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 is approximately 12,333 as of August 2025. This figure represents a 4.3% increase from the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 11,830 people. The growth can be attributed to an estimated resident population of 12,040 in June 2024 and an additional 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 both its SA4 region (2.7%) and SA3 area during this period, positioning it as a growth leader. Natural growth accounted for approximately 66% of overall population gains recently.

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 are used, 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 suggest an increase just below the median of national non-metropolitan areas, with Orange Surrounds expected to expand by 1,463 persons to reach a total population of approximately 15,796 by 2041, marking a gain of around 9.5% over the 17-year period.

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. As of FY-26, 12 homes have already been approved.

On average, over these five years, only 0.6 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built, indicating that new construction is matching or outpacing demand. The average expected construction cost value of new properties is $494,000. This financial year has also seen $6.1 million in commercial approvals, suggesting limited focus on commercial development.

Compared to the rest of NSW, Orange Surrounds has slightly more development, being 32.0% above the regional average per person over the five-year period. This maintains good buyer choice while supporting existing property values. The new building activity shows 93.0% detached dwellings and 7.0% medium and high-density housing, preserving 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. Looking ahead, Orange Surrounds is expected to grow by 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 31 projects that may 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 likely most relevant.

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

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. There are 7,007 residents in work, which is 2.6% below Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%.

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

The area may have limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the census working population vs resident population count. In the 12-month period ending June 2025, labour force decreased by 2.4% and employment declined by 2.9%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.5 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of NSW had an employment decline of 0.1%, labour force growth of 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. State-level data to Sep-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.41% (losing 19,270 jobs), with the state unemployment rate at 4.3%. National employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia project growth of 6.6% over five years and 12.4% over ten years for Orange Surrounds, based on its employment mix.

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 ended June 2022 shows median income in Orange Surrounds was $53,295 and average income was $66,391. This contrasts with Rest of NSW where median income was $49,459 and average income was $62,998. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.6% from financial year ended June 2022 to March 2025, estimated current incomes are approximately $58,944 (median) and $73,428 (average). According to the 2021 Census, income in Orange Surrounds clusters around the 56th percentile nationally. Income distribution shows largest segment is 31.3% earning $1,500 - 2,999 weekly, with 3,860 residents. After housing costs, residents retain 88.8% of income. SEIFA income ranking places Orange Surrounds 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 per the latest Census, comprised 93.8% houses and 6.3% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). Non-Metro NSW had 88.7% houses and 11.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orange Surrounds was 45.6%, with mortgaged dwellings at 40.2% and rented ones at 14.2%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,773, higher than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,700. The median weekly rent was $260, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Orange Surrounds' mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were below the national figure of $375.

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

Family households comprise 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 constitute 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, which is 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's benchmarks, with 23.8% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to the regional average of 32.2%. This discrepancy indicates potential for educational development and skills enhancement. Bachelor degrees are most common at 16.5%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (4.9%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are also prevalent, with 40.3% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 10.6% and certificates for 29.7%.

Educational participation is 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. There are 14 schools serving 1,240 students in the area, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 975) indicating balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix comprises 13 primary schools and 1 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

Orange Surrounds has 607 active public transport stops. These are all bus stops. They are served by 91 different routes.

Together, these provide 770 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of the transport is rated as good. Residents typically live 216 meters from the nearest stop. On average, there are 110 trips per day across all routes. This means each stop has about one trip per week.

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 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 prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (8.7%) and asthma (8.2%). A majority, 68.7%, report being free from medical ailments compared to 65.4% in Rest of NSW. Among residents aged 65 and over (20.9%, or 2,582 people), which is higher than the 18.7% in Rest of NSW, health outcomes are particularly strong, outperforming 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 score below average, with 92.0% of its population being citizens born in Australia speaking English only at home, totalling 97.9%. Christianity was the predominant religion, composing 69.1%, compared to 63.1% regionally. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (35.0%), English (31.9%), and Irish (9.8%).

Notably, Scottish representation was higher at 8.3% than the regional average of 7.6%. Australian Aboriginal representation stood at 3.1%, lower than the regional figure of 4.9%. Maltese representation was also slightly higher at 0.4% compared to 0.3% regionally.

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

Orange Surrounds has a median age of 43, equal to Rest of NSW's figure and above the national average of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 5-14 years make up 14.5%, while those aged 25-34 years are at 8.5%. From the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has increased from 6.0% to 7.5%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 cohort has decreased from 15.3% to 14.5%. By 2041, demographic projections show significant shifts in Orange Surrounds's age structure. The 75 to 84 group is expected to grow by 28%, reaching 1,179 people from 918. Notably, the combined 65+ age groups will account for 50% of total population growth. In contrast, the 5 to 14 and 15 to 24 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.