Orange County

Florida · FL

#63 in Florida
58.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Orange County, Florida

Orange County outpaces national median

Orange County's composite score of 61.3 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, establishing strong livability by U.S. standards. This 23% advantage reflects the county's tax structure and economic scale as central Florida's major hub.

Below Florida's average performance

Orange County's score of 61.3 falls short of Florida's 69.4 state average, placing it in Florida's lower-middle tier. The major metro status brings urban affordability pressures that reduce its state ranking.

Tax efficiency in a major metro

Orange County maintains a tax score of 80.3 with an effective rate of 0.780%, offering tax relief typical of Florida. The county's tourism and technology sectors create diverse income opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs.

Housing costs reflect urban growth

Orange's cost score of 54.0 reflects central Florida's rapid development, with median home values at $358,300 and rent at $1,675/month. Critical data on schools, health, safety, and environmental resilience remain unavailable for complete assessment.

For theme park workers and urbanites

Orange County suits young professionals, tourism industry workers, and families seeking urban amenities and job diversity around Orlando. It's less ideal for those seeking affordability or rural character but works well for those valuing employment options and entertainment-focused living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax80.3Cost54SafetyComing SoonHealth69.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome33.7Risk1.6WaterComing Soon
🏛80.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠54
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼33.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
69.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
1.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Orange County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

Health in Orange County

via HealthByCounty

Orange County's strong health profile

Orange County residents live 79.0 years on average, nearly matching the U.S. average of 79.3 years. With 17.6% reporting poor or fair health—below the national 18%—the county demonstrates solid disease management across its large, diverse population.

Above-average outcomes for large county

Orange County's 79.0-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Florida's 75.8-year average, placing it among the state's top-performing large counties. Its 17.6% poor/fair health rate matches Florida's typical range, reflecting good prevention and care coordination.

Central Florida's health leader

Orange County outperforms neighboring Osceola County by 1.8 years and Lake County by 2.4 years in life expectancy. With 93 primary care providers and 306 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest mental health provider density in this group—Orange County excels in psychiatric care access.

Robust provider network, good coverage

Orange County's 13.2% uninsured rate sits below Florida's 14.4%, ensuring most residents access the county's exceptional 93 primary care providers per 100,000. Urban density and major medical centers mean residents typically find appointments quickly and avoid long travel times.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Orange County's excellent health outcomes depend on sustained high insurance coverage rates. Visit healthcare.gov annually to review marketplace plans and ensure your family has access to the county's outstanding network of primary care and mental health providers.

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.

ByCounty Network

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