Orange

Population growth drivers in Orange are strong compared to national averages based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

The estimated population of Orange as of November 2025 is around 43,148 people. This figure reflects an increase of 1,916 individuals since the census in 2021, which reported a population of 41,232. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of the resident population at 42,647 following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024, and an additional 1,043 validated new addresses since the Census date. This equates to a density ratio of 286 persons per square kilometer. Orange's growth rate of 4.6% since the 2021 census exceeded both the SA4 region at 2.9%. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting 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. Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, the suburb is expected to expand by 5,669 persons to 2041, reflecting an increase of 11.1% in total over the 17-year period.

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

Based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers from statistical area data, Orange has recorded approximately 197 residential properties granted approval each year over the past five financial years ending June 2025. This totals an estimated 987 homes. As of FY-26, 53 approvals have been recorded. On average, 1.4 new residents per year per dwelling constructed were recorded between FY-21 and FY-25.

Commercial development approvals totalled $105.2 million in FY-26. Orange's construction activity is comparable to the Rest of NSW when measured per person, maintaining market equilibrium with surrounding areas. However, recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity.

Detached dwellings accounted for 89.0% and medium-high density housing made up 11.0% of new building activity, preserving Orange's low-density nature. With around 281 people per dwelling approval, Orange exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate projects Orange to gain approximately 4,780 residents by 2041. Current construction levels suggest housing supply should meet demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth beyond current forecasts.

Orange has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 50% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 20 projects likely impacting the area. Notable ones are Orange FutureCity CBD Redevelopment, Alchemy Orange, Redmond Place Precinct, and Bingara Gardens Seniors Housing. The following details projects likely 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 Orange exceeds national averages across key labour market indicators

Orange's workforce comprises skilled individuals with significant representation in essential services sectors. As of June 2025, the unemployment rate stands at 2.4%, according to AreaSearch's aggregated statistical area data.

In this month, 22,859 residents are employed while the unemployment rate is 1.2% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.7%. Workforce participation in Orange is notably high at 61.9%, surpassing Rest of NSW's 56.4%. The area's employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, health care & social assistance shows strong specialization with an employment share 1.3 times the regional level.

Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing has lower representation at 2.0% compared to the regional average of 5.3%. While local employment opportunities exist, many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population count. Over a 12-month period ending in June 2025, Orange's labour force decreased by 2.2%, and employment declined by 3.1%, leading to an unemployment rate increase of 0.9 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of NSW experienced an employment decline of 0.1% and labour force growth of 0.3%, with a 0.4 percentage point rise in unemployment. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project overall employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. However, growth rates vary significantly between industry sectors. Applying these projections to Orange's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over the next five years and 14.0% over the following five years, assuming constant population projections for illustrative purposes.

The economic profile demonstrates above-average performance, with income metrics exceeding national benchmarks based on AreaSearch comparative assessment

Orange had a median income among taxpayers of $55,082 during financial year 2022. The average income was $69,145. Both figures were higher than the national averages of $49,459 and $62,998 for Rest of NSW respectively. By September 2025, estimated median income would be approximately $62,028 and average income $77,864, based on a 12.61% growth in wages since financial year 2022. According to Census 2021 data, Orange's household, family and personal incomes were around the national median. The most common earnings bracket was $1,500 - 2,999, with 32.3% of locals earning within this range. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remained for other costs. Orange's SEIFA income ranking placed it in the fifth decile.

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

Dwelling structure in Orange, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 85.9% houses and 14.0% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro NSW had 88.7% houses and 11.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orange was 31.0%, with mortgaged dwellings at 34.3% and rented dwellings at 34.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Orange was $1,690, lower than Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,700. Median weekly rent in Orange was $330, compared to Non-Metro NSW's $315. Nationally, Orange's median monthly mortgage repayments were below the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially lower at $330 compared to the national figure of $375.

Orange has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households comprise 67.2% of all households, including 28.3% couples with children, 25.5% couples without children, and 12.3% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 32.8%, with lone person households at 29.5% and group households making up 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which is in line with the average for the Rest of NSW.

Educational outcomes in Orange fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

Educational qualifications in Orange trail regional benchmarks, with 24.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university degrees compared to 32.2% in NSW as of 2021 data. Bachelor degrees lead at 16.8%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 37.5% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials – advanced diplomas (10.3%) and certificates (27.2%). Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education as of the latest statistics.

This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education. As of 2020 data, 17 schools serve 8,514 students while the area demonstrates typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 965) with balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 8 primary, 4 secondary, and 5 K-12 schools. Note: where schools show 'n/a' for enrolments please refer to parent campus.

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

The analysis of public transportation in Orange indicates that there are currently 807 active transport stops operating within the city. These consist of a mix of train stations and bus stops. The services are provided by 104 individual routes, which together facilitate approximately 2,348 weekly passenger trips.

The accessibility of these services is rated as excellent, with residents on average located just 118 meters from their nearest transport stop. On average, there are about 335 trips per day across all routes, equating to roughly two weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Orange is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Orange faces significant health challenges, with common health conditions prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

Approximately 54% (~23,416 people) of Orange's total population has private health cover. Mental health issues are the most common medical condition, impacting 10.8% of residents, followed by asthma at 8.9%. Sixty-four point six percent of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.4% across Rest of NSW. Seventeen point seven percent (7,637 people) of Orange's residents are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors present challenges broadly in line with the general population's health profile.

Orange ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Orange's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 89.9% of its population being citizens, 88.5% born in Australia, and 92.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Orange, comprising 61.4% of people, compared to 63.1% across Rest of NSW. The top three ancestry groups are Australian (30.6%), English (29.7%), and Irish (9.2%).

Notably, Australian Aboriginal representation is higher at 5.6% in Orange compared to the regional average of 4.9%. Russian and Korean representations are also slightly higher at 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively, compared to 0.2% and 0.1% regionally.

Orange's population is slightly younger than the national pattern

The median age in Orange is 36 years, which is significantly lower than Rest of NSW's average of 43 years, and somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group constitutes 14.7% of Orange's population compared to Rest of NSW, while the 65-74 cohort makes up 8.9%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 12.6% to 13.5%, and the 5 to 14 age group has decreased from 14.5% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for Orange as of 2041 suggest significant demographic changes. The 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 7,874 people from the current 6,342. Conversely, the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines.