Orchard Hills

An assessment of population growth drivers in Orchard Hills reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

The population of the Orchard Hills statistical area (Lv2) is estimated to be around 1,879 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 81 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,798. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 1,849 residents following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2024 and an additional 27 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population results in a density ratio of 43 persons per square kilometer. Over the past decade, Orchard Hills has shown resilient growth patterns with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%, outpacing its SA3 area. Natural growth contributed approximately 40.0% of overall population gains during recent periods, although all drivers including interstate migration and overseas migration were positive factors.

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 the 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, exceptional growth is predicted over the period with Orchard Hills expected to grow by 2,577 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 142.5% in total over the 17 years.

AreaSearch analysis of residential development drivers sees Orchard Hills recording a relatively average level of approval activity when compared to local markets analysed countrywide

AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers shows Orchard Hills had around 26 new homes approved per year over the past five financial years, totalling an estimated 130 homes. As of FY-26, 1 approval has been recorded. This averages out to approximately 2.2 new residents per dwelling annually between FY-21 and FY-25, reflecting strong demand that supports property values. The average construction cost value for these dwellings is $572,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In this financial year alone, $7.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, demonstrating Orchard Hills' primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Orchard Hills has 147.0% more development activity per person, offering ample choice for buyers despite recent moderation in development activity. This level is significantly above the national average, indicating robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 62.0% standalone homes and 38.0% townhouses or apartments, marking a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 96.0% houses. Orchard Hills reflects a low-density area with around 279 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Orchard Hills is projected to add 2,678 residents by 2041.

If current development rates continue, housing supply may not keep pace with population growth, potentially increasing competition among buyers and supporting stronger price growth.

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

The performance of an area can be significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. AreaSearch has identified a total of 47 projects that are expected to impact the area. Notable projects include Orchard Hills North Residential Development, Hilton Garden Inn Sydney Kingswood, Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport - Orchard Hills Station, and Rodgers Street Mixed Use Development. The following list details those projects likely to be 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.

AreaSearch analysis reveals Orchard Hills significantly outperforming the majority of regions assessed nationwide

Orchard Hills has a skilled workforce with notable representation in the construction sector. Its unemployment rate was 2.0% as of AreaSearch's aggregation of statistical area data.

As of September 2025, 1,091 residents were employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.2%, below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation was similar to Greater Sydney's at 60.0%. Dominant employment sectors included construction, retail trade, and education & training. Construction had particularly high concentration, with levels at 2.4 times the regional average.

However, professional & technical services were under-represented, at 4.7% compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%. The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicated above-normal local employment opportunities as of the Census. Between September 2024 and 2025, Orchard Hills' labour force decreased by 3.5%, while employment declined by 3.1%, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.1% and a labour force expansion of 2.4%, with unemployment rising by 0.2 percentage points. State-level data to November 25 showed NSW employment contracted by 0.03%, losing 2,260 jobs, with an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 projected overall growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Orchard Hills' employment mix suggested local employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, although these are simple extrapolations for illustrative purposes only.

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

Orchard Hills' income level is slightly above national average according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. Median income among taxpayers in Orchard Hills is $50,858 and average income stands at $68,657, compared to Greater Sydney's figures of $60,817 and $83,003 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.86% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $55,364 (median) and $74,740 (average) as of September 2025. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank at the 82nd percentile ($2,279 weekly). Income analysis reveals that 27.3% of the community (512 individuals) earn between $1,500 and $2,999 weekly, aligning with surrounding region's 30.9%. Higher earners make up a substantial presence with 38.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly. After housing costs, residents retain 90.6% of income. Orchard Hills' SEIFA income ranking places it in the 6th decile.

Orchard Hills is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Orchard Hills' dwelling structure, as per the latest Census data, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other'). This compares to Sydney metro's 77.4% houses and 22.6% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orchard Hills stood at 60.2%, with mortgaged dwellings at 25.7% and rented ones at 14.1%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $2,550, higher than Sydney metro's average of $2,167. Median weekly rent in Orchard Hills was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $400. Nationally, Orchard Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly higher at $2,550 versus the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Orchard Hills features high concentrations of family households, with a higher-than-average median household size

Family households account for 84.2% of all households, including 43.4% composed of couples with children, 28.8% consisting of couples without children, and 11.2% made up of single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 15.8%, with lone person households comprising 14.1% and group households making up 0.7%. The median household size is 3.1 people, which is larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.8.

Orchard Hills shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate is 18.5%, significantly lower than Greater Sydney's average of 38.0%. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 32.9% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 24.6%.

A substantial 24.5% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, including 8.5% in secondary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 4.9% in tertiary education.

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

Orchard Hills has 39 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are serviced by 58 different routes, providing a total of 1,548 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 386 meters from the nearest stop.

On average, there are 221 daily trips across all routes, which equates to approximately 39 weekly trips per individual stop.

The level of general health in Orchard Hills is notably higher than the national average with both young and old age cohorts seeing low prevalence of common health conditions

Orchard Hills shows better-than-average health outcomes for both younger and older age groups.

Common health conditions have a low prevalence in these cohorts. Approximately 54% of Orchard Hills' total population (~1016 people) has private health cover, which is quite high. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and diabetes (5.5%). Around 71.3% of residents report no medical ailments, compared to 69.5% in Greater Sydney. Orchard Hills has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 21.3% (400 people), compared to the 14.1% in Greater Sydney. Despite this, health outcomes among seniors are strong and largely consistent with those of the general population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Orchard Hills was found to be above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Orchard Hills was found to be more culturally diverse than the vast majority of local markets, with 23.7% of its population born overseas and 24.6% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Orchard Hills is Christianity, which makes up 75.9% of people in Orchard Hills, compared to 57.9% across Greater Sydney. In terms of ancestry, the top three represented groups in Orchard Hills are Australian (21.3%), English (19.1%), and Maltese (11.4%).

These percentages differ from regional averages: Australian is notably lower than the regional average of 26.6%, English is notably lower than the regional average of 24.2%, while Maltese is substantially higher than the regional average of 2.9%. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Croatian is notably overrepresented at 2.1% of Orchard Hills (vs 0.7% regionally), Lebanese at 5.0% (vs 0.8%), and Italian at 8.9% (vs 2.9%).

Orchard Hills hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

Orchard Hills has a median age of 47, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and also exceeds the national average of 38. The age group of 55-64 makes up 15.6% of Orchard Hills' population, compared to Greater Sydney. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort represents only 8.4%. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 8.7% to 9.4%, while the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 9.4% to 8.4%. By 2041, Orchard Hills' age profile is expected to change significantly, with the 45-54 cohort projected to grow by 168%, adding 454 residents to reach a total of 725.