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 ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the suburb of Orana's population was estimated at around 2,415 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 380 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 2,035. The current resident population is estimated at 2,357 by AreaSearch following examination of ABS's June 2024 ERP data release and address validation since Feb 2026. This results in a density ratio of 1,014 persons per square kilometer. Orana's growth of 18.7% since the 2021 Census exceeded the SA3 area (9.0%) and the SA4 region, making it a growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 37.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with all drivers including interstate migration being positive factors.

AreaSearch uses ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data and post-2032 growth estimation, AreaSearch utilises ABS's 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 capital cities. The suburb of Orana is expected to expand by 362 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 5.5% over the 17 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential approval activity sees Orana among the top 30% of areas assessed nationwide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Orana recorded around 8 residential properties granted approval annually over the past 5 financial years from FY-21 to FY-25, totalling an estimated 42 homes. So far in FY-26, 12 approvals have been recorded. This results in an average of 4.9 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years. Supply is substantially lagging demand, leading to heightened buyer competition and pricing pressures.

New dwellings are developed at an average value of $392,000, moderately above regional levels, indicating emphasis on quality construction. There have also been $968,000 in commercial approvals this financial year, demonstrating the area's residential nature. Compared to Rest of WA, Orana records about 68% of the building activity per person and places among the 79th percentile of areas assessed nationally.

However, construction activity has intensified recently. New development consists of 80.0% detached houses and 20.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining the area's traditional suburban character focused on family homes appealing to those seeking space. With around 141 people per dwelling approval, Orana shows characteristics of a growth area. Looking ahead, Orana is expected to grow by 134 residents through to 2041 according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, providing good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Orana has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 33rdth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified four projects likely impacting the region: 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.

The employment landscape in Orana presents a mixed picture: unemployment remains low at 3.0%, yet recent job losses have affected its comparative national standing

Orana has a balanced workforce spanning white and blue collar employment. The lifestyle and retail sectors are notably represented, with an unemployment rate of 3.0%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,051 residents are in work while the unemployment rate is 0.2% below Rest of WA's rate of 3.3%. Workforce participation lags significantly at 55.5%, compared to Rest of WA's 67.2%. According to Census responses, a low 2.6% of residents work from home. Employment among residents is concentrated in retail trade, health care & social assistance, and accommodation & food.

The area shows particularly strong specialization in retail trade, with an employment share of 2.0 times the regional level. Mining is under-represented, with only 2.8% of Orana's workforce compared to 11.7% in Rest of WA. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, aggregated from broader statistical areas, during the year to September 2025, the labour force decreased by 4.2% while employment declined by 2.8%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 1.5 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of WA experienced employment growth of 1.4% and labour force growth of 1.2%, with a 0.2 percentage point drop in unemployment rate. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 offer further insight into potential future demand within Orana. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, suggest national employment should expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these industry-specific projections to Orana's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.6% over five years and 12.2% over ten years.

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

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data released for financial year 2023 indicates that Orana's median income among taxpayers is $39,562. The average income in the suburb was $49,864 during this period. Both figures are below the national averages. Comparing these figures to Rest of WA, Orana's median income is lower at $59,973 with an average of $74,392. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Orana would be approximately $43,368 (median) and $54,661 (average) as of September 2025. Census data shows that household, family, and personal incomes in Orana all fall between the 3rd and 10th percentiles nationally. Examining income distribution, 29.4% of individuals in Orana earn within the $400 - 799 range (710 individuals), unlike broader trends where 31.1% fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Orana, 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

The dwelling structure in Orana, as per the latest Census, was 88.3% houses and 11.7% other dwellings. This is similar to Non-Metro WA's composition of 88.5% houses and 11.6% other dwellings. In terms of home ownership, Orana had a rate of 30.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (30.6%) or rented (39.4%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Orana was $1,370, lower than Non-Metro WA's average of $1,560. The median weekly rent in Orana was recorded at $275, compared to Non-Metro WA's figure of $265. Nationally, Orana's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than 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 make up the remaining 37.4%, with lone person households at 34.9% and group households comprising 2.6% of the total. The median household size is 2.3 people, which is smaller than the Rest of WA average of 2.5.

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 the 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, including advanced diplomas (8.4%) and certificates (34.5%). Educational participation is high at 27.7%, comprising primary education (10.2%), secondary education (8.3%), and tertiary education (1.2%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 27.7% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.2% in primary education, 8.3% in secondary education, and 1.2% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Orana has 11 operational public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by two distinct routes that together facilitate 105 weekly passenger trips. The accessibility of these transport services is deemed good, with residents on average residing 233 meters from the nearest stop. As a predominantly residential area, most inhabitants commute outward. The car remains the primary mode of transportation, used by 94% of residents. On average, there are 1.3 vehicles per dwelling in Orana, which is below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 2.6% of residents work from home, a figure that may be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. The service frequency averages 15 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately nine 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, as indicated by AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are high across various health conditions, affecting both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 47% of the total population (around 1,135 people), compared to 56.4% in the rest of WA and a national average of 55.7%.

Mental health issues and arthritis are the most common medical conditions, affecting 11.2% and 10.1% of residents respectively. However, 59.6% of residents claim to be completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 69.3% in the rest of WA. Working-age population health challenges are notable due to elevated chronic condition rates. The area has 16.3% of residents aged 65 and over (393 people), lower than the 19.2% in the rest of WA. Senior health outcomes present some challenges, generally aligning with national rankings.

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 the broader regional average, with 87.3% citizens, 81.0% born in Australia, and 90.2% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the predominant religion in Orana, practiced by 40.1%. Notably, Judaism, which has no representation regionally, comprises 0.2% of Orana's population.

The top three ancestry groups are English (34.7%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (6.1%). Some ethnicities show significant differences: Welsh is overrepresented at 1.1%, Dutch at 2.7%, and Filipino at 3.2%.

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

Orana's median age is 37, slightly lower than the Rest of WA figure of 40 and close to Australia's median age of 38. Compared to the Rest of WA average, Orana has a notably higher proportion of 15-24 year-olds (14.8% locally) and a lower proportion of 5-14 year-olds (10.1%). Between 2021 and present, the 25 to 34 age group has increased from 13.4% to 16.1%, while the 15 to 24 cohort has risen from 13.4% to 14.8%. Conversely, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 12.7% to 10.1%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Orana's age profile. The 25 to 34 age cohort is projected to expand by 128 people (33%), growing from 388 to 517. Meanwhile, both the 65 to 74 and 85+ age groups are projected to decrease in numbers.