Orange

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 8.0% of the population, which is well above the national figure of 3.2%. The community is notably young, with the typical resident aged 36 and children under 15 making up 21.7% of the population.

Most residents were born in Australia (83.3%), and those born overseas account for 11.0%, which is far below the New South Wales figure of 29.3%. The most common ancestries are Australian and English, each representing about 40% of the population.

English is the primary language for 86.7% of the community. While 7.7% of people use another language at home—a figure higher than in most similar areas—this is still far below the state average of 26.6%.

Christianity is the most common religion at 56.8%. Those with no religion make up 33.0% of the population, which is about the same as the New South Wales average but well below the national figure of 38.9%.

The area has a relatively well-qualified workforce, with 20.7% of adults holding a bachelor degree or higher. This is much higher than in most similar areas, though still well below the state average of 27.8%.

Typical personal weekly income is $831, which is about the same as the national figure. Family incomes are generally strong, with 19.2% of households earning $3,000 or more per week, a rate much higher than in most similar areas.

Long-term health conditions are more common here than across Australia, affecting 32.6% of residents. This includes a mental health condition rate of 12.4%, which is well above the national average of 8.8%.

Childcare is a major focus here, as 29.6% of people provide unpaid care for children—well above the national figure of 26.3%. Volunteer rates are lower than most similar areas, at 14.7%.

Families with children are common, making up 55.7% of households, and there are more people per home (2.4) than in most similar areas. Single-person households are also more common than the state average at 29.9%.

Separate houses are very common, making up 85.4% of homes, and 80.5% of dwellings have three or more bedrooms. Renting is more common here than in most similar areas, with 34.3% of households renting.

Cars are the primary way to get around, with 68.0% of people driving to work. Very few people use public transport to commute (0.5%), and only 9.8% of the workforce works from home, which is far below the national figure.

The population is quite mobile, with 44.5% of people moving in the last five years—a rate well above the national average. Recent arrivals from overseas also make up a higher share of the community than usual, at 16.2%.

The local job market is strong, with a lower unemployment rate (3.6%) than the national average. Full-time employment is well above the national figure, with 63.5% of the workforce in full-time roles, many in health care and social assistance.

Most residents are within a short walk of a park (95.0%) or public transport (93.8%). However, access to groceries (57.1%) and health services (50.7%) is far lower than the state average.