countyscore
66.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Property Tax 76.9

County Report Card

About Orange County, Indiana

A Strong National Competitor

Orange County holds a composite score of 66.3, which is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This makes it a highly attractive destination compared to the broader United States.

Exceeding the Indiana Average

The county performs exceptionally well at the state level, surpassing Indiana’s average composite score of 55.9. It remains a regional leader in balancing safety with low tax burdens.

Safety, Water, and Low Taxes

Residents benefit from an elite safety score of 97.5 and high-quality water at 86.0. Furthermore, the 0.578% effective tax rate is one of the most competitive in the region.

Boosting Public Health and Earnings

The health score of 49.2 suggests room for improvement in local healthcare access and outcomes. An income score of 53.3 also reflects a median household income of $64,758, which lags slightly behind the state's top earners.

Best for Budget-Conscious Nature Lovers

This county is ideal for families who want to maximize their dollar while living in a safe, secure environment. The $143,900 median home value makes it an affordable sanctuary for those seeking rural peace.

Score breakdown

Tax76.9Cost53.2Safety97.5Health49.2Schools52.5Income53.3Risk59.5Water86Weather58
🏛76.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨63
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Crawford County
Indiana
62.4
Martin County
Indiana
70.3
Lawrence County
Indiana
57.6
Dubois County
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Washington County
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Daviess County
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58.1
Jackson County
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Perry County
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59.4

Deep Dives

Orange County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Orange County

via TaxByCounty

Orange County has Indiana's most modest taxes

Orange County's effective tax rate of 0.578% ranks in the nation's bottom 10%, significantly below the 0.87% national median. Annual property taxes here average just $832—roughly 31% of what the typical American household pays.

Orange County ranks among Indiana's lowest

Orange County's 0.578% effective rate is the lowest of any Indiana county in this dataset, falling well short of the state average of 0.671%. The median property tax of $832 is also among the state's lowest, reflecting both lower home values and lower rates.

Orange County beats all regional competitors

Orange County's 0.578% rate is the lowest in the entire south-central region, undercutting even Ohio County's 0.609%. For homeowners prioritizing low property taxes, Orange County is the region's clear winner.

Your estimated annual Orange County tax

On a median home valued at $143,900, Orange County residents pay approximately $832 annually in property taxes—the lowest in this comparison. With a mortgage, the estimate rises to $984; without, it falls to $696.

Even low-tax counties have appeal opportunities

Orange County's affordability is admirable, but homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate and fair. A successful assessment challenge could provide additional savings, no matter the county's baseline tax rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orange County

via CostByCounty

Orange County rents are reasonable.

At 15.5%, Orange County's rent-to-income ratio sits just below the national average, making housing here a relatively balanced proposition. The $838 monthly rent reflects modest costs for the county's $64,758 median income, though this is one of the lower-income counties in the comparison group.

Near-average costs within Indiana.

Orange County's 15.5% rent-to-income ratio runs nearly identical to Indiana's 15.6% state average, positioning it as a typical Indiana housing market. This consistency means Orange County offers renters what they'd expect to pay anywhere across the state.

Middle ground between extremes.

Orange County's $838 rent falls between Noble County's bargain $776 and Ohio County's $852, making it a middle-ground choice regionally. Its notably low median home value of $143,900 makes Orange County the most affordable county for buyers in this region.

Modest income, manageable costs.

With a $64,758 median household income, Orange County residents allocate 15.5% to rent ($838/month) or 15.2% to mortgage costs ($816/month). The lower home costs here mean buyers can access homeownership more easily than in neighboring counties, despite the lower overall income levels.

Affordable entry to homeownership.

Orange County combines low home values ($143,900 median) with reasonable rents, making it ideal for first-time buyers or renters prioritizing affordability. If lower housing costs are essential to your move, Orange County's numbers show you'd stretch your dollars further here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orange County

via IncomeByCounty

Orange lags national income standards

Orange County's median household income of $64,758 trails the national median of $74,755 by $9,997, placing it in the lower income quartile nationally. This gap reflects economic conditions typical of rural Indiana counties with limited high-wage industries.

Facing Indiana's income headwinds

Orange County's median household income of $64,758 falls $3,923 below Indiana's state average of $68,681, positioning it in the lower tier of the state's 92 counties. This suggests Orange residents earn notably less than typical Hoosiers.

