Orana

Orana is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

Based on analysis of ABS population updates, the suburb of Orana's estimated population is around 2,139 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 104 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,035. The current estimate is inferred from the resident population of 2,139, estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2024) and address validation since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 898 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Orana has demonstrated resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by natural growth contributing approximately 37.0% during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for locations outside of capital cities. The area is expected to expand by 348 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 19.1% over the 17 years.

Recent residential development output has been above average within Orana when compared nationally

Orana has averaged three dwelling approvals per year over the past five years, totalling 17. This low development activity is characteristic of rural areas like Orana, where housing needs often dictate development rather than broader market demand. The small sample size means individual projects can significantly impact annual growth statistics.

Orana's development levels are substantially lower than those in the Rest of WA and nationally. Recent building activity has consisted solely of standalone homes, maintaining Orana's rural character with an emphasis on space, as indicated by its low density market of approximately 273 people per dwelling approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate (released in Q2 2021), Orana is projected to add 408 residents by 2041. At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to keep pace with population growth, potentially intensifying buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Future projections show Orana adding 408 residents by 2041 (from the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate). At current development rates, housing supply may struggle to match population growth, potentially heightening buyer competition and supporting price increases.

Orana has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 7thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the region. Key initiatives include the South Lockyer Structure Plan, Centennial Park Urban Renewal Area, Mount Lockyer Primary School Rebuild, and South Regional TAFE - Albany Trade Workshop. The following details those most relevant.

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

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.

Employment performance in Orana exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Orana has a balanced workforce comprising white and blue collar jobs, with notable representation in lifestyle and retail sectors. Its unemployment rate was 2.4% as of June 2025, with an estimated employment growth of 1.5% over the past year.

The unemployment rate is 0.8% lower than Rest of WA's rate of 3.2%, but workforce participation lags at 53.9%. Key industries include retail trade, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food services. Retail trade employs twice as many residents compared to the regional level, while mining employs only 2.8% locally, below Rest of WA's 11.7%. Over the year to June 2025, employment increased by 1.5%, while labour force decreased by 1.6%, leading to a 3.0 percentage point drop in unemployment rate.

In contrast, Rest of WA saw employment rise by 1.1% and unemployment fall by 0.6%. Jobs and Skills Australia's forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Orana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years, though these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year ended June 2022, Orana had a median income among taxpayers of $39,562 with the average level standing at $49,864. This is below the national average and compares to levels of $57,323 and $71,163 across Rest of WA respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 14.2% from financial year ended June 2022 to September 2025, current estimates would be approximately $45,180 (median) and $56,945 (average). Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes in Orana all fall between the 3rd and 10th percentiles nationally. Distribution data shows the $400 - 799 earnings band captures 29.4% of the community (628 individuals), differing from patterns across the region where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 31.1%. Housing affordability pressures are severe, with only 79.3% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 4th percentile nationally.

Orana is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with a higher proportion of rental properties than the broader region

Orana's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, consisted of 88.3% houses and 11.7% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Non-Metro WA's 92.1% houses and 8.0% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orana was at 30.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 30.6% and rented ones at 39.4%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,370, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,490. Median weekly rent in Orana was $275, compared to Non-Metro WA's $280. Nationally, Orana's mortgage repayments were significantly lower at $1,370 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Orana features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households constitute 62.6% of all households, including 20.4% couples with children, 24.3% couples without children, and 16.7% single parent families. Non-family households comprise the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 34.9% and group households making up 2.6%. The median household size is 2.3 people, smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.4.

Orana faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 7.6%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are most common at 6.4%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (0.8%) and graduate diplomas (0.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 42.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (34.5%). Educational participation is high at 27.7%, including primary education (10.2%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (1.2%).

North Albany Senior High School and Albany Secondary Education Support Centre serve 898 students in total, with typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 959). The area functions as an education hub with 42.0 school places per 100 residents, higher than the regional average of 16.0, attracting students from nearby communities.

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

Orana has nine active public transport stops currently operating. These stops are served by a mix of buses running along two different routes. Together, these routes facilitate 105 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of the transport system in Orana is rated as good, with residents on average located just 234 meters from their nearest transport stop. Across all routes, service frequency averages 15 trips per day, which equates to approximately 11 weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Orana is a key challenge with a range of health conditions having marked impacts on both younger and older age cohorts

Orana faces significant health challenges, with various conditions affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% (about 1,005 people), compared to 49.5% across the rest of WA, and the national average of 55.3%. Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions in Orana, affecting 11.2% and 10.1% of residents respectively.

Meanwhile, 59.6% of residents report having no medical ailments, compared to 64.7% across the rest of WA. The area has 17.2% (367 people) of residents aged 65 and over, lower than the 21.0% in the rest of WA. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly aligned with those of the general population.

In terms of cultural diversity, Orana records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Orana's cultural diversity aligns with its regional average, with 87.3% citizens, 81.0% born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the dominant religion, accounting for 40.1%. Judaism is overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.7%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (6.1%). Notably, Welsh (1.1%) Dutch (2.7%), and Filipino (3.2%) ethnicities show higher representation than the regional averages of 0.7%, 2.3%, and 1.2% respectively.

Orana's population aligns closely with national norms in age terms

Orana's median age is 38 years, slightly below the Rest of WA average of 40 but in line with Australia's median of 38. The 15-24 cohort is notably over-represented at 15.0% compared to the Rest of WA average, while the 5-14 age group is under-represented at 10.3%. Post the 2021 Census, the 25-34 age group grew from 13.4% to 15.4%, and the 15-24 cohort increased from 13.4% to 15.0%. Conversely, the 5-14 age group declined from 12.7% to 10.3%. By 2041, demographic modeling indicates significant changes in Orana's age profile. The 25-34 cohort is projected to grow by 58%, adding 191 residents to reach 521. Meanwhile, both the 85+ and 15-24 age groups are expected to see reduced numbers.