Mount Isa offers a materially higher gross yield (8.4% vs 4.1%), making it the stronger income candidate at current prices. Mount Isa achieves positive cashflow without negative gearing support, while Orange requires additional tax offset or rental growth to break even.
Research context only. Not financial advice. Both markets carry distinct risks specific to their location, employment base, and economic profile. Read the individual suburb research pages before drawing conclusions. All policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation.
| Metric | Mount Isa QLD · #13 | Orange NSW · #21 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Yield | 8.4% | 4.1% |
| Vacancy Rate | 1.5% | 1.2% |
| Median Price | $320k | $745k |
| Weekly Rent | $520/wk | $590/wk |
| Net pre-costs pa | +$10,400 | $-8,060 |
| Cashflow | Positive | Negative |
| Rent Growth 12m | +4% | +5.5% |
| Price Growth 12m | +5% | +6.2% |
| NG Dependence | None | High |
| Discovery Status | Known | Emerging |
| Population | 22k | 42k |
| Cycle Stage | Mid | Early-Mid |
| Policy Impact | ▲ UPGRADED | ▼ DOWNGRADED |
| Signal Score | 60 / Tier 1 | 54 / Tier 2 |
8.5% yield, the highest in the scan. $520/wk rent on $320k generates $10,400/yr positive pre-cost cashflow at 80% LVR. Glencore's George Fisher mine extension commits production through mid-2030s. Copper demand in EV/renewable transition provides medium-term mine life visibility.
Orange has moved materially as a lifestyle and sea-change destination for inland NSW. At $745k, the yield of 4.1% no longer supports cashflow-positive investing at standard LVR. The economy is diversified — Orange Base Hospital, Cadia gold and copper mine services, and Charles Sturt University — but the price growth has run ahead of rental income. New builds remain eligible for NG under current policy settings.
CoreLogic QLD Q1 2025 · REIQ Mount Isa Q4 2024 · SQM Research postcode 4825 · Glencore Annual Report 2024 · George Fisher Mine extension EIS approval 2023 · Mount Isa City Council planning data
Data vintage: Q1 2025
2026 median house data. Source: realestate.com.au. Data quality: imported. Verify before transacting.
Data vintage: 2026
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Research only. Not financial advice. Data vintage Q1 2025 (indicative estimates from public sources). Verify all metrics independently with local property managers and licensed advisers before making any investment decision. All negative gearing and budget policy references reflect proposed changes subject to final legislation. Consult a registered tax adviser for personal tax position.