Orange

Population growth drivers in Orange are above average based on AreaSearch's ranking of recent, and medium to long-term trends

Based on ABS population updates and AreaSearch validation, the Orange statistical area's population is estimated at 43,287 as of November 2025. This reflects a growth of 2,055 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 41,232. The increase is inferred from AreaSearch's resident population estimate of 42,422 in June 2024 and an additional 1,043 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a density ratio of 287 persons per square kilometer. Orange's growth rate of 5.0% exceeds both its SA4 region (3.1%) and SA3 area, making it a regional growth leader. Natural growth contributed approximately 50.0% 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 released in 2022 with a base year of 2021 are utilized. These projections indicate an above median population growth for locations outside capital cities, with the Orange (SA2) expected to expand by 5,669 persons to 2041, reflecting a total increase of 10.7% over the 17 years.

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

Orange recorded approximately 199 residential properties approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 997 homes. As of FY26, 79 approvals have been granted. On average, each dwelling constructed between FY21 and FY25 accommodates about 1.4 new residents per year. The average construction value of new homes is approximately $535,000.

In FY26, commercial approvals reached around $105.6 million, indicating robust local business investment. Orange's construction activity per person is comparable to the rest of NSW, preserving market equilibrium with surrounding areas. Recent periods have shown a moderation in development activity.

Detached dwellings account for 89% of new building activity, while medium and high-density housing comprises 11%, maintaining Orange's low density nature. With around 288 people per dwelling approval, Orange exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Orange is projected to gain approximately 4,641 residents by 2041. Current construction levels are expected to meet housing demand adequately, creating favourable conditions for buyers and potentially enabling growth that exceeds current forecasts.

Orange has very high levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 10% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 20 projects likely influencing the area. Notable ones include Orange FutureCity CBD Redevelopment, Alchemy Orange, Redmond Place Precinct, and Bingara Gardens Seniors Housing. The following list 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 Orange has been broadly consistent with national averages

Orange has a skilled workforce with essential services sectors well represented. Its unemployment rate is 2.8%, as per AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, there are 22,908 residents in work and the unemployment rate is 1.0% lower than Rest of NSW's rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation stands at 61.9%, exceeding Rest of NSW's 56.4%. Employment is concentrated in health care & social assistance, retail trade, and education & training, with a strong specialization in health care & social assistance (1.3 times the regional level). Conversely, agriculture, forestry & fishing shows lower representation at 2.0% versus the regional average of 5.3%.

Many residents commute elsewhere for work based on Census working population to local population counts. In the 12-month period ending September 2025, labour force decreased by 3.2% and employment declined by 4.1%, causing unemployment to rise by 0.9 percentage points in Orange. State-level data as of 25-Nov-25 shows NSW employment contracted by 0.03% (losing 2,260 jobs) with a state unemployment rate of 3.9%. National employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth at 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Orange's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.6% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes.

Income levels align closely with national averages, indicating typical economic conditions for Australian communities according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch reports median taxpayer income in Orange suburb was $55,096 in financial year 2023. Average income stood at $69,165. Nationally, median and average incomes were $52,390 and $65,215 respectively for Rest of NSW. With an 8.86% increase since FY2023 (Wage Price Index), estimated current incomes are approximately $59,978 (median) and $75,293 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 data shows Orange's household, family, and personal incomes cluster around the national median. Income profile indicates that 32.3% of locals earn between $1,500 - 2,999 annually, similar to surrounding regions at 29.9%. After housing expenses, 84.9% of income remains for other costs. Orange's SEIFA income ranking is in the 5th decile.

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

Orange's dwelling structure, as per the latest Census, was 85.9% houses and 14.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Non-Metro NSW's 88.7% houses and 11.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orange stood at 31.0%, with the rest being mortgaged (34.3%) or rented (34.7%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,690, below Non-Metro NSW's average of $1,700 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent in Orange was $330, lower than Non-Metro NSW's $315 and the national figure of $375.

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

Family households account for 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 comprising 3.3% of the total. The median household size is 2.5 people, which aligns 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

Orange Trail's residents aged 15+ have 24.3% university degree holders, compared to NSW's 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common (16.8%), followed by postgraduate qualifications (5.1%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 37.5% of residents holding them, including advanced diplomas at 10.3% and certificates at 27.2%. Educational participation is high, with 31.3% currently enrolled in formal education: 11.5% in primary, 8.8% in secondary, and 3.8% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 31.3% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.5% in primary education, 8.8% in secondary education, and 3.8% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Orange has 861 active public transport stops, offering a mix of train and bus services. These stops are served by 105 individual routes, collectively facilitating 2,061 weekly passenger trips. The city's transport accessibility is rated excellent, with residents typically living within 118 meters of the nearest stop.

Service frequency averages 294 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 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 somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is fairly high at approximately 54% of the total population (~23,496 people). The most common medical conditions are mental health issues and asthma, impacting 10.8% and 8.9% of residents respectively. A total of 64.6% declare themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 65.4% across Rest of NSW. In the area, 17.7% of residents are aged 65 and over (7,661 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some 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 ethnicities also have higher representations in Orange than regionally, with Russians at 0.3% versus 0.2%, and Koreans at 0.2% versus 0.1%.

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. This figure is also somewhat younger than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 25-34 age group shows strong representation in Orange at 14.7%, compared to the Rest of NSW. Conversely, the 65-74 cohort is less prevalent in Orange at 8.9%. Post-2021 Census data indicates that the 35 to 44 age group has grown from 12.6% to 13.5% of Orange's population. Meanwhile, the 5 to 14 age group has declined from 14.5% to 13.4%. Population forecasts for 2041 suggest substantial demographic changes in Orange. Notably, the 25 to 34 age group is expected to grow by 24%, reaching 7,874 people from its current figure of 6,363. Conversely, both the 5 to 14 and 65 to 74 cohorts are projected to experience population declines in Orange.