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Orange County, North Carolina — County Report Card

NC

#29 in North Carolina

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
49.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.2Health 85.2Schools 72.4

County Report Card

About Orange County, North Carolina

Near the National Median

Orange County earns a composite score of 49.6, nearly matching the national median of 50.0. Its profile reflects a high-resource area with significant lifestyle benefits.

Outperforming the State Average

Orange County's 49.6 score comfortably exceeds the North Carolina state average of 44.7. It is one of the more desirable counties in the state due to its high scores in health and education.

High Earnings and Top Health

The county is a powerhouse for income and health, with scores of 91.2 and 85.2 respectively. It also features a strong school score of 72.4, backed by a median household income of $88,553.

High Cost of Entry

The cost score of 8.6 is among the lowest, driven by median home values of $428,500. This makes the county difficult to afford for many residents, despite the high quality of life.

A Haven for Professionals

Orange County is the premier choice for high-earning families and health-conscious professionals. It offers top-tier schools and medical access for those who can afford the high cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax41.2Cost8.6Safety42.7Health85.2Schools72.4Income91.2Risk20.9Water66.6Weather69.8
🏛41.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠8.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤85.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨19.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱47.8
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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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 taxes above the nation

Orange County's effective tax rate of 0.958% closely matches the national median of 0.957%, putting it at the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $4,105 substantially exceeds the national median of $2,690, driven by notably higher home values of $428,500.

Above-average North Carolina taxes

Orange County's 0.958% effective rate exceeds North Carolina's state average of 0.701%, making it one of the state's pricier tax environments. The higher rate reflects the county's prosperous communities and elevated property values.

Highest taxes in the region

Orange County's 0.958% rate significantly outpaces all nearby counties, including Pasquotank (0.693%) and Pender (0.696%). The substantial difference reflects Orange County's higher property values and affluent communities.

About $4,105 on median home

On Orange County's median home value of $428,500, residents pay roughly $4,105 in annual property taxes at the 0.958% rate. Those with mortgages typically pay around $4,224, while outright owners pay approximately $3,937.

Assessment appeals may pay dividends

With higher property values, even small assessment reductions yield meaningful tax savings in Orange County. If you believe your home has been overvalued, filing an appeal is a prudent step to verify accurate assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orange County

via CostByCounty

Orange County: High income, balanced housing costs

Orange County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio aligns perfectly with the national average, and its median household income of $88,553 exceeds the national median by $13,798, cushioning the impact of higher absolute rents. This combination of strong earning power and proportionate housing costs makes Orange County one of the most stable markets regionally.

Premium housing, premium paychecks in Chapel Hill

Orange County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% sits just slightly above North Carolina's 18.6% average, but its median rent of $1,387 is a full 48% above the state median of $938, reflecting the Chapel Hill-Raleigh tech and education economy. The county's high median income enables residents to absorb these premium costs more comfortably than state peers.

Priciest rental market in the eight-county region

Orange County's $1,387 median rent is the highest among all surveyed counties, outpacing New Hanover by $44 and Onslow by $189, positioning it as the region's premium market. This reflects the presence of the University of North Carolina and tech-driven growth that has made Chapel Hill a desirable and expensive hub.

Wealth absorbs Orange County's highest costs

Orange County renters pay $1,387 while homeowners face $1,525 monthly on a median home value of $428,500—the region's most expensive—yet housing still consumes only about 19% of the $88,553 median income. This affordability paradox exists because high earners can absorb premium housing without financial strain.

Premium cost for premium opportunity

Orange County offers unmatched earning potential through tech, education, and research sectors, but housing prices reflect that demand—expect the highest rents in the region. If you can secure a job in Chapel Hill or Raleigh's tech corridor, Orange County's strong income potential justifies its premium housing costs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orange County

via IncomeByCounty

Orange County ranks among America's wealthiest

Orange County's median household income of $88,553 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 18.5%, placing it solidly in the upper tier of American counties. This robust income profile reflects the economic strength of Chapel Hill and the Research Triangle region.

Dominates North Carolina's income rankings

Orange County's $88,553 median household income vastly exceeds the state average of $61,072 by 45%, making it one of North Carolina's highest-income counties. The presence of UNC-Chapel Hill and tech-driven employment opportunities drive this significant regional advantage.

Far outpaces all nearby counties

Orange County's $88,553 income surpasses neighboring Durham ($79,500+) and significantly exceeds all eastern NC counties tracked here. Only a handful of North Carolina counties match Orange's income concentration, marking it as an exceptional economic outlier.

High incomes essential for rising home costs

Orange County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio remains healthy, though the median home value of $428,500 requires substantial household income to afford. Higher earners dominate the county, making affordability a real challenge for those earning below the median.

