Orelia

Orelia is positioned among the lower quartile of areas assessed nationally for population growth based on AreaSearch's assessment of recent, and medium term trends

As of Feb 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Orelia is around 5,126, reflecting a 13.0% increase from the 2021 Census figure of 4,535 people. This growth was inferred from AreaSearch's estimation of the resident population at 4,846 in June 2024 and an additional 19 validated new addresses since the Census date. The population density is 1,749 persons per square kilometer, above the national average assessed by AreaSearch. Orelia's growth rate exceeded the national average of 9.9%, making it a growth leader in the region. Overseas migration contributed approximately 53.0% to overall population gains during recent periods, with natural growth and interstate migration also being 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 growth rates by age cohort provided by the ABS in its latest Greater Capital Region projections (released in 2023, based on 2022 data). Based on aggregated SA2-level projections, an above median population growth is projected for the suburb of Orelia, with an expected expansion to 5,764 persons by 2041, reflecting a gain of 8.3% over the 17 years.

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

Orelia has experienced approximately 12 dwelling approvals per year based on AreaSearch analysis. Between FY-21 and FY-25, around 61 homes were approved, with an additional 29 in FY-26 so far. On average, 6 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these five years.

This demand outpaces supply, potentially driving up prices and increasing competition among buyers. The average construction cost of new dwellings is $340,000. In FY-26, there have been $700,000 in commercial approvals, indicating limited commercial development activity. Compared to Greater Perth, Orelia has significantly lower building activity, at 83.0% below the regional average per person. This constrained new construction typically reinforces demand and pricing for existing homes.

However, development activity has increased recently. The area's established nature is suggested by its activity being under the national average, potentially due to planning limitations. All new construction in Orelia has been detached dwellings, preserving its suburban character with an emphasis on family homes despite increasing density pressures. At around 263 people per approval, Orelia reflects a transitioning market. By 2041, it is projected to grow by 428 residents according to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Development is keeping pace with this projected growth, but buyers may face increasing competition as the population expands.

Orelia has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 47thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified three projects likely impacting this region. Notable projects are Kwinana Education Precinct, Hammond West Private Estate (Vivente), Westport - Kwinana Container Port, and Cassia Estate Bertram. 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 conditions in Orelia face significant challenges, ranking among the bottom 10% of areas assessed nationally

Orelia's workforce is balanced across white and blue-collar jobs, with manufacturing and industrial sectors prominently featured. The unemployment rate was 15.0% in the past year, showing an employment growth of 1.1%. As of September 2025, 2,292 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 11.0%, higher than Greater Perth's 4.0%.

Workforce participation is lower at 67.8% compared to Greater Perth's 71.6%. Only 3.6% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries include health care & social assistance, retail trade, and construction. Manufacturing has a notable concentration with levels at 1.9 times the regional average.

Conversely, professional & technical services show lower representation at 3.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the working population versus resident population count. Over the year to September 2025, employment increased by 1.1%, while labour force grew by 3.8%, leading to a rise in unemployment by 2.3 percentage points. In contrast, Greater Perth saw employment rise by 2.9%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 project national employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Orelia's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.3% over ten years, though this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not account for localised population projections.

Income levels sit below national averages according to AreaSearch assessment

The suburb of Orelia's median income among taxpayers was $56,169 in financial year 2023. The average income stood at $65,524 during the same period. In comparison, Greater Perth's median and average incomes were $60,748 and $80,248 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, estimated median and average incomes in Orelia by September 2025 would be approximately $61,572 and $71,827 respectively. According to census data, household, family, and personal incomes in Orelia all fall between the 16th and 17th percentiles nationally. In terms of income distribution, 30.1% of locals (1,542 people) earn between $1,500 and $2,999, similar to the region where 32.0% occupy this bracket. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Orelia, with only 82.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 16th percentile nationally.

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

In Orelia, as per the latest Census evaluation, 81.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 18.3% consisting of semi-detached homes, apartments, and other dwelling types. In comparison, Perth metropolitan area had 77.8% houses and 22.1% other dwellings. Home ownership in Orelia stood at 23.4%, with mortgaged dwellings at 43.3% and rented ones at 33.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was $1,343, lower than Perth metro's average of $1,907. Meanwhile, the median weekly rent in Orelia was $250, compared to $350 in Perth metro. Nationally, Orelia's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $375.

Orelia features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 64.6 percent of all households, including 24.8 percent couples with children, 21.1 percent couples without children, and 17.4 percent single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 35.4 percent, with lone person households at 31.5 percent and group households comprising 3.7 percent of the total. The median household size is 2.4 people, which is smaller than the Greater Perth average of 2.6.

Orelia faces educational challenges, with performance metrics placing it in the bottom quartile of areas assessed nationally

The area's university qualification rate is 10.4%, significantly lower than Australia's average of 30.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 7.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (1.7%) and graduate diplomas (1.1%). Trade and technical skills are prevalent, with 41.8% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials - advanced diplomas (8.8%) and certificates (33.0%). Educational participation is high at 29.5%, including primary education (10.4%), secondary education (8.5%), and tertiary education (3.1%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 29.5% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.4% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 3.1% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Orelia has 44 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. There are five different routes serving these stops, together offering 609 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically living just 149 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards daily due to its residential nature. Car remains the dominant mode of transport at 82%, followed by train at 8% and bus at 5%. The average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.3, lower than the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, only 3.6% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions. Each route offers an average of 87 trips per day, resulting in approximately 13 weekly trips per stop.

Health performance in Orelia is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

AreaSearch's assessment of Orelia's health data indicates significant challenges. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence are notable across both younger and older age cohorts.

The rate of private health cover is approximately 53% of the total population (~2,728 people), slightly higher than the average SA2 area but lower than Greater Perth's 59.0%. Mental health issues and asthma are the most common medical conditions in Orelia, affecting 10.4 and 9.5% of residents respectively. However, 64.1% of residents report being completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 71.9% across Greater Perth. The working-age population faces notable health challenges due to elevated chronic condition rates. Orelia has 15.6% of residents aged 65 and over (799 people). Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, generally in line with the national rankings for the general population.

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

Orelia's population, as of the 2016 Census, showed higher cultural diversity than most local markets. 14.3% spoke a language other than English at home, and 30.6% were born overseas. Christianity was the predominant religion, with 40.3%.

Judaism, however, was overrepresented at 0.2%, compared to Greater Perth's 0.3%. In terms of ancestry, the top groups were English (28.7%), Australian (26.9%), and Other (8.3%). Notably, Maori (2.3%) and Filipino (3.0%) populations were higher than regional averages of 0.9% and 1.4%, respectively.

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

The median age in Orelia is close to Greater Perth's average of 37 years and equivalent to Australia's median of 38 years. Compared to Greater Perth, Orelia has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (14.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (12.5%). Between the 2021 Census and present day, the age group 15-24 has increased from 12.8% to 14.4%, while the age group 35-44 has declined from 14.9% to 13.7%. By 2041, Orelia's age composition is expected to shift notably. The 75-84 age group is projected to grow by 57% (161 people), reaching 443 from 281. The aging population trend is evident, with those aged 65 and above comprising 59% of the projected growth. Conversely, population declines are projected for the age groups 0-4 and 5-14.