countyscore
32.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 80Water Quality 68.8Health 57.5

County Report Card

About Orange County, Florida

Orange County trails national livability median

Orange County's composite score of 32.0 falls 18 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 20% nationally. Despite a strong income profile, crime and housing costs significantly drag down overall livability.

Below Florida's average despite Orlando growth

Orange scores 32.0 against Florida's 45.1 average, underperforming the state by 13.1 points despite being home to Florida's largest metro area. This gap reflects urban density challenges and inequality within the Orlando region.

Strong incomes and health support growth

Orange County's income score of 80.0 reflects a median household income of $77,011, and its health score of 57.5 suggests decent healthcare access across the metro. These strengths support a growing, employed population.

Safety crisis and severe housing shortage

Orange's safety score of just 10.2 is one of Florida's lowest, indicating serious crime concerns, while its cost score of 6.0 reflects median homes at $358,300 and rents at $1,675/month. Rapid growth has strained both safety and affordability.

Risky for families; best for solo professionals

Orange County suits young professionals ($77k+) drawn by job growth and urban amenities who can navigate higher crime rates and housing costs. Families should research neighborhoods carefully; this county requires city-smart decision-making.

2040608010055610.257.536.4801.668.811.8Tax55Cost6Safety10.2Health57.5Schools36.4Income80Risk1.6Water68.8Weather11.832.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Orange County DNA

Foverall

How Orange County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Orange County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (80/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (1.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55
Cost
6-42
Safety
10.2-44.8
Health
57.5
Schools
36.4-17.6
Income
80+29
Risk
1.6-45.4
Water
68.8+10.799999999999997
Weather
11.8-44.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$358,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,675/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$358,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$67,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,011/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Orange County with Alachua County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Seminole County
Florida
41.8
Lake County
Florida
46
Volusia County
Florida
34.2
Osceola County
Florida
31.8
Brevard County
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41.3
Polk County
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38
Sumter County
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53.5
Flagler County
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45.5

Deep Dives

Orange County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Orange County

via TaxByCounty

Orange County taxes exceed national average

Orange County's effective tax rate of 0.780% sits above the national average, making it a higher-tax jurisdiction relative to most of America. The county's median property tax of $2,795 exceeds the national median of $2,690, putting Orange County residents above the typical American tax burden.

Orange ranks above Florida's average rate

Orange County's 0.780% effective rate exceeds Florida's state average of 0.731%, placing it in the upper third of the state's 67 counties. The median tax of $2,795 is 48% above the state median of $1,885, reflecting both a higher tax rate and above-average property values.

Orange charges more than central Florida peers

Orange County's 0.780% rate exceeds Marion County (0.751%) and Okeechobee County (0.754%), making it the highest-taxed county in central Florida. Combined with substantial property values averaging $358,300, Orange residents face steeper annual tax bills than most regional neighbors.

What Orange County homeowners actually pay

A homeowner with Orange County's median home value of $358,300 pays approximately $2,795 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.780% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises to about $2,950 when factoring in escrow and related costs.

Appeal your Orange County assessment

In a higher-tax county like Orange, overassessments compound quickly, making regular assessment reviews especially important for homeowners. The county property appraiser's office provides a free appeal process that could reduce your annual tax obligation if your property is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orange County

via CostByCounty

Orange County's rent burden exceeds national norms

Orange County renters spend 26.1% of their income on housing, above the national norm and approaching the economist-flagged 30% threshold for severe unaffordability. With a median household income of $77,011 and median rent of $1,675, residents face tighter budgets than national averages despite above-average earnings.

Orange County ranks among Florida's priciest

Orange County's 26.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's least affordable major markets. The median rent of $1,675 reflects Orlando's booming population growth and tourism-driven demand, pushing housing costs ahead of state norms.

Orange sits between affordable and premium markets

Orange County's median rent of $1,675 exceeds Marion ($1,174), Okaloosa ($1,475), and Martin ($1,499), approaching Monroe's $1,959 premium. Yet Orange's household income of $77,011 trails Nassau ($88,900) and Martin ($80,701), creating relative affordability stress compared to wealthier neighbors.

Orlando rents demand over a quarter of income

A typical Orange County renter earning $77,011 annually pays $1,675 monthly—26.1% of gross income, well above comfortable thresholds. Homeowners experience similar pressure at $1,547 monthly (24.1% of income), with median home values of $358,300 reflecting Central Florida's residential boom.

Orange County suits high earners and remote workers

Orange County's vibrant job market and tourism economy attract workers, but renters should earn well above the $77,011 median to feel comfortable with the 26.1% rent burden. Compare this market against Nassau's 18.0% affordability or Marion's 24.1% ratio to gauge whether Orlando's opportunity justifies its housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orange County

via IncomeByCounty

Orange County matches national income

Orange County's median household income of $77,011 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $2,256, placing it just above the American average. The county's tourism and technology sectors drive steady employment and earnings.

