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

As of May 2026, the population of the suburb of Orchard Hills is estimated at around 1,908 people. This reflects an increase of 110 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 1,798 people. The change is inferred from the resident population of 1,850 estimated by AreaSearch following examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025 and an additional 118 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 44 persons per square kilometer. The suburb's growth rate of 6.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the SA4 region's growth rate of 6.0%, marking it as a growth leader in the region. 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 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises NSW State Government's SA2 level projections released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. 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 the suburb expected to grow by 2,335 persons to 2041, reflecting a gain of 119.3% in total over the 16 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

Orchard Hills has seen approximately 34 new homes approved annually over the past five financial years, totalling around 172 homes. As of FY-26, six approvals have been recorded. The area's population decline has maintained adequate housing supply relative to demand, creating a balanced market with good buyer choice. New properties are constructed at an average value of $572,000, indicating a focus on the premium segment.

In FY-26, $7.7 million in commercial approvals have been registered, reflecting Orchard Hills' primarily residential nature. Compared to Greater Sydney, Orchard Hills has 214.0% more development activity per person, offering buyers ample choice. However, recent periods show a moderation in development activity. This level is significantly above the national average, suggesting robust developer interest in the area. Recent construction comprises 67.0% standalone homes and 33.0% townhouses or apartments, providing options across different price points. This represents a shift from the area's existing housing composition of 96.0% houses, indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and changing lifestyles.

Orchard Hills reflects a low density area with around 88 people per approval. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Orchard Hills is projected to add approximately 2,277 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

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 47 projects likely to impact the area. Notable ones 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 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 places Orchard Hills well above average for employment performance across multiple indicators

Orchard Hills has a skilled workforce with the construction sector being particularly prominent. As of December 2025997 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is below Greater Sydney's rate of 4.2%. Workforce participation in Orchard Hills lags at 63.3% compared to Greater Sydney's 68.8%.

According to Census responses, 33.7% of residents work from home. The dominant employment sectors are construction, retail trade, and education & training. Notably, construction employment levels are at 2.4 times the regional average. Conversely, professional & technical services are under-represented with only 4.7% of Orchard Hills' workforce compared to Greater Sydney's 11.5%.

The ratio of 0.6 workers per resident indicates a level of local employment opportunities above the norm. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the labour force decreased by 5.9%, while employment declined by 5.7%, causing the unemployment rate to fall by 0.2 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Sydney saw employment growth of 2.2% during the same period. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Orchard Hills' employment should increase by 6.1% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to its current employment mix.

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

The suburb of Orchard Hills' income level is slightly above average nationally according to latest ATO data aggregated by AreaSearch for financial year 2023. The median income among taxpayers in Orchard Hills is $50,858 and the 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 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $56,107 (median) and $75,742 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household incomes rank at the 82nd percentile with a weekly income of $2,279. Income analysis reveals that 27.3% of the community (520 individuals) falls within the $1,500 - $2,999 earnings band, aligning with the surrounding region where this cohort likewise represents 30.9%. Higher earners represent a substantial presence with 38.0% exceeding $3,000 weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain 90.6% of their income, reflecting strong purchasing power and the area's 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

The dwelling structure in Orchard Hills, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.9% houses and 4.1% other dwellings. In comparison, Sydney metro had 55.9% houses and 44.1% 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 $2,427. The median weekly rent figure was $450, compared to Sydney metro's $470. Nationally, Orchard Hills' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than 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 constitute 84.2% of all households, including 43.4% couples with children, 28.8% couples without children, and 11.2% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 15.8%, with lone person households at 14.1% and group households comprising 0.7%. The median household size is 3.1 people, larger than the Greater Sydney average of 2.7.

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 disparity presents both a challenge and an opportunity for targeted educational initiatives. Bachelor degrees are the most prevalent at 13.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.8%) and graduate diplomas (1.6%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 32.9% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications - advanced diplomas at 8.3% and certificates at 24.6%.

A total of 24.5% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.5% in secondary education, 6.7% in primary education, and 4.9% pursuing 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 served by 58 different routes that collectively facilitate 1,548 weekly passenger trips. The area's transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically living 386 meters away from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward due to its residential nature. Cars remain the primary mode of transportation at 94%. On average, there are 2.5 vehicles per dwelling, which is above the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, a high 33.7% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Across all routes, service frequency averages 221 trips per day, equating 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 above-average health outcomes according to AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence. Both younger and older age groups have low prevalence of common health conditions.

Approximately 54% (~1,031 people) of Orchard Hills' total population has private health cover, compared to Greater Sydney's 59.9%. The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (9.1%) and diabetes (5.5%), with 71.3% of residents reporting no medical ailments, compared to 74.6% in Greater Sydney. Working-age residents have low chronic condition prevalence. Orchard Hills has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 22.0% (419 people), compared to Greater Sydney's 15.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are strong, aligning with national rankings for 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, surveyed in 2016, had a higher cultural diversity than most local areas, with 23.7% of its residents born overseas and 24.6% speaking languages other than English at home. Christianity was the predominant religion, comprising 75.9%, compared to 49.2% in Greater Sydney. The top three ancestry groups were Australian (21.3%), English (19.1%), and Maltese (11.4%), which was significantly higher than the regional average of 1%.

Notably, Croatian (2.1%) and Lebanese (5.0%) populations were overrepresented compared to regional averages of 0.7% and 2.6%, respectively. Italian representation was also higher at 8.9% versus 3.4% regionally.

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

Orchard Hills has a median age of 47 years, which is higher than Greater Sydney's average of 37 and exceeds the national average of 38 years. The 55-64 age group comprises 15.6% of Orchard Hills' population, higher than Greater Sydney's percentage. Meanwhile, the 25-34 cohort makes up 8.4%, lower than Greater Sydney's figure. According to post-2021 Census data, the 35-44 age group has increased from 8.7% to 10.0%. Conversely, the 25-34 cohort has decreased from 9.4% to 8.4%. Demographic projections indicate significant changes in Orchard Hills' age profile by 2041. The 45-54 cohort is expected to grow by 147%, adding 414 residents and reaching a total of 697.