Overall score
Orange
54.9/100
Parkes
44.9/100
Orange vs Parkes, NSW suburb comparison
Orange for retirees and families.
See which suburb leads on livability, safety, schools, and lifestyle.
Head to head
Visual comparison
OrangeParkes
Crime rate
Orange
94.4 / 1k
Parkes
127.8 / 1k
Nearby amenities
Orange
15
Parkes
0
Population
Orange
41,232
Parkes
11,324
Metric leadOrange 9Parkes 2across 11 compared metrics
Livability profile
Desirability pillars scored 0–100 vs comparable suburbs
Quick verdicts
Clearer edge on lifestyle fit (score gap ≥ 3)
Audience fit
Who each suburb suits — composite scores out of 100
All metrics
Side-by-side scores for every compared metric.
Full comparison table
Exact figures for every metric — winner highlighted in bold.
| Category | Orange | Parkes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 54.9/100 | 44.9/100 |
| Housing (desirability) | 76.7/100 | 68.0/100 |
| Crime rate | 94.4 / 1k | 127.8 / 1k |
| Schools & preschools | 1 | 6 |
| Parks & reserves | 54 | 31 |
| Public transport stops | 1,535 | 970 |
| Walkability | 32.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Nearby amenities | 15 | 0 |
| Planning activity | 220 | 61 |
| Population | 41,232 | 11,324 |
| SEIFA (IRSAD decile) | 5/10 | 2/10 |
Comparison summary
Put side by side, Orange is a regional hub with its own identity and everyday convenience, and Parkes is a more rural established suburb that rewards people who want room to breathe. Orange sits more regionally self-contained, whereas Parkes is further into the wider countryside.
Orange pulls ahead on housing affordability and a quieter safety profile, whereas Parkes is the better pick for a calmer planning outlook. On housing, Orange sits in a expensive band, compared with a affordable feel in Parkes.
On balance, retirees and families are more likely to prefer Orange, while Parkes remains a solid alternative depending on what matters most day to day.