Above Florida's income average

At $77,011, Orange County's median household income surpasses Florida's state average of $65,468 by $11,543. The county ranks in Florida's upper-middle tier for household earnings, reflecting Orlando's status as a major economic center.

Regional economic anchor

Orange County's $77,011 puts it near Okaloosa County ($79,097) and ahead of Miami-Dade County ($68,694), positioning it as a middle-tier earner in the state. As Central Florida's largest metro, Orange anchors the region's economy.

Housing costs moderately elevated

Orange County's rent-to-income ratio of 26.1% approaches the warning threshold, indicating housing consumes over one-quarter of household earnings. With a median home value of $358,300, careful budgeting helps balance homeownership aspirations with other financial goals.

Invest in your future strategically

Orange County residents benefit from above-average incomes, but housing costs require thoughtful financial planning to build wealth. Consider automating savings, exploring employer benefits, and consulting with a financial advisor about investment strategies suited to Orlando's dynamic economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Orange County

via CrimeByCounty

Managing Safety in a Global Destination

Orange County reports a total crime rate of 2762.5 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 95.6, reflecting the high activity of its urban centers and tourist attractions. Managing safety here requires significant resources and constant coordination.

Orange County's Standing in Florida

The local crime rate of 2762.5 is more than double the Florida average of 1027.9. Twenty-two reporting agencies cover the county, where the safety score of 95.6 is lower than the state average of 98.4. These numbers are heavily influenced by the millions of annual visitors to the region.

Comparative Safety in Central Florida

Orange County (2762.5) has a higher crime rate than neighboring Marion (1411.8) and Okeechobee (1878.6) counties. As the region's central hub, it naturally experiences more incidents than its more rural neighbors. Safety efforts are scaled to match this high-density environment.

Violent and Property Crime Trends

Violent crime is 544.8 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also high at 2217.7 incidents per 100K, surpassing the national rate of 2,015.7. Residents should be aware that both personal and property safety require attention.

Prioritizing Home and Personal Security

In a high-activity area like Orange County, robust home security is a necessity. Using integrated alarm systems and being part of a neighborhood watch can significantly enhance safety. Consistent habits like locking doors and removing valuables from cars are essential.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Orange County

via SchoolsByCounty

Massive School System for 216,000 Students

Orange County manages an extensive infrastructure of 278 schools serving 216,900 students. This includes 166 elementary schools and 55 high schools to accommodate the region's rapid growth.

Strong Graduation Rates and State-Level Funding

Orange County achieves a 90.3% graduation rate, slightly exceeding the Florida state average. Per-pupil spending of $6,198 is nearly identical to the state's average of $6,118.

A Major District with Diverse Options

The Orange School District serves over 208,000 students across 275 schools, while Florida Virtual provides additional digital options. Charter schools are a significant factor here, accounting for 15.5% of the county's schools.

Large Suburban Campuses and Growing Hubs

With 184 suburban schools and an average enrollment of 795, the system feels large and modern. Lake Nona High School is the biggest campus in the county, enrolling 4,362 students.

Central Florida Living Near High-Impact Schools

The scale and variety of Orange County's schools offer something for every family. Researching homes in the Lake Nona or Timber Creek zones can help you find a community centered around education quality.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orange County

via RiskByCounty

Orange County faces very high risk

Orange County scores 98.44 on composite disaster risk, earning a relatively high rating that places it near the national maximum and far above average. The score reflects extreme exposure across all major hazard categories, making it one of America's most disaster-vulnerable counties. Few U.S. counties face comparable cumulative risk.

Among Florida's highest-risk counties

Orange's 98.44 composite score ranks it among Florida's top-tier risk counties, exceeding the state average of 75.74 by nearly 23 points. The county ranks extremely high in tornado risk (99.11), flood risk (98.41), and wildfire risk (97.42). Only Miami-Dade (99.62) presents higher overall vulnerability statewide.

Significantly riskier than inland peers

Orange County's 98.44 score substantially exceeds nearby Polk (75+) and Osceola counties, reflecting its position as Florida's hurricane-exposed, densely developed urban core. While not oceanside, Orange's location in the state's interior makes it a convergence point for multiple hazard types. The county faces measurably greater risk than most inland peers.

Tornadoes, flooding, and wind threats

Orange County faces extreme tornado risk at 99.11, near-maximum flood risk at 98.41, and near-maximum wildfire risk at 97.42. Hurricane risk of 98.04 rounds out a remarkably comprehensive hazard profile spanning wind, water, and fire. Orlando's urban concentration amplifies property damage and infrastructure disruption when these hazards strike.

Comprehensive insurance is essential

With tornado risk at 99.11, flood risk at 98.41, and hurricane risk at 98.04, Orange County residents must carry comprehensive homeowners, flood, and windstorm insurance covering full replacement value. Consider a safe room for tornado protection and maintain detailed home inventories for claims. Review policies annually and ensure coverage keeps pace with rising property values.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Orange County

via WaterByCounty

Orange County Earns B Grade for Clean Water

Orange County recorded 24 health violations over five years, but maintains a very low violation rate of 1.5 per 100,000 people due to its large population. This B grade shows the county is performing significantly better than the Florida average violation rate of 43.4. Large-scale municipal systems here demonstrate high resilience and safety.

