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This analysis uses Suburbs and Localities (SAL) boundaries, which can materially differ from Statistical Areas (SA2) even when sharing the same name.
SAL boundaries are defined by Australia Post and the Australian Bureau of Statistics to represent commonly-known suburb names used in postal addresses.
Statistical Areas (SA2) are designed for census data collection and may combine multiple suburbs or use different geographic boundaries. For comprehensive analysis, consider reviewing both boundary types if available.
est. as @ -- *
2021 Census | -- people
The median house price in Molong is $562k. House values have moved 3.7% a year compounded over five years.
Curious about local property values? Filter the chart to assess the volume and appreciation (including resales) trends and regional comparisons, or scroll to the map below view this information at an individual property level.
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Molong has an estimated 2,554 residents, down from 2,595 at the 2021 Census — a change of 41 people, or 1.6%. The population has thinned by an average 0.8% a year over five years, slower than 97% of areas nationally. Fewer than ten people live on each square kilometre, across a boundary that takes in surrounding rural land. Population is estimated from ABS Estimated Resident Population releases and GNAF address data, re-based from the 2021 Census and updated annually.
Detail
According to investigations of ABS demographic updates for the wider region, alongside recent address validations performed by AreaSearch since the Census, the population of the suburb of Molong is calculated to be approximately 2,554 in May 2026. This represents a reduction of 41 individuals (1.6%) relative to the 2021 Census, which counted 2,595 residents. The shift is calculated from a resident headcount of 2,494, which AreaSearch estimated after evaluating the ABS's June 2025 estimated resident population publication, combined with an extra 32 validated new addresses detected since the Census date.
This population size correlates to a density ratio of 6.1 persons per square kilometer, indicating a setting with generous personal space. Local demographic expansion was driven mostly by natural increase, which accounted for roughly 66.0% of all population increases in recent times. AreaSearch implements ABS and Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 region, which were published in 2024 using 2022 as the baseline. For any SA2 sectors omitted from this dataset, AreaSearch uses the NSW State Government's SA2 projections published in 2022 using 2021 as the baseline. Age group growth rates extracted from these datasets are likewise applied to all locations for the years 2032 to 2041. Looking at future demographic trends, population growth exceeding the median for countrywide regional locations is anticipated, with the suburb of Molong projected to add 332 individuals by 2041 under aggregated SA2 projections, representing an overall expansion of 10.7% across the 16 years.
Frequently Asked Questions - Population
47 new dwellings have been approved in Molong over the past five years, an average of 9 a year. That is 3.7 approvals per 1,000 residents. Approvals are currently running at an annualised 5, well below that longer-run average. Figures come from ABS building approvals aggregated to this Suburb (SAL) boundary and are updated monthly as the ABS releases them.
Detail
Analysis by AreaSearch of ABS residential building approvals, apportioned from statistical region records, indicates that the suburb of Molong averages approximately 9 dwelling approvals each year, with a total of 47 residential approvals recorded over the previous 5 financial years (spanning FY-21 to FY-25) and 5 during the current FY-26. Given the local population contraction, this level of building work has been relatively sufficient, offering a favorable situation for purchasers, with new dwellings carrying an average estimated build cost of $494,000, pointing to developer activity focused on high-end, premium houses.
Additionally, commercial development approvals reached $1.9 million during this financial year, pointing to a market that remains heavily focused on housing. In comparison to the Rest of NSW, the suburb of Molong exhibits 19.0% lower building volumes per resident, placing it in the 27th percentile of all evaluated areas across the country, which translates to fewer options for purchasers and sustains demand for established housing. Recent construction projects consist of 90.0% standalone houses and 10.0% semi-detached or attached residences, which preserves the traditional low-density profile of the community and emphasizes spacious family dwellings. The ratio of 626 residents for each residential building approval highlights a quiet development landscape with low building activity. Future forecasts indicate that the suburb of Molong will add 272 residents by 2041 based on the most recent quarterly projections from AreaSearch. Although residential building activity is matching the projected population gains, home buyers might face increased competition as the headcount rises.
