Park Orchards

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

The population of Park Orchards, as estimated by AreaSearch using ABS ERP data from June 2024 and validated new addresses since the Census date, is around 3,911 as of November 2025. This figure reflects an increase of 76 people (2.0%) compared to the population recorded in the 2021 Census, which was 3,835 people. The estimated resident population used for this calculation was 3,910. The suburb's population density is approximately 412 persons per square kilometer, indicating ample space per person and potential room for further development. Park Orchards' growth rate of 2.0% since the Census places it within 2.0 percentage points of its SA4 region (4.0%), suggesting competitive growth fundamentals. Overseas migration was the primary driver of population growth in recent periods.

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, AreaSearch employs VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, adjusted using weighted aggregation methods to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for the years 2032 to 2041. According to these projections, the suburb is expected to grow by 102 persons by 2041, reflecting a total gain of 4.2% over the 17-year period.

The level of residential development activity in Park Orchards is very low in comparison to the average area assessed nationally by AreaSearch

AreaSearch analysis shows Park Orchards had approximately 7 new home approvals annually. From FY-21 to FY-25, around 39 homes were approved, with none yet in FY-26. On average, 0.6 people moved to the area per dwelling built over those five years.

This suggests supply meets or exceeds demand, offering more buyer choices and potential population growth. Average new dwelling value is $900,000, indicating a premium market focus. In FY-26, there have been $310,000 in commercial approvals, reflecting the area's residential nature.

New development comprises 60% detached dwellings and 40% medium-high density housing, diversifying from the current 100% houses. This shift suggests decreasing developable sites and changing lifestyles preferences. The estimated population per dwelling approval is 876 people. By 2041, Park Orchards is projected to grow by 166 residents. Current development patterns suggest supply should meet demand, benefiting buyers and potentially facilitating population growth beyond projections.

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

Changes in local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified five projects that may affect this region. Notable ones include Manor Place Estate, Ringwood North Liveable Neighbourhoods Project, 170-172 Warrandyte Road Retail Development, and Kubis Drive and Werac Drive footpath construction in Ringwood North. The following list provides details on 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 of employment trends sees Park Orchards performing better than 90% of local markets assessed across Australia

Park Orchards has a well-educated workforce with strong representation in professional services. The unemployment rate was 1.2% as of June 2025.

Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 1.4%. This is based on AreaSearch aggregation of statistical area data. In June 2025, 2,212 residents were employed with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.6%. Workforce participation was 66.7% compared to Greater Melbourne's 64.1%.

Dominant employment sectors include construction, health care & social assistance, and professional & technical services. Construction has notable concentration with levels at 1.7 times the regional average. Transport, postal & warehousing is under-represented at 2.0% compared to Greater Melbourne's 5.2%. The area offers limited local employment opportunities as indicated by Census data. Over a 12-month period ending Sep-22, employment increased by 1.4%, labour force by 0.9%, reducing unemployment by 0.6 percentage points. By comparison, Greater Melbourne recorded employment growth of 3.5% and labour force growth of 4.0%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from Sep-22 project national employment expansion by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years. Applying these projections to Park Orchards' employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 7.0% over five years and 14.0% over ten years, based on simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes only.

Income metrics indicate excellent economic conditions, with the area achieving higher performance than 75% of national locations assessed by AreaSearch

Park Orchards' median taxpayer income was $61,308 with an average of $98,220 according to AreaSearch's postcode level ATO data for the financial year 2022. Nationally, this is exceptionally high compared to Greater Melbourne's median income of $54,892 and average income of $73,761. By September 2025, estimates based on a 12.16% Wage Price Index growth suggest the median would be approximately $68,763 and the average $110,164. According to 2021 Census figures, Park Orchards' household incomes rank at the 98th percentile with $3,155 weekly. Income analysis shows that 40.4% of individuals earn over $4,000 (1,580 people), contrasting with regional levels where those earning between $1,500 and $2,999 dominate at 32.8%. This indicates a significant proportion of high earners (51.4% above $3,000 weekly) in Park Orchards, reflecting strong economic capacity. After housing costs, residents retain 89.1% of their income, demonstrating robust purchasing power and the suburb's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 9th decile.

