Orbost

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

Orbost's population was approximately 6,727 people as of Nov 2021. This figure increased to around 6,760 by Nov 2025, reflecting a rise of 33 individuals (0.5%) since the 2021 Census. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,721 in June 2024 and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This results in a population density ratio of approximately 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Interstate migration contributed roughly 62.3% to Orbost's overall population gains during 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 the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections from 2023, with adjustments made using weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on these projections, Orbost is expected to experience above median population growth compared to national regional areas. By 2041, the area's population is projected to increase by approximately 1,467 persons, reflecting a total gain of about 21.1% over the 17-year period.

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

Orbost has approved approximately 47 dwellings each year on average. Between FY21 and FY25, a total of 235 homes received approval, with an additional 10 approved in FY26 so far. On average, 0.6 people have moved to the area annually for each dwelling built over these past five financial years.

This suggests that new construction is keeping pace with or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings is $295,000. In FY26, Orbost has registered $19.8 million in commercial approvals, indicating moderate levels of commercial development.

Compared to the Rest of Vic., Orbost has 16.0% less new development per person but ranks among the 63rd percentile nationally when assessed against other areas. Recent construction in Orbost comprises predominantly detached houses (85.0%) with townhouses or apartments making up the remaining 15.0%, maintaining the area's traditional low-density character and appealing to those seeking family homes with ample space. With around 254 people per dwelling approval, Orbost exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. According to AreaSearch's latest quarterly estimate, Orbost is projected to gain approximately 1,425 residents by 2041. Current development activity appears well-suited to meet future needs, supporting steady market conditions without significant price pressure.

Orbost has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 23rdth percentile nationally

The performance of an area is significantly influenced by changes in local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. A single project has been identified by AreaSearch as potentially impacting this area: Jemmys Point Lookout Stage 2 and Kalimna Loop Walk at Eden Cove Estate are among the key projects, along with Eden Breakwater Wharf Extension and Storey Avenue and Princes Highway Roadworks. The following list details those projects likely to have the most relevance.

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 drivers in Orbost are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Orbost has a skilled workforce with significant representation in essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate was 6.6% as of September 2025.

Over the past year, there was an estimated employment growth of 4.3%. As of that month, 2,877 residents were employed while the unemployment rate was 2.8% higher than Rest of Vic.'s rate of 3.8%. Workforce participation in Orbost lagged significantly at 46.0%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 57.4%. Employment among residents is concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

The area shows strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing, with an employment share 2.4 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing has lower representation at 5.0% versus the regional average of 7.7%. Orbost appears to offer limited local employment opportunities, as indicated by the count of Census working population versus resident population. Between September 2024 and September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force increased by 3.9%, resulting in a 0.4 percentage point decrease in unemployment. In comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and an unemployment rise. State-level data to 25-Nov-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.13% year-on-year, adding 41,950 jobs, with the state unemployment rate at 4.7%, compared to the national rate of 4.3%. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 suggest that Orbost's employment should increase by 5.7% over five years and 12.4% over ten years, based on a simple weighting extrapolation of industry-specific projections against the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data for financial year 2022 shows Orbost SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $41,320 and an average level of $49,681. Both figures are below the national average. In comparison, Rest of Vic. has median and average incomes of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 12.16% since financial year 2022, current estimates for Orbost are approximately $46,345 (median) and $55,722 (average) as of September 2025. Census 2021 income data indicates that incomes in Orbost fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 31.7% of Orbost's community, with 43.1% earning below $800 per week. While housing costs are modest, with 90.1% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at the 4th percentile nationally.

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

The dwelling structure in Orbost, as per the latest Census, consisted of 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). In comparison, Non-Metro Vic.'s dwelling structure comprised 90.9% houses and 9.2% other dwellings. The home ownership level in Orbost was 58.9%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (22.7%) or rented (18.5%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in Orbost was $1,083, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,300 and the national average of $1,863. The median weekly rent figure in Orbost was recorded at $190, while Non-Metro Vic.'s median weekly rent was $268, and the national figure was $375.

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

Family households constitute 60.1% of all households, including 17.8% couples with children, 33.1% couples without children, and 8.4% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 39.9%, with lone person households at 37.3% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.2.

Educational outcomes in Orbost fall within the lower quartile nationally, indicating opportunities for improvement in qualification attainment

The area's university qualification rate is 18.3%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 12.2%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.2%) and graduate diplomas (2.9%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 40.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.2%) and certificates (29.3%). Educational participation is high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education, comprising 10.3% in primary, 7.7% in secondary, and 2.3% in tertiary education.

Educational participation is notably high, with 25.9% of residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 10.3% in primary education, 7.7% in secondary education, and 2.3% pursuing tertiary education.

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

Orbost has 21 active public transport stops, all of which are bus stops. These stops are served by 9 different routes that together offer 107 weekly passenger trips. The town's transport accessibility is limited, with residents on average located 1537 meters from the nearest stop.

Each route makes an average of 15 trips per day, resulting in about 5 weekly trips per stop.

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

Orbost faces significant health challenges, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Private health cover is low at approximately 46%, covering around 3116 people, compared to the national average of 55.3%.

The most prevalent medical conditions are arthritis (12.4%) and mental health issues (8.8%). About 59.6% report no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 60.1%. Orbost has a higher proportion of seniors aged 65 and over at 32.6% (~2205 people), compared to Rest of Vic's 30.5%. Health outcomes among seniors are better than average and exceed those of the general population.

Orbost is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Orbost's cultural diversity was found to be below average, with 86.6% of its population being Australian citizens, born in Australia (88.3%), and speaking English only at home (96.6%). Christianity was the dominant religion, comprising 39.4% of Orbost's population. While Judaism was proportionally similar to the rest of Victoria (0.1%), notable overrepresentation occurred among Dutch residents (2.0%, compared to 1.9% regionally), Australian Aboriginals (3.7%, vs 2.5%), and Irish individuals (9.0%, vs 8.3%).

The top three ancestry groups were English (33.0%), Australian (28.7%), and Scottish (9.8%).

Orbost ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Orbost's median age is 55 years, which is significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 and older than Australia's norm of 38. The age profile shows that those aged 65-74 are particularly prominent, making up 19.3% of the population, while the 25-34 group comprises only 7.3%. This concentration of 65-74 year-olds is well above the national average of 9.4%. Between 2021 and present, the 35 to 44 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the 55 to 64 cohort has decreased from 19.5% to 17.9% and the 45 to 54 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, demographic projections indicate significant shifts in Orbost's age structure. The 25-34 age cohort is projected to rise substantially, increasing by 301 people (61%) from 493 to 795. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort is projected to decline by 5 people.