Frequently Asked Questions - Development
Development applications around Molong
Loading development applications…
| Lodged | Address | Description | Type | Distance | Status |
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SOURCE: Planning portals and council registers, compiled by AreaSearch. Distance & bearing measured from the suburb midpoint.
AreaSearch tracks 73 current infrastructure and development projects close to Molong, worth an estimated $15.3 billion. 23 are already under construction and 28 are due for completion within three years. The pipeline spans residential development, communities, precincts & urban renewal and health & medical. Records are compiled from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, council planning portals and public announcements, reviewed and updated daily, then ranked by proximity, construction stage, completion horizon and project scale.
Detail
Local infrastructure projects, major works, and municipal planning strategies represent primary drivers of regional growth. AreaSearch has identified a single project expected to influence the local area. Relevant projects include the Kerrs Creek Wind Farm, the Aquila Wind Farm, the Corridor Preservation For East Coast High Speed Rail, and the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Transmission Project, with details of the most significant works provided below.
Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.
INFRASTRUCTURE SEARCH
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.
Frequently Asked Questions - Infrastructure
North Corridor Candidate Area
Future residential and mixed-use development area identified in Orange's northern corridor as part of the city's comprehensive housing strategy. One of eight candidate areas identified by Orange City Council for future urban growth and development.
Molong Road Entrance Candidate Area
Proposed development area at Molong Road entrance to Orange, one of eight candidate areas identified by Orange City Council for future residential and commercial development as part of comprehensive city growth strategy.
Rosedale Gardens Estate
Large-scale rural-residential estate on the former Orange Abattoir site and adjoining farmland north of Orange CBD. Delivers 700 lifestyle allotments ranging 1-2 acres (up to 4,000 sq m) on sloping terrain with rural views. Originally proposed for 450 lots, the project was expanded to 700 lots following strong market demand and was unanimously approved by Orange City Council in 2021. Civil works and registration of stages are progressing.
Bingara Gardens Seniors Housing
A $34.7 million co-living seniors housing development comprising 82 rooms across four buildings (two single-storey and two two-storey). The project features long-term rental accommodation to provide housing security, an ambulance bay, landscaped communal outdoor areas, and a 14-seat community bus. The site's existing dwelling will be converted into a residential clubhouse.
North Orange Shopping Centre
A completed neighbourhood shopping centre featuring a Woolworths supermarket and 14 specialty stores including dining, retail, and services. The centre serves the growing North Orange community with 214 car parking spaces and modern convenience-focused retail facilities.
Witton Place Candidate Area Development
Major residential development area providing approximately 300 new homes in Orange's western corridor. Development facilitated by Orange City Council with private developers delivering mixed housing types and community infrastructure.
103 Prince Street Development
Approved redevelopment of the former Orange Base Hospital site comprising a six-storey residential building with 60 apartments, 16 two-storey townhouses and a new public park. The development was approved in 2023, however MAAS Group withdrew from the project in 2025 following cost escalation. As of the latest available information the site is expected to be sold to a new developer and construction has not commenced.
Department of Primary Industries Head Office
New state-of-the-art headquarters for NSW Department of Primary Industries in the Ian Armstrong Building, consolidating multiple government departments and providing modern, sustainable workspace for 790 staff.