Orange ranks lower among regional peers

Orange County's $64,758 median household income trails most neighboring counties, including Owen ($59,586) and Perry ($61,099), though it marginally exceeds them. Despite regional underperformance, Orange maintains relative stability among its immediate peers.

Housing costs strain Orange households

Orange County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% edges toward the warning zone, with households spending roughly half of the sustainable 30% threshold on rent. The median home value of $143,900 is relatively affordable, but income constraints make homeownership a significant decision for many families.

Orange residents can build resilience

With median household income of $64,758, Orange County families should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost investment vehicles like employer 401(k) plans and index funds. Seek out free or low-cost financial literacy programs to strengthen wealth-building habits and long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Orange County

via CrimeByCounty

Orange County Records Exceptional Safety Score

Orange County boasts a safety score of 100.0, far surpassing the national average. Its reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 people is a fraction of the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

Top-Tier Ranking in Indiana

With a perfect safety score, Orange County ranks well above the Indiana average of 98.9. It maintains one of the most favorable safety profiles in the state.

Safety Outpaces State Benchmarks

The county's reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 is much lower than the Indiana state average of 693.8. It remains one of the most secure counties in the southern Indiana region.

Zero Reported Violent or Property Crimes

Reporting for 2022 shows no violent or property crimes per 100,000 residents. While only one agency provided data, these numbers reflect a very low-risk environment for families and businesses.

Staying Proactive at Home

Low crime rates are a hallmark of Orange County life. Residents can help sustain this safety by staying vigilant and securing their properties with basic alarm systems.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Orange County

via HealthByCounty

Orange County Faces Health Headwinds

At 74.2 years, Orange County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 1.9 years, signaling significant health challenges. The 18.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national median, meaning Orange County residents report worse daily health than most Americans.

Below Indiana's Average Health Outcomes

Orange County's 74.2-year life expectancy falls 0.9 years below Indiana's 75.1-year average, placing it in the state's lower-performing counties for longevity. The uninsured rate of 8.5% slightly exceeds the state average of 8.4%, adding modest coverage pressure to existing health disparities.

Struggling Compared to Regional Peers

Orange County's 74.2-year life expectancy matches Pike County's but trails Ohio (78.0), Parke (77.9), and Perry (77.3) by 3+ years, revealing a significant regional health gap. With 40 primary care providers per 100K, Orange County has decent access, but the 18.7% poor/fair health rate suggests underlying health management challenges.

Uninsured Residents Face Care Barriers

About 8.5% of Orange County residents lack health insurance, limiting access to preventive services that could improve the county's poor health outcomes. With 40 primary care providers and 76 mental health providers per 100K, the county has moderate resources, but coordination and utilization gaps may persist.

Coverage Is Your First Step Forward

If you're uninsured in Orange County, getting coverage is essential—it enables preventive care and early treatment that can extend your life and improve daily health. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health navigator to find an affordable plan today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Orange County

via SchoolsByCounty

Orange County's Seven-School Public Network

Four different school districts manage seven public schools across Orange County, supporting 3,018 students. The infrastructure consists of three elementary schools and four high schools, reflecting a unique secondary-heavy layout.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Above 96%

Orange County boasts an impressive 96.6% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,820 is well below the national $13,000 mark, it remains higher than the Indiana state average.

Paoli and Orleans Lead Enrollment

The Paoli Community School Corp is the largest district by enrollment, serving 1,273 students. There are no charter schools in the county, as traditional districts like Springs Valley and Orleans manage all local public education.

Traditional Schools in Town and Country

Schools are split between four rural and three town locales, offering families a choice of learning environments. Throop Elementary is the county's largest school with 712 students, contributing to an overall average school size of 503.

Secure Your Child's Academic Future

With graduation rates nearing 97%, Orange County offers one of the strongest academic foundations in the state. Relocating to this area places your family within reach of these high-performing rural and town districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orange County

via RiskByCounty

Orange County: Below Average, But Not Safe

Orange County's composite risk score of 40.49 ranks it in the Very Low category, sitting slightly below Indiana's 45.52 average. However, the county masks significant risk in specific hazards—particularly tornadoes and earthquakes—behind this modest overall rating.

Mid-Tier Risk Among Indiana Counties

Orange County ranks in the middle range of Indiana's 92 counties for overall disaster risk. Its composite score reflects a county where hazard exposure varies dramatically by type rather than uniform protection across all disaster categories.