Maximize investments beyond primary residence

Orange County households enjoy significant income surplus beyond basic living costs, enabling investment in retirement accounts, real estate, and diversified portfolios. Professional financial planning becomes increasingly valuable at higher income levels to optimize tax efficiency and wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Orange County

via CrimeByCounty

Orange County: A National Leader in Safety

Orange County is exceptionally safe, posting a total crime rate of 1298.0 per 100K compared to the national 2,385.5. Its safety score of 98.0 places it among the top-tier counties for public safety.

Outpacing North Carolina Safety Averages

The county far exceeds the North Carolina average safety score of 96.8. With a total crime rate nearly 40% lower than the state average, it serves as a regional leader in safety.

Orange County Maintains a Quiet Profile

Orange County's violent crime rate of 168.6 is less than half the national average. It maintains a peaceful environment while balancing a major university population and urban centers.

Low Rates for Violent and Property Crime

Most reports involve property crimes, which sit at 1129.4 per 100K. Violent crime is a rarity here, occurring at roughly half the rate seen in the state average of 330.7.

Proactive Security in a Safe County

Residents can leverage the county's safety by practicing basic home security and package theft prevention. Even in safe areas, smart tech like doorbell cameras helps maintain these high community standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Orange County

via HealthByCounty

Orange County sets the nation's health standard

At 81.6 years, Orange County's life expectancy exceeds the national average by 5.2 years and surpasses North Carolina's state average by 7.2 years—among the highest in the nation. Just 12.1% of residents report poor or fair health, well below both the national (17.1%) and state averages. Orange County residents live significantly longer, healthier lives than nearly all of their peers nationwide.

North Carolina's healthiest county by far

Orange County ranks at the very top of North Carolina for life expectancy, outpacing the state average by over 7 years. Its 12.1% poor/fair health rate is among the state's lowest, and uninsured rate of 8.1% is the best in the dataset. This exceptional performance reflects a highly educated population with strong economic resources and healthcare investments.

Healthcare infrastructure unmatched in the region

Orange County has 182 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly twice the best regional counties and double the state's strong performers. Mental health provider density of 830 per 100,000 is extraordinary, offering residents unparalleled access to behavioral health services. This infrastructure reflects Orange County's anchor role as home to Duke University and robust health research institutions.

Exceptional care access drives exceptional outcomes

Orange County residents enjoy same-day primary care appointments, extensive mental health services, and seamless coordination between providers—rare in rural areas. The 8.1% uninsured rate means over 91% have coverage, and that coverage buys access to a world-class healthcare system. This combination explains Orange County's position as a national health leader.

Even in Orange County's success, coverage matters

If you're among Orange County's 8.1% uninsured residents, coverage options are readily available through employers, marketplace plans, or Medicaid. Visit ncdhhs.gov or call 211 to explore your options and enroll today. Coverage unlocks access to the exceptional healthcare infrastructure that makes Orange County one of America's healthiest places to live.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Orange County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Performing Districts in a Cultured County

Orange County features 36 public schools that serve 19,912 students across 4 distinct districts. The landscape is well-balanced with 19 elementary, 7 middle, and 8 high schools. This infrastructure supports one of the most educationally focused populations in the state.

Leading the State in Academic Excellence

The county earns a standout school score of 58.3 and a high graduation rate of 92.3%. Investment is a priority here, with per-pupil spending at $8,629, which is nearly $1,700 more than the state average. These metrics demonstrate a strong community commitment to providing high-quality educational outcomes.

Two Powerhouse Districts Serving the Region

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is the largest district, serving 11,561 students, while Orange County Schools serves 7,208. Charter options like Eno River Academy provide additional choice, representing about 5.6% of the school mix. Families benefit from having two major, well-resourced districts within a single county.

A Blend of City Spirit and Rural Peace

The county offers a diverse mix of 15 city schools, 11 suburban schools, and 10 rural schools. Large high schools like Chapel Hill High enrollment nearly 1,600 students, while the average school size countywide is 569. This geographic diversity allows families to choose the living and learning environment that fits them best.

Find Your Home in a Premier School District

Orange County’s superior school scores and graduation rates make it a premier destination for homebuyers. Whether you prefer the energy of Chapel Hill or the quiet of rural Orange County, top-tier education is never far away. Prioritizing proximity to these schools is a smart move for long-term property value.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orange County

via RiskByCounty

Orange County's risk is moderate nationally

Orange County's composite risk score of 79.07 and 'Relatively Low' rating position it below many U.S. counties in overall natural disaster hazard. However, localized flood and tornado risks merit attention from homeowners and planners.

Moderate risk within North Carolina

At 79.07, Orange County exceeds the state average of 66.72, reflecting its Piedmont location and exposure to river flooding and severe thunderstorms. Inland geography spares it from hurricane storm surge but not from the inland impacts of tropical systems.