1,361 residents of Molong are employed, from a labour force of 1,376. Unemployment sits at 1.1%, with participation at 67.5%. Weighted for its industry mix, the area's sectors are forecast to grow about 5.7% nationally over five years. That reflects industry composition only and makes no allowance for local population growth. The working-day population is estimated at 2,050, about 80% of the resident population, so more people leave the area for work than travel in. Unemployment and labour force come from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, updated quarterly; the industry and occupation profile is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
The suburb of Molong possesses a qualified labor pool with strong representation in essential service sectors, alongside an unemployment rate of only 1.1%, according to AreaSearch aggregations of regional statistical data. In March 2026, there are 1,361 employed community members, while the unemployment rate is 3.0% lower than the Regional NSW average of 4.1%, and labor force participation is exceptionally high at 67.5% compared to 60.6% across Regional NSW. Census records show that a minor 13.0% of local workers operated from home, though this figure may reflect the influence of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Local employment is heavily weighted toward healthcare and social assistance, agricultural, forestry, and fishing enterprises, and the construction trade. The community shows a strong concentration in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, with its share of employment reaching 2.5 times the regional average. Conversely, hospitality and food services have a minor footprint, accounting for 4.7% of jobs compared to 7.8% regionally. The comparison of local workers counted in the Census against the resident workforce suggests that the immediate locality offers relatively few employment options. According to AreaSearch evaluations of SALM and ABS statistics compiled from regional datasets, the local labor force contracted by 2.4% during the year leading to March 2026, while total employment fell by 2.7%, causing the unemployment rate to rise by 0.3 percentage points. This differs from Regional NSW, where employment shrank by 0.9%, the overall labor pool declined by 0.4%, and unemployment rose by 0.5 percentage points. Future labor requirements in the suburb of Molong can be analyzed using the May-25 national employment forecasts from Jobs and Skills Australia. These five and ten-year projections have been aligned with the local industry breakdown to project future hiring trends. Globally, national employment is expected to grow by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, though expansion rates vary widely across different fields. Projecting these industry trends onto the local labor structure indicates that employment within the suburb of Molong would grow by 5.7% over five years and 12.5% over ten years, representing a basic weighted calculation for demonstration purposes that excludes local population forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions - Employment
Median household income in Molong is $1,376 a week (about $72,000 a year), with median personal income at $727 a week. ATO records put median taxable income at $45,316 a year against an average of $56,451. Household income is from the 2021 Census; taxable income is from ATO Taxation Statistics for the latest financial year available, indexed forward using the ABS Wage Price Index.
Detail
Taxpayer statistics from the ATO compiled by AreaSearch for financial year 2023 show that the suburb of Molong has income levels below the national average. Local taxpayers record a median income of $45,316 and an average income of $56,451, compared to regional averages of $52,390 and $65,215 across Regional NSW. Adjusting these figures for the 10.32% growth in the Wage Price Index since financial year 2023 yields estimated values of approximately $49,993 for the median and $62,277 for the average in March 2026. The 2021 Census highlights that household, family, and individual incomes in the suburb of Molong are modest, falling between the 26th and 34th percentiles.
The largest income tier is the $1,500 - 2,999 range, which accounts for 30.5% of residents (778 people), very similar to the wider region where 29.9% of the population falls into this bracket. Residents retain 86.1% of their income after paying for housing, which ranks at the 29th percentile nationwide, and the local SEIFA income score falls within the 4th decile.
Frequently Asked Questions - Income
Molong had 965 occupied dwellings at the 2021 Census, 84% detached houses and 3% apartments. 36% are owned with a mortgage, 22% rented and 42% owned outright. At that Census the median rent was $270 a week and the median mortgage repayment $1,600 a month. Rent absorbs 19.6% of household income here and mortgage repayments 26.8%. Dwelling stock, tenure and housing costs are 2021 Census measures — the only source that counts dwellings at this boundary size.
Detail
According to the latest Census details, residential options in the suburb of Molong consist of 84.4% standalone houses and 15.7% alternative housing styles such as townhouses, units, or other dwellings, compared to 82.6% houses and 17.4% other formats across Regional NSW. Home ownership levels in the suburb of Molong exceed regional benchmarks, with 42.1% of properties owned outright, while the remaining homes are mortgaged (36.0%) or occupied by tenants (21.8%). Median monthly mortgage costs of $1,600 and median weekly rents of $270 are both lower than the Regional NSW figures of $1,733 and $330.
When compared nationally, mortgage payments in the suburb of Molong are much lower than the Australian median of $1,863, and rent prices sit well below the nationwide figure of $375.