Riskier Than Ohio County, Safer Than Noble

Orange County's 40.49 score exceeds neighboring Ohio (3.37) by more than ten times, but falls slightly below Noble (44.24) and Owen (35.11). This positioning reflects the county's location within a moderate-risk zone of south-central Indiana.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Dominate

Tornado risk reaches 76.75 in Orange County—the highest hazard score and substantially above the state average—making severe storms a serious consideration. Earthquake risk scores 71.53, also elevated, reflecting the county's proximity to seismic activity zones.

Prioritize Storm and Earthquake Coverage

Verify your homeowners policy includes robust tornado and hail coverage, critical given the 76.75 tornado risk score. Consider purchasing earthquake insurance to protect against the elevated 71.53 seismic risk, especially for older or unreinforced structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Orange County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Warmest Regions Locally

Orange County is one of the warmer spots in the region with an annual average of 54.1°F, exceeding the national median. The climate here feels more subtropical than the northern parts of the state.

Well Above the Indiana State Average

At 54.1°F, Orange County is significantly warmer than the Indiana state average of 52.2°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the state, enjoying shorter and milder winters.

Lower Snow and Higher Precipitation

Orange County sees much less snow than Newton County, with only 12.8 inches compared to Newton's 29.7. It is also wetter than Monroe County, recording 49.5 inches of annual precipitation.

Hot Summers and Very Mild Winters

Summers are hot with 26 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 75.6°F. Winter is the mildest in this group, featuring a January average of 30.8°F and low snowfall totals.

HVAC Readiness for Summer Heat

High heat and humidity require robust HVAC systems to handle 26 extreme heat days. Residents should also plan for substantial rain, as the 49.5 inches of annual precipitation can lead to local runoff issues.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Orange County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of the Uplands

Orange County features highly weathered Ultisols with an acidic pH of 5.73. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime applications to balance the soil for most garden vegetables.

Fine Silt and Low Sand

The composition is heavily weighted toward silt at 70.6%, with a low sand content of only 12.6%. This fine-textured silt loam holds nutrients well but is highly susceptible to surface crusting and erosion if left bare.

Superior Water Retention Potential

While organic matter is modest at 2.48%, the available water capacity is high at 0.209 in/in. This exceeds the state average of 0.202, helping plants survive short dry spells more effectively than in neighboring counties.

Naturally Well-Drained Terrain

The soil is classified as well drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. This allows for more flexible planting schedules as the ground dries out faster than the poorly drained soils found in Northern Indiana.

Orchards and Zone 6b Gems

Orange County is famous for its orchards, as the well-drained silt loams in zone 6b are ideal for peaches and apples. With a soil score of 63.0, focusing on acid-loving plants like blueberries can also be very successful.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Orange County

via LawnByCounty

Healthy Lawns Near State Averages

Orange County scores a 70.0 for lawn difficulty, almost exactly matching the Indiana state average. Located in hardiness zone 6b, the area provides a welcoming environment for most standard lawn types. It is considerably easier to maintain a yard here than in half the counties across the nation.

Wet Climate with Standard Heat

The county enjoys 49.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 44.2. Lawns experience 26 days of extreme heat annually, slightly more than the state norm but manageable with proper care. These 3,677 growing degree days ensure plenty of warmth for consistent turf development throughout the season.

Well Drained but Slightly Acidic

Orange County features well-drained silt loam, which prevents the standing water issues seen in other parts of Indiana. However, the soil pH of 5.73 is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, suggesting that a soil test and lime treatment may be necessary. Correcting this acidity will help your grass more effectively use fertilizer and resist disease.

Abnormally Dry Conditions are Prevalent

Although the county only faced 3 weeks of drought over the last year, 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Because the soil is well-drained, lawns may show signs of stress faster than in areas with heavier clay. Keep grass at least 3 inches high to help shade the soil and preserve the moisture from recent rains.

Seed Before the October Frost

The first fall frost typically arrives around October 18, making late August through September the prime window for seeding. Tall Fescue and Perennial Ryegrass thrive in zone 6b and can handle the 26 heat days with ease. Plan your final spring fertilizer application well before the last frost date of April 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange County's county score?
Orange County, Indiana has a composite county score of 66.3 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 Indiana?
Orange County ranks #9 among all counties in Indiana 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, Indiana?
The median annual property tax in Orange County is $832, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Orange County a tax score of 76.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orange County?
The median household income in Orange County, Indiana is $64,758 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orange County earns an income score of 53.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orange County, Indiana a good place to live?
Orange County scores 66.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Indiana. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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