Riskier than many Piedmont neighbors

Orange County (79.07) carries higher total risk than many surrounding Piedmont counties, driven primarily by its flood risk of 85.53. However, its wildfire risk of 28.44 is significantly lower than coastal counties to the east.

Flooding and tornadoes dominate the hazard profile

Orange County's flood risk of 85.53 is among the highest in the state, reflecting rivers and streams that swell during heavy rains and tropical system remnants. Tornado risk of 81.46 reflects springtime severe weather typical of the Piedmont region.

Prioritize flood protection and weather awareness

Orange County residents, especially those in flood-prone areas near streams and rivers, should obtain flood insurance if in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Maintain a severe weather kit, sign up for emergency alerts, and identify a safe interior room for tornado shelter.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Orange County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard Piedmont Subtropical Climate

Orange County's average of 59.8°F is several degrees warmer than the national median. It experiences the classic humid subtropical cycle of the American Southeast.

Representative of the North Carolina Average

Orange County sits almost exactly at the state average of 59.3°F. It serves as a climate benchmark for the central Piedmont region of the state.

Cooler and Snowier Than Eastern Nash

Orange County averages 2.8 inches of snow, much higher than Nash County’s 0.7 inches. It also records fewer extreme heat days than neighbors like Moore County.

Moderate Seasonal Swings and Winter Dustings

The county sees 41 days of 90-degree heat, which is lower than most coastal counties. Winters are cool but manageable, with a January average of 40.6°F and 2.8 inches of snow.

Plan for Diverse Seasonal Weather

Residents should keep snow shovels ready for the 2.8-inch annual average. The 41 days of extreme summer heat still require robust home air conditioning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Orange County

via SoilByCounty

Piedmont Soil with Moderate Acidity

Orange County features a pH of 5.35, which is slightly less acidic than the North Carolina state average. Though taxonomic classification data is not currently available, this pH level is roughly one point lower than the national median of 6.5. It represents a typical transition into the Piedmont's complex soil chemistry.

High Silt and Clay Balance

The county has a more balanced mix than coastal regions, with 48.5% sand, 32.9% silt, and 15.6% clay. This composition offers much better nutrient retention and structural stability than sandier soils. It may be slightly harder to work when wet, but it holds its shape well.

Exceptional Water Retention Properties

Available water capacity is high at 0.140 in/in, beating the state average of 0.134 in/in. Organic matter is lower at 1.24%, falling below the national average of 2.0%. While you may need to add compost, your plants will benefit from the soil's natural ability to hold onto moisture.

Stable and Retentive Hydrology

While drainage class data is N/A, the significant silt and clay percentages suggest moderate to slow drainage. This can lead to some runoff during heavy rains, requiring thoughtful landscaping to manage water flow. The soil provides a firm foundation for both agriculture and infrastructure.

Piedmont Planting in Zone 8a

Gardeners in Zone 8a can grow a wide range of vegetables and ornamentals, from tomatoes to hydrangeas. The soil is particularly good for species that require consistent moisture levels throughout the season. Start your garden today to take advantage of these water-retentive Piedmont soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Orange County

via LawnByCounty

Orange County Leads the State

Orange County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 47.8, making it much easier to maintain than the state average of 40.8. While still slightly behind the national median of 50.0, this Zone 8a county offers some of the best growing conditions in the region.

Ideal Rainfall for Steady Growth

The county receives 46.4 inches of rain annually, placing it firmly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy turf. With 41 extreme heat days, the climate is warm but slightly milder than the state average of 52 days in coastal areas.

Balanced Soil with Acidic Lean

A soil pH of 5.35 indicates a need for some lime to reach the preferred 6.0 range for optimal grass health. The soil texture is more balanced than coastal neighbors, consisting of 48.5% sand and 15.6% clay, which provides better moisture retention.

Navigating a Year of Drought

Orange County experienced 22 weeks in drought this past year and is currently 100.0% covered by Severe (D2+) drought conditions. Homeowners should focus on water conservation and avoid over-fertilizing during dry spells, which can further stress thirsty grass.

Transition Zone Success Strategies

Tall Fescue is a popular choice here, though heat-tolerant Bermuda also performs well in Zone 8a. The prime growing window opens after the March 31 last frost and continues until the first frost on November 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange County's county score?
Orange County, North Carolina has a composite county score of 49.6 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 North Carolina?
Orange County ranks #29 among all counties in North Carolina 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, North Carolina?
The median annual property tax in Orange County is $4,105, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Orange County a tax score of 41.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orange County?
The median household income in Orange County, North Carolina is $88,553 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orange County earns an income score of 91.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orange County, North Carolina a good place to live?
Orange County scores 49.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in North Carolina. 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.

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