One-Third of Water Bodies Face Impairments

Approximately 35.3% of the 1,492 assessed water bodies in Orange County fail to meet federal standards as of the 2022 cycle. This is slightly better than the Florida average of 38.8%. Phosphorus, mercury in fish tissue, and dissolved oxygen levels remain the top concerns for local lakes and rivers.

Massive Monitoring Effort Tracks Urban Water

Orange County hosts an expansive network of 933 monitoring sites, generating 284,744 measurements in five years. This high-density monitoring focuses on nutrients, metals, and inorganics to manage the impacts of rapid urbanization. This level of data provides one of the most detailed water quality pictures in the state.

St. Johns River Flows at 26% of Normal

The St. Johns River near Christmas currently shows a discharge of 339 cubic feet per second, which is only 26% of its long-term mean. These unusually low flows can lead to increased nutrient concentrations and lower dissolved oxygen. This hydrologic drought places additional stress on the already impaired local watersheds.

Low River Flows Require Extra Caution

While tap water compliance is strong, the critically low flow in the St. Johns River increases the risk of concentrated pollutants like phosphorus. Residents should be mindful of water conservation and avoid activities that contribute to nutrient runoff during this low-flow period. If you notice changes in your water's taste, it may be related to the seasonal concentration of inorganic minerals.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Orange County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently warm in Central Florida

Orange County's 73.4°F average temperature puts it among the warmest regions in the nation. It features a humid subtropical climate with zero annual snowfall.

Warmer than the Florida state average

At 73.4°F, the county is warmer than the 71.1°F Florida average. Its 51.5 inches of annual precipitation is just slightly below the state norm of 54.8 inches.

Leading the region in extreme heat

Orange County experiences 110 days of extreme heat, slightly more than neighboring Osceola. This inland heat is more persistent than in coastal Florida counties.

Long summers and dry winters

The summer average of 82.6°F persists through long months of 110 extreme heat days. Winters are a major draw, featuring a January average of 61.0°F and no snow.

Prioritize your cooling and hydration

Service your HVAC systems regularly to handle the 110 days of extreme heat each year. Since rainfall is a moderate 51.5 inches, standard irrigation is usually enough to maintain landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Orange County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Central Sands

Orange County’s Entisols are quite acidic, measuring a pH of 4.69. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and sits below the typical Florida average of 4.88.

Porosity and Permeability

The soil profile is 80.2% sand, 1.4% silt, and 2.6% clay. This sandy dominant texture is common for Central Florida, facilitating quick water penetration through the top layers.

Rich in Living Matter

The area features a high organic matter content of 12.20%, which is over 50% higher than the state average. This richness is complemented by an available water capacity of 0.127 in/in, indicating strong moisture-holding ability.

Slow Drainage Challenges

These soils are classified as somewhat poorly drained despite being in Hydrologic Group A. Homeowners should plan for slow drainage in low-lying areas during Florida's intense rainy season.

Home of the Citrus

Zone 10a supports a vast range of ornamental and edible plants, including the citrus that gives the county its name. The high organic matter provides a great foundation for a thriving home vegetable garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Orange County

via LawnByCounty

Central Florida Lawn Care in Orange

Orange County earns a difficulty score of 23.9, proving slightly more manageable than many coastal Florida counties. Residents in Zone 10a benefit from a climate that supports a wide variety of lush, tropical turfgrasses.

Intense Summer Heat and Humidity

With 110 days of heat over 90°F, Orange County is significantly hotter than the state average. This extreme temperature, paired with 51.5 inches of rain, creates a humid environment where fungal diseases can thrive if not monitored.

Correcting Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil is 80.2% sand with a very acidic pH of 4.69, far from the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. Because the soil is somewhat poorly drained, you must be careful not to overwater, which can drown roots in these acidic conditions.

Resilient Growth During Dry Seasons

Orange County has seen 20 weeks of drought in the past year, though it currently avoids the severe levels seen elsewhere in the state. Maintaining a healthy root system through proper fertilization will help your lawn survive the next inevitable dry spell.

Establishing Your Orange County Turf

St. Augustine grass is the local favorite for Zone 10a due to its heat tolerance. Plan to seed or sod after the brief frost risk ends in late January to take advantage of the long, 8,576 growing degree day season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange County's county score?
Orange County, Florida has a composite county score of 32.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Orange County rank among counties in Florida?
Orange County ranks #62 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Orange County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Orange County is $2,795, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Orange County a tax score of 55/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orange County?
The median household income in Orange County, Florida is $77,011 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orange County earns an income score of 80/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orange County, Florida a good place to live?
Orange County scores 32.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Orange County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Orange County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.