Frequently Asked Questions - Housing
Molong counted 965 households at the 2021 Census, averaging 2.5 people each. 30% are couples with children, against 29% couples without children. 29% of households are people living alone, and families average 2.1 children. Household and family composition is measured only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Family units constitute the majority of households at 69.8%, consisting of couples with children at 29.8%, couples without children at 29.2%, and single-parent homes at 10.6%. Non-family households account for the remaining 30.2%, with single-person living arrangements making up 28.6% and group households representing 1.1%. The median household size of 2.5 residents is slightly above the Regional NSW average of 2.4.
Frequently Asked Questions - Households
18.3% of adults in Molong hold a university qualification, including 13.6% with a bachelor degree and 2.8% with postgraduate qualifications. A further 31.5% hold a vocational qualification. 2 schools serve the area, with 509 enrolment places and an average ICSEA of 979 against a national benchmark of 1,000. Qualifications come from the 2021 Census; school enrolments, ICSEA and results come from ACARA's current release.
Detail
Educational outcomes in the region show room for improvement, as the proportion of residents with university degrees stands at 18.3%, well below the NSW average of 32.2%. This presents a challenge but also opens paths for focused academic programs. Bachelor degrees are the most common higher education qualification at 13.6%, followed by postgraduate studies at 2.8% and graduate diplomas at 1.9%. Vocational and practical qualifications are highly prevalent, with 41.6% of residents aged 15+ holding trade credentials, consisting of advanced diplomas at 10.1% and certificates at 31.5%. A high proportion of residents are engaged in learning, with 31.3% of the population enrolled in formal academic programs.
Within this student cohort, primary school pupils account for 13.0%, secondary school students make up 9.7%, and tertiary students comprise 2.8%.
Frequently Asked Questions - Education
Schools Detail
Public transport in Molong reaches 75 stops on 12 routes, timetabled for about 170 services a week. The typical home sits about 260 m from its nearest stop. Households keep an average of 1.6 vehicles. Stop and service counts are built from operators' published GTFS timetables and refresh with each timetable release; vehicle ownership is from the 2021 Census.
Detail
An audit of public transit options shows 75 active bus stops operating in the suburb of Molong. These stops are served by 12 distinct routes that provide a total of 167 passenger trips per week. Transit access is favorable, with local residents living an average of 255 meters from their nearest stop. Because the area is mostly residential, many workers travel outside the community to commute, with private cars remaining the primary travel choice at 91% and walking accounting for 7%. Households own an average of 1.6 vehicles. A relatively small proportion of residents (13.0%) worked from home, according to the 2021 Census, which may have been influenced by pandemic conditions.
Transit service frequency averages 23 trips daily across all bus routes, which is equivalent to roughly 2 weekly trips for each transport stop.
Frequently Asked Questions - Transport
Transport Stops Detail
66.1% of residents in Molong report no long-term health condition. 6.0% need daily assistance with core activities, and 49.3% hold private health cover. The standardised death rate runs at 6.1 per 1,000 residents. Health conditions, assistance needs and insurance are 2021 Census measures; the death rate comes from current ABS releases.
Detail
Health indicators in the suburb of Molong present notable challenges, with AreaSearch evaluations of mortality figures and chronic illness rates pointing to elevated health issues across young and old cohorts, while the level of private health insurance is low at roughly 49% of the population (~1,259 people). This compares to a rate of 51.9% throughout Regional NSW and a nationwide average of 55.7%. Arthritis and asthma are the most prevalent chronic conditions in the locality, affecting 9.3 and 8.5% of residents. Conversely, 66.1% of the population reported having no chronic medical conditions, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW.
Working-age community members show elevated rates of chronic illnesses. Residents aged 65 and over make up 25.2% of the population (643 people), which exceeds the Regional NSW average of 23.4%. Seniors in the area enjoy positive health outcomes, with their national rankings exceeding those of the general local population.
Frequently Asked Questions - Health
Molong is largely Australian-born, at 94.9% of residents, with 1.5% speaking a language other than English at home. The largest reported ancestries are Australian (35.7%) and English (31.4%). 4.8% of residents identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. Ancestry, language and country of birth are counted only by the Census, so these are 2021 figures.
