.7%), and tertiary education (2.9%).

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

Orange Surrounds has 648 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 91 individual routes, offering a total of 794 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 216 meters from the nearest stop. As it is primarily residential, most commuters travel outward, predominantly by car (94%), with walking comprising 5% of journeys. On average, there are 2.1 vehicles per dwelling, higher than the regional norm. According to the 2021 Census, 18.3% of residents work from home, a figure potentially influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

The service frequency averages 113 trips daily across all routes, equating to roughly one weekly trip per stop. The accompanying map displays the 100 nearest stops to the location's centerpoint.

The level of general health in Orange Surrounds is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Orange Surrounds shows superior health outcomes, according to AreaSearch's evaluation of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups exhibit low incidence of common health issues.

Private health coverage is notably high, at approximately 54% (around 6,732 individuals), compared to the Rest of NSW's 51.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and asthma (8.2%). Notably, 68.7% of residents claim to be entirely free from medical ailments, higher than the Rest of NSW's 63.3%. Health outcomes among working-age individuals are generally unremarkable. The area has a lower proportion of seniors aged 65 and over, at 20.9% (around 2,605 people), compared to the Rest of NSW's 23.0%. Notably, health outcomes among seniors rank even higher than those of the general population nationally.

The latest Census data sees Orange Surrounds placing among the least culturally diverse areas in the country when compared across a range of language and cultural background related metrics

Orange Surrounds, surveyed in June 2016, showed low cultural diversity: 92.0% were citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 97.9% spoke English only at home. Christianity dominated, at 69.1%, compared to the Rest of NSW's 55.9%. Ancestry revealed top groups as Australian (35.0%, regional average 30.0%), English (31.9%) and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Scottish were slightly overrepresented (8.3% vs 8.0%), while Australian Aboriginal were underrepresented (3.1% vs 4.6%), with Maltese at 0.4%.

Orange Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

Orange Surrounds has a median age of 43, which matches Rest of NSW's figure and is higher than Australia's national average of 38 years. The age profile indicates that individuals aged 5-14 make up 14.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 constitute only 8.5%, compared to Rest of NSW. Between the 2021 Census and now, the 75-84 age group has increased from 6.0% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 5-14 cohort has decreased from 15.3% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant changes in Orange Surrounds's age structure. Notably, the 75-84 group is expected to grow by 27%, adding 251 people and reaching a total of 1,179 from its current figure of 927. The combined 65+ age groups are projected to account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic trend. In contrast, both the 5-14 and 15-24 cohorts are expected to experience population declines.