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

Park Orchards' dwellings, as per the latest Census, were entirely houses with no semi-detached homes, apartments, or other dwellings. This contrasts with Melbourne metro's 0% houses and other dwellings. Home ownership in Park Orchards stood at 49.9%, higher than Melbourne metro's level. The remaining dwellings were mortgaged (46.8%) or rented (3.3%). The median monthly mortgage repayment was $3,000, aligning with Melbourne metro's average. Median weekly rent was $601, while Melbourne metro had no recorded figures for these metrics. Nationally, Park Orchards' mortgage repayments were significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863. Rents in Park Orchards were substantially above the national figure of $375.

Park Orchards features high concentrations of family households, with a median household size of 3.2 people

Family households constitute 89.4% of all households, including 54.4% couples with children, 29.3% couples without children, and 5.7% single parent families. Non-family households account for the remaining 10.6%, with lone person households at 9.5% and group households comprising 0.7%. The median household size is 3.2 people.

Park Orchards shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

The area's educational profile is notable regionally with university qualification rates at 38.4% among residents aged 15+, surpassing the Australian average of 30.4% and the SA4 region's rate of 31.2%. Bachelor degrees are most prevalent at 26.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (7.7%) and graduate diplomas (4.5%). Vocational credentials are also prominent, with 26.6% of residents aged 15+ holding such qualifications – advanced diplomas account for 11.3% and certificates for 15.3%.

Educational participation is high at 32.9%, including 12.2% in secondary education, 9.6% in primary education, and 6.8% pursuing tertiary education. The area has two schools serving 605 students – Park Orchards Primary School and St Anne's School. Both focus exclusively on primary education with secondary options available nearby. The area demonstrates strong educational infrastructure with 15.5 school places per 100 residents, serving both local and surrounding communities.

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

Park Orchards has 25 active public transport stops. These are served by two bus routes that together make 554 weekly trips. The average distance to the nearest stop for residents is 352 meters.

On average, there are 79 trips per day across all routes, which amounts to about 22 weekly trips per individual stop.

Park Orchards's residents boast exceedingly positive health performance metrics with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups

Park Orchards shows excellent health outcomes with a very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups. Approximately 65% of its total population of 2,561 has private health cover, significantly higher than the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are asthma and arthritis, affecting 7.2% and 6.5% of residents respectively. A large majority, 73.6%, report having no medical ailments, a figure notably higher than Greater Melbourne's 0%. The area has an 18.9% senior population (739 people), with seniors showing strong health outcomes that even surpass those of the general population in various health metrics.

In terms of cultural diversity, Park Orchards records figures broadly comparable to the national average, as found in AreaSearch's assessment of a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Park Orchards' population was found to be around the wider region's average in terms of cultural diversity, with 81.5% born in Australia, 93.2% being citizens, and 89.0% speaking English only at home. Christianity is the main religion in Park Orchards, comprising 53.9% of its population, compared to None% across Greater Melbourne. The top three ancestry groups are English (28.6%), Australian (23.9%), and Irish (8.4%).

Notably, Dutch representation is higher than average at 2.5%, Italian at 7.0%, and South African at 0.8%.

Park Orchards hosts an older demographic, ranking in the top quartile nationwide

The median age in Park Orchards is 45 years, which is significantly higher than Greater Melbourne's average of 37 years and Australia's national average of 38 years. Compared to Greater Melbourne, Park Orchards has a higher proportion of residents aged 15-24 (18.4%) but fewer residents aged 25-34 (4.9%). This concentration of 15-24 year-olds is well above the national average of 12.5%. According to the 2021 Census, the proportion of residents aged 75-84 has increased from 5.5% to 6.5%, while the proportion of those aged 45-54 has declined from 18.5% to 17.4%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Park Orchards' age structure. Notably, the 65-74 age group is expected to grow by 17%, reaching 471 people from 402. The combined age groups of 65 and above will account for 66% of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, both the 0-4 and 35-44 age groups are projected to see reduced numbers.