Detail
Cultural diversity metrics in the suburb of Molong are lower than average, with 91.6% of residents holding citizenship, 94.9% born in Australia, and 98.5% using only English in their households. The dominant religious affiliation is Christianity, practiced by 69.4% of the population, which is higher than the 55.9% average across Regional NSW. Regarding ancestral backgrounds, the three most common heritages in the suburb of Molong are Australian at 35.7% (which is higher than the regional average of 30.0%), English at 31.4%, and Irish at 9.6%. There are also distinct variations in other heritages, with Australian Aboriginal ancestry overrepresented at 4.8% (compared to 4.6% in the wider region), Maltese at 0.6% (compared to 0.4%), and Welsh at 0.6% (compared to 0.5%).
Frequently Asked Questions - Diversity
The median resident of Molong is 43. 21.5% of residents are aged 15 to 34. Age cohorts are not raw Census counts: the Census split is re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections.
Detail
The median age in the suburb of Molong is 43, matching the Regional NSW benchmark of 43 and tracking well above the national median of 38. The age distribution shows a high concentration of children aged 5 - 14 at 14.4%, whereas the young adult cohort aged 25 - 34 is smaller at 8.6% compared to Regional NSW. Since the 2021 Census, residents aged 75 to 84 have increased from 7.8% to 10.2% of the population, while the group aged 35 to 44 has contracted from 11.0% to 10.2%. Projections for 2041 suggest substantial shifts in the age structure of the suburb of Molong.
The cohort aged 85 and over will expand by 86% (76 people), growing from 89 to 166 individuals. The aggregate group of residents aged 65 and over will make up 54% of all population growth, highlighting the aging profile of the community. In contrast, the youth population aged 15 to 24 is expected to shrink by 10 people.
Frequently Asked Questions - Age
Data & MethodBoundaries, Sources & Method for Molong
9 of 14 data sections on this page were updated within the last 12 months — the newest current to Aug 2026.
Everything is aggregated to the Suburb (SAL) boundary shown above, on a 2021 Census baseline. Only 3 sections — housing, households and cultural diversity — still wait on the 2026 Census.
The ledger — source, cycle and currency by section
| Section | Source & update cycle | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Updated within the last 12 months 9 sections | ||
| Population | ABS, GNAF, Geoscience Australia Annual (ABS ERP) | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release) and updated with new dwellings from GNAF address data. Current to May 2026, with the 2021 Census supplying the small-area baseline. | ||
| Age profile | ABS, Geoscience Australia, State governments Annual | May 2026 3 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Age cohorts are re-based to the latest ABS population estimates and state projections, current to May 2026. Each cohort is held as a Census baseline and a current estimate. | ||
| Development & approvals | ABS, GNAF Monthly (ABS approvals) | Jun 2026 2 months ago headline measures · May 2026 baseline |
| Property sales & rents | Valuer General, Rental Board, ABS Weekly sales, quarterly rents | Aug 2026 this month all 21 measures |
| Sales from the state Valuer General register, refreshed weekly, and rents from quarterly rental bond lodgements. Both are read live each time this page loads, current to Aug 2026. | ||
| Infrastructure projects | Infrastructure Australia, Local governments Daily | May 2026 3 months ago all 2 projects tracked here |
| Project pipeline maintained continuously from Infrastructure Australia, state agencies, local government and public announcements. Records are added and revised daily; this area was last updated May 2026. | ||
| Employment | ABS, DEWR, JSA Quarterly (ABS SALM) | Mar 2026 5 months ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Unemployment and labour force from ABS Small Area Labour Markets, current to Mar 2026. The growth outlook applies Department of Employment (now Jobs and Skills Australia) forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to the local industry mix, so it measures sector composition rather than local expansion and makes no allowance for population growth. Job demand comes from the same agency via its Internet Vacancy Index; industry and occupation structure from the 2021 Census. | ||
| Education | ABS, ACARA Annual (ACARA) | Aug 2026 this month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Transport | ABS, State Transport Departments Each timetable release | Jul 2026 last month headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Services & amenities | Provider directories, ACECQA Continuous | Jul 2026 last month all 14 measures |
| Annual and financial-year sources 2 sections | ||
| Income | ABS, ATO Annual (ATO) | FY 2023 3 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| ATO taxable income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index. Census household income provides the distribution detail. | ||
| Health | ABS, ATO Annual | 2024 2 years ago headline measures · 2021 Census baseline |
| Census-measured — next update: 2026 Census 3 sections No more current small-area source exists for these, so they are labelled as Census-measured rather than implied to be current. | ||
| Housing | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 30 measures |
| Households | ABS 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 18 measures |
| Cultural diversity | ABS, Geoscience Australia 5-yearly (Census) | 2021 Census next update 2026 all 44 measures |
"Currency" is the most recent release feeding that section. Where the Census supplies the structural baseline underneath a current headline figure, the row says so.
