Orange Surrounds
Statistical Area - sa2

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, as of August 2025, is approximately 12,333. This figure represents an increase from the 2021 Census count of 11,830 people, marking a rise of 503 individuals (4.3%). The growth is inferred from ABS estimates: Orange Surrounds had an estimated resident population of 12,040 in June 2024 and gained 331 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density of 2.8 persons per square kilometer. Orange Surrounds' growth rate exceeded that of its SA4 region (2.7%) and SA3 area, indicating strong growth within the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 66% 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, AreaSearch employs NSW State Government's SA2 level projections from 2022 using the 2021 Census as the base year. Growth rates by age group are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. By 2041, Orange Surrounds is projected to increase by 1,463 persons, resulting in a total gain of 9.5% over the 17-year period, mirroring national non-metropolitan trends.

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

Orange Surrounds has recorded approximately 71 residential properties granted approval annually. Over the past five financial years, from FY-21 to FY-25, around 356 homes were approved, with an additional 12 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about 0.6 people have moved to the area per dwelling built over these five years.

This rate of new construction is matching or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average construction value for new properties is $494,000. This financial year has seen $6.1 million in commercial approvals, indicating limited focus on commercial development compared to residential.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Orange Surrounds has slightly more development activity, with 32.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. In terms of housing types, new building activity shows 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% medium to high-density housing, maintaining the area's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. With around 189 people per dwelling approval, Orange Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Looking ahead, Orange Surrounds is expected to grow by approximately 1,169 residents through to 2041. Based on 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 emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 20thth percentile nationally

The performance of a region is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that could impact this area. Notable projects include Molong Road Entrance Candidate Area, Torulosa Rise, North Corridor Candidate Area, and Bingara Gardens Seniors Housing. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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

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The labour market strength in Orange Surrounds positions it well ahead of most Australian regions

Orange Surrounds has a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.1% as of June 2025. It has 7,007 residents in work, which is 2.6% below the Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

The workforce participation rate is 64.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Key employment industries include agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. Agriculture, forestry & fishing is particularly strong, with an employment share of 2.8 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services are under-represented at 4.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 7.8%.

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as shown by a decrease in labour force and employment over a 12-month period ending June 2025. Labour force decreased by 2.4%, while employment declined by 2.9%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May 2025 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Orange Surrounds' employment mix suggests local growth of approximately 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only and does not account for localised population projections.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year ending June 2022 shows that Orange Surrounds has an income median of $53,295 and an average income of $66,391. This contrasts with Rest of NSW, which had a median income of $49,459 and an average income of $62,998 in the same period. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% from financial year ending June 2022 to September 2025, estimated current incomes would be approximately $60,015 (median) and $74,763 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Orange Surrounds are at the 56th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows that 31.3% of residents earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, with a total of 3,860 individuals in this bracket. 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' dwelling structure, as assessed in the latest Census, consisted of 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (including semi-detached homes, apartments, and 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro NSW's 88.7% houses and 11.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orange Surrounds stood at 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.2% and rented ones at 14.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,773, exceeding Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent in Orange Surrounds was $260, lower than Non-Metro NSW's figure of $315. Nationally, Orange Surrounds' mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower than the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 comprise the remaining 22.5%, with lone person households at 21.4% and group households making up 1.1%. The median household size is 2.6 people, larger than the Rest of NSW average of 2.5.

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

Educational qualifications in Orange Surrounds trail NSW benchmarks, with 23.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2%. This gap highlights potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.6%) and certificates (29.7%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, including 12.5% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education. Fourteen schools serve 1,240 students as of the latest data point, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 975) indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes thirteen primary schools and one K-12 school. School places per 100 residents stand at 10.1, below the regional average of 16.9, suggesting some students may attend schools in nearby areas.

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

The analysis of public transport in Orange Surrounds indicates that there are 607 active transport stops currently operating. These stops offer a variety of bus services, with a total of 91 individual routes available. The combined weekly passenger trips facilitated by these routes amount to 770.

Residents' accessibility to transport is rated as good, with an average distance of 216 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are 110 trips per day across all routes, which translates to approximately one weekly trip per individual stop.

Orange Surrounds's residents are relatively healthy in comparison to broader Australia with a fairly standard level of common health conditions seen across both young and old age cohorts

Orange Surrounds' health metrics closely match national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen across both young and old age cohorts at a standard level. The rate of private health cover is approximately 52% of the total population (~6,462 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area. The most common medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and asthma (8.2%). A majority of residents (68.7%) report being free from medical ailments, compared to 65.4% in Rest of NSW. The area has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 20.9%, with 2,582 people falling into this age bracket, compared to 18.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors are particularly strong, outperforming the general population in health metrics.

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 was found to have low cultural diversity, with 92.0% of its population being citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion in Orange Surrounds is Christianity, comprising 69.1% of the population, compared to 63.1% across Rest of NSW. In terms of ancestry, the top groups are Australian (35.0%), English (31.9%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry is overrepresented at 8.3%, while Australian Aboriginal is underrepresented at 3.1%. Maltese ancestry is also slightly higher than regional averages, at 0.4%.

Orange Surrounds hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Orange Surrounds has a median age of 43, matching the Rest of NSW figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 make up 14.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.5%, compared to the Rest of NSW figures. 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 indicate significant shifts in Orange Surrounds' age structure. The 75-84 group is expected to grow by 28%, adding 260 people and reaching a total of 1,179 from the current figure of 918. Notably, those aged 65 and above will account for half of the total population growth in the area, reflecting its aging demographic trend. In contrast, the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups are projected to experience population declines.