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 was around 12,424 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 594 people since the 2021 Census, which recorded a population of 11,830. The estimated resident population in June 2024 was 12,040, with an additional 366 validated new addresses since the Census date contributing to this growth. This results in a population density ratio of 2.8 persons per square kilometer. Orange Surrounds' 5.0% growth since the 2021 census exceeded both its SA4 region (2.9%) and SA3 area, positioning it as a growth leader in the region. Natural growth contributed approximately 66.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is using 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. 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 gain of 8.7% in total over the 17 years.

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, a total of 356 homes have been approved, with an additional 27 approved so far in FY-26. On average, around 0.6 people per year have moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five financial years.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing buyers with more options and potentially facilitating population growth beyond current expectations. The average expected construction cost value of new properties in Orange Surrounds is $415,000, which is somewhat higher than regional norms, reflecting quality-focused development. In the current financial year, $6.1 million worth of 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 in development per person over the five-year period. This has maintained good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity in Orange Surrounds shows that 93.0% of dwellings approved are detached houses, with the remaining 7.0% being medium and high-density housing. This maintains the area's traditional low density character, focusing on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. With approximately 189 people per dwelling approval, Orange Surrounds exhibits characteristics of a low density area. Population forecasts indicate that Orange Surrounds is expected to gain 1,078 residents by the year 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Given the 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 47thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that may impact this region. Notable projects include Molong Road Entrance Candidate Area, Torulosa Rise, North Corridor Candidate Area, and Bingara Gardens Seniors Housing. The following list details those likely 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 a skilled workforce with an unemployment rate of 1.3%. As of September 2025, there are 7,037 residents employed while the unemployment rate is 2.5% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%.

Workforce participation in Orange Surrounds is at 64.8%, compared to Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Leading employment industries among residents are agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and construction. The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share 2.8 times the regional level. However, accommodation & food services is under-represented at 4.7% compared to Rest of NSW's 7.8%.

Labour force decreased by 3.4% and employment declined by 3.9% in Orange Surrounds over a 12-month period ending September 2025, leading to an unemployment rate rise of 0.6 percentage points. In comparison, Rest of NSW recorded employment decline of 0.5%, labour force decline of 0.1%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% with an unemployment rate of 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 Surrounds's employment mix indicates local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, though this is a simple extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

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 2022 shows that Orange Surrounds SA2 has an income median of $53,295 and an average income of $66,391. This contrasts with Rest of NSW's median income of $49,459 and average income of $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.61% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $60,015 (median) and $74,763 (average). According to the 2021 Census, household, family, and personal incomes in Orange Surrounds cluster around the 56th percentile nationally. The largest income segment comprises 31.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 3,888 residents falling into this bracket, mirroring the surrounding region's 29.9%. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of their income. 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

The dwelling structure in Orange Surrounds, as per the latest Census, consisted of 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 88.7% houses and 11.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orange Surrounds was at 45.6%, with the rest being mortgaged (40.2%) or rented (14.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,773, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent figure was $260, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Orange Surrounds' mortgage repayments were below the Australian 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 2.5.

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

Orange Surrounds' residents aged 15+ have a university degree qualification rate of 23.8%, compared to NSW's 32.2%. University degrees are the most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are held by 40.3% of residents, with advanced diplomas at 10.6% and certificates at 29.7%. Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education: primary (12.5%), secondary (9.7%), and tertiary (2.9%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 12.5% in primary education, 9.7% in secondary education, and 2.9% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Orange Surrounds has 607 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 91 different routes that together offer 770 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents on average located 216 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 110 trips per day across all routes, which equates 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 align with national benchmarks.

Common health conditions are seen equally across young and old age cohorts. Private health cover is at approximately 52%, impacting around 6,510 people, which slightly exceeds the average SA2 area rate. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and asthma (8.2%). About 68.7% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 65.4% in Rest of NSW. Around 20.9%, or 2,601 people, are aged 65 and over, higher than the 18.7% in Rest of NSW. Health outcomes among seniors in Orange Surrounds are notably strong, surpassing those of 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 had a cultural diversity level below average, with its population comprising 92.0% citizens, 93.5% born in Australia, and 97.9% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion in Orange Surrounds, accounting for 69.1%, compared to 63.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.0%), English (31.9%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 8.3% in Orange Surrounds versus 7.6% regionally, while Australian Aboriginal was underrepresented at 3.1% compared to 4.9%, and Maltese was also underrepresented at 0.4% against 0.3%.

Orange Surrounds's median age exceeds the national pattern

Orange Surrounds has a median age of 43, matching Rest of NSW's figure and exceeding the national average of 38 years. The age distribution shows that those aged 5-14 make up 14.5% of the population, while those aged 25-34 comprise only 8.5%. Between the 2021 Census and present, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.0% to 7.5%, while the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 15.3% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant changes in Orange Surrounds' age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 27% (253 people), reaching 1,179 from 925. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 52% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.