CountyScore

Orange County

North Carolina · NC

#81 in North Carolina
64.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Orange County, North Carolina

Orange County outperforms but has affordability tension

Orange County's composite score of 63.3 still exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 27 percentage points, reflecting its strength as a research and education hub. However, this score is pulled down by housing costs ($428,500 median home value) that strain affordability despite higher incomes.

Below state average due to housing costs

At 63.3, Orange County ranks in the lower-middle tier compared to North Carolina's 72.7 state average, the lowest score among these eight counties. This gap stems primarily from the cost score of 59.8—the lowest here—driven by Chapel Hill's presence and the county's role as a college town.

High incomes fuel educated, prosperous communities

Orange County boasts the highest income score (41.2) and median household income ($88,553) among all eight counties, reflecting the economic pull of UNC and research institutions. A tax score of 75.3 provides reasonable tax efficiency for a prosperous region.

Housing affordability is the major friction point

The cost score of 59.8 is the weakest link, with median gross rent at $1,387/month and homes averaging $428,500—stretching even higher-income households. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environment limit the full livability assessment.

Suits affluent professionals and academics

Orange County is built for college-educated professionals, researchers, and tech workers whose high salaries can absorb steep housing costs. If you value intellectual culture, university amenities, and earning potential over affordability, this is your county.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.3Cost59.8SafetyComing SoonHealth81SchoolsComing SoonIncome41.2Risk20.9WaterComing Soon
🏛75.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡20.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Orange County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coconino County
Arizona
64.2
Median income: $69,748
Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region
Connecticut
64.2
Median income: $87,564
Saline County
Illinois
64.2
Median income: $54,945
Leavenworth County
Kansas
64.2
Median income: $86,906
Jefferson Parish
Louisiana
64.2
Median income: $65,246

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 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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