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 is around 6,799 as of Nov 2025. This reflects an increase of 72 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 6,727. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 6,718 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 69 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 0.60 persons per square kilometer. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by interstate migration that contributed approximately 62.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with a base year of 2022. For areas not covered by this data, AreaSearch utilises the VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023, with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Considering projected demographic shifts, an above median population growth is projected for national regional areas. Orbost is expected to increase by 1,467 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a gain of 20.4% in total over the 17 years.

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 seen approximately 47 dwellings granted development approval annually. Between FY-21 and FY-25235 homes were approved, with another 17 approved in FY-26 to date. Over these five years, an average of 0.6 people per year moved to the area for each dwelling built.

This indicates that new construction is meeting or exceeding demand, providing more options for buyers and potentially driving population growth beyond current projections. The average expected construction cost value of new dwellings is $295,000. In FY-26, Orbost has registered $19.8 million in commercial approvals, suggesting 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 areas are considered. Recent construction consists of 85.0% detached houses and 15.0% townhouses or apartments, maintaining Orbost's traditional low-density character with a focus on family homes that appeal to those seeking space. With approximately 254 people per dwelling approval, Orbost exhibits characteristics of a low-density area. Population forecasts indicate that Orbost will gain around 1,386 residents by 2041, based on the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate. Current development appears well-aligned with future needs, supporting steady market conditions without significant price pressure.

Orbost has emerging levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 35thth percentile nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly impact an area's performance. AreaSearch identified one major project likely affecting this region. Key projects include Jemmys Point Lookout Stage 2, Kalimna Loop Walk at Eden Cove Estate, Eden Breakwater Wharf Extension, and Storey Avenue and Princes Highway Roadworks. 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 drivers in Orbost are experiencing difficulties, placing it among the bottom 20% of areas assessed across Australia

Orbost has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. The unemployment rate was 6.6% as of September 2025. Employment growth over the past year was estimated at 4.3%.

As of that date, 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 52.8%, compared to Rest of Vic.'s 61.4%. According to Census responses, 19.5% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered. Employment was concentrated in agriculture, forestry & fishing, health care & social assistance, and education & training.

Orbost showed strong specialization in agriculture, forestry & fishing with an employment share of 2.4 times the regional level. Conversely, manufacturing had lower representation at 5.0% compared to the regional average of 7.7%. Over the 12 months to September 2025, employment increased by 4.3%, while labour force increased by 3.9%, resulting in a fall in unemployment by 0.4 percentage points. By comparison, Rest of Vic. recorded an employment decline of 0.7% and a labour force decline of 0.6%, with unemployment rising marginally. 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 industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

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

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of ATO data released for financial year 2023, Orbost SA2 had a median taxpayer income of $41,352 and an average income of $51,168. These figures are below the national averages of $50,954 and $62,728 respectively in Rest of Vic. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 8.25% since financial year 2023, estimated incomes as of September 2025 would be approximately $44,764 (median) and $55,389 (average). Census 2021 data shows Orbost's household, family, and personal incomes fall between the 1st and 5th percentiles nationally. The $400 - 799 earnings band captures 31.7% of Orbost residents (2,155 individuals), differing from regional levels where the $1,500 - 2,999 category predominates at 30.3%. A significant portion of Orbost residents (43.1%) earn under $800 per week, indicating constrained household budgets. Despite modest housing costs with 90.1% of income retained, total disposable income ranks at just the 4th percentile nationally.

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

Orbost's dwelling structure in the latest Census was 95.6% houses and 4.4% other dwellings. In comparison, Non-Metro Vic had 90.1% houses and 9.9% other dwellings. Orbost's home ownership rate was 58.9%, with mortgaged dwellings at 22.7% and rented at 18.5%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Orbost was $1,083, lower than Non-Metro Vic's average of $1,430. The median weekly rent in Orbost was $190, compared to Non-Metro Vic's $285. Nationally, Orbost's mortgage repayments were significantly lower than the Australian average of $1,863, and rents were substantially below the national figure of $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 account for 39.9%, with lone person households at 37.3% and group households comprising 2.7%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.4.

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 at 25.9%, comprising primary education (10.3%), secondary education (7.7%), and tertiary education (2.3%).

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 22 active public transport stops. These are served by four routes offering a total of 73 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is limited, with residents typically living 1537 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outwards using cars (84%), while 10% walk. On average, there are 1.5 vehicles per dwelling. According to the 2021 Census, 19.5% of residents work from home, which might be influenced by COVID-19 conditions.

Across all routes, service frequency averages ten trips per day, resulting in about three weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Orbost is lower than average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Orbost faces significant health challenges based on AreaSearch's assessment. Mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence were found to be high across both younger and older age cohorts. Private health cover was extremely low at approximately 46% of the total population (~3,134 people), compared to 50.5% in Rest of Vic., and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions were arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 12.4 and 8.8% of residents respectively, while 59.6% declared themselves completely clear of medical ailments compared to 63.4% in Rest of Vic.. The working-age population faces notable health challenges with elevated chronic condition rates. Orbost has 32.6% of residents aged 65 and over (2,218 people), higher than the 23.5% in Rest of Vic.. Health outcomes among seniors are above average, ranking even higher than the general population nationally.

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

Orbost, as per the data provided, has a lower-than-average cultural diversity. The population is predominantly Australian citizens (86.6%), born in Australia (88.3%), and speaking English at home (96.6%). Christianity is the dominant religion in Orbost, with 39.4% of people identifying as Christian.

While Judaism's representation is similar to the rest of Victoria (0.1%), there are notable differences in ancestry groups: English (33.0%) and Scottish (9.8%) have higher representations than Australian (28.7%). Additionally, Dutch (2.0%), Australian Aboriginal (3.7%), and Irish (9.0%) ethnicities show significant divergences compared to regional averages.

Orbost ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Orbost's median age is 55 years, significantly higher than Victoria's average of 43 and Australia's norm of 38. The age profile shows a prominent group aged 65-74 (19.3%), which is larger than the national figure of 9.4%. Meanwhile, the 25-34 age group is smaller at 7.3%. Between 2021 and present, the 35-44 age group has increased from 8.9% to 10.2%, while the 55-64 cohort has declined from 19.5% to 17.9% and the 45-54 group has dropped from 11.9% to 10.7%. By 2041, projections indicate significant changes in Orbost's age structure. The 25-34 cohort is expected to rise substantially, increasing by 298 people (60%) from 496 to 795. Conversely, the 55-64 cohort is projected to decrease by 12 people.