How the numbers are built
Population
The Census provides the small-area baseline, aggregated from mesh blocks to this boundary. It is then re-based to the ABS Estimated Resident Population (June 2025 release), and new dwellings built since Census night are counted from address data — 32 validated new addresses here. The headline figure is therefore a current estimate for May 2026, not a 2021 count (2,595 at the 2021 Census → 2,554 now). Annual growth rates are compound (CAGR), not simple averages.
Age profile
Cohort shares are not raw Census counts. Every cohort is held as a pair — the Census baseline and a current estimate — and the split is re-based using ERP and state population projections, current to May 2026. Median age is the Census median plus modelled change since. Charts that show both are labelled "2021 Census vs Current Estimate".
Property sales
Sourced from the state valuation authority's sales register — current, not Census, and refreshed weekly. Medians are calculated from settled transactions in the period shown; periods with very low transaction counts are flagged or suppressed, because a handful of sales can move a median substantially.
Rents
Derived from state rental bond lodgement data, by dwelling type and bedroom count. Bonds are lodged at the start of a new tenancy, so this reflects new lettings, not the whole rented stock.
Development & infrastructure
Building approvals come from current ABS releases; development applications are collected from council and state planning portals; the infrastructure pipeline is compiled from Infrastructure Australia and local government sources. Applications are matched to this boundary by address or coordinates, so very recent lodgements may not yet appear.
Employment & income
Industry and occupation structure comes from the Census, but the headline labour-market indicators do not. Unemployment and labour force are derived from ABS Small Area Labour Markets (quarterly). The employment outlook applies Department of Employment forecasts for all 19 industry divisions to this area's own industry mix (the agency is now Jobs and Skills Australia), as does the Internet Vacancy Index used for job demand. Because it is weighted on industry composition alone, that outlook carries no allowance for local population growth — in fast-growing areas the real rise in local jobs will typically be higher. Income combines Census household income with ATO taxable-income statistics for FY 2023, indexed forward using the Wage Price Index.
Education, transport & amenities
School enrolments, ICSEA and performance come from ACARA's current release, not the Census. Public transport stops and service frequency are derived from GTFS timetable feeds published by state transport departments. Services and amenities are proximity and count scores built from provider directories, refreshed on their own cycle. The Census contributes only the travel-to-work and qualification measures.
Rankings and benchmarks. Where we rank this area, the comparison set is every area of the same boundary type — suburbs against suburbs, SA2s against SA2s. Benchmarks compare this area against its greater capital city region and the national figure for the same measure and period.
Limits worth knowing. Small areas carry larger error margins, and the ABS introduces small random adjustments to Census counts to protect confidentiality — so totals may not sum exactly. Estimates re-based from regional data describe the area's expected trajectory, not a direct count of it. Figures are indicative for research and are not financial, planning or valuation advice.
Cross-check us. The Census baseline for this boundary is at ABS 2021 Census QuickStats (SAL12682). QuickStats reports 2021 only — the figures on this page are more current wherever the ledger shows a later date.