Orange had an urban population of 41,920 [1] at the 2021 Census, making the city a significant regional centre.

A significant nearby landmark is Mount Canobolas with a peak elevation of 1,395 m (4,577 ft) AHD and commanding views of the district.

[7] Initial occupation by graziers began in late 1829, and tiny settlements eventually turned into larger towns as properties came into connection with the road.

In 1844, the surveyor Davidson was sent to check on encroachments onto the land reserved for a village, and to advise on the location for a township.

[citation needed] The growth of Orange continued as the conditions were well suited for agriculture, and in 1860 it was proclaimed a municipality.

[citation needed] In 1946, 100 years after it was first being established as a village, Orange was proclaimed as a minor city.

Orange was proposed as a site for Australia's national capital city, prior to the selection of Canberra.

The new capital city would have adjoined the town of Orange, which would have been included in the surrounding federal territory.

Compared with most population centres in Australia it has colder winters, especially in terms of its daytime maximum temperatures, owing to its westerly exposure.

In summer, the average (and absolute) maximum temperatures are also lower than in most inland centres, on account of its elevation.

[12] The climate has enabled the area to be a major apple and pear producer, and a centre for cool-weather wine production.

In recent years, a large number of vineyards have been planted in the area for rapidly expanding wine production.

Cadia is the second largest open cut mine in Australia after the Super Pit at Kalgoorlie.

The Orange region is good for grape growing and winemaking due to a combination of geology, soils, climate and temperature.

The main station, on the Main Western Line to Bourke, was opened in 1877[30] and is served by the daily NSW TrainLink Central West XPT service between Sydney and Dubbo and the weekly Outback Xplorer service between Sydney and Broken Hill.

Currently Suma Park Dam and Spring Creek Reservoir are used for domestic water consumption.