Orange
Orange scores well on lifestyle & amenity (60/100) but only 23/100 on core operations — a gap worth watching.
"NSW's food and wine capital — cool-climate vineyards, orchards, and a thriving food scene"
New South Wales · regional council · Pop. 42,000
Data last updated: 2023-24 · Data confidence: high
Overall Score
46 out of 100
#52 of 79 regional councils in NSW
#89 in New South Wales
Score Breakdown
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | 53/100 |
| Community Services | 48/100 |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 60/100 |
| Core Operations | 23/100 |
What This Means For You
Among regional councils, Orange performs strongest in lifestyle and amenity investment (better than 60% of peers), with room to improve in core service delivery (currently at the 23th percentile).
What Makes This Place Unique
NSW's food and wine capital — cool-climate vineyards, orchards, and a thriving food scene
Orange has reinvented itself as NSW's premier food and wine destination. The cool-climate vineyards produce outstanding wines, the food scene is exceptional for a regional city, and the surrounding orchards and farms supply top restaurants across the state.
Known For
- Orange wine region — cool-climate excellence
- FOOD Week — annual celebration of local produce
- Cherry and apple orchards
- Growing reputation as regional Australia's food capital
Living Here
Orange is one of regional NSW's most desirable lifestyle destinations. The food and wine are genuinely world-class, the community is vibrant, and housing is affordable. Altitude means cold winters and four distinct seasons.
Hidden Gem
Lake Canobolas — a volcanic crater lake just outside town with walking trails, picnic areas, and autumn colour that rivals any in the state.