CountyScore

Orange County

New York · NY

#61 in New York
49.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Orange County, New York

Orange lags national livability standards

Orange County's composite score of 42.7 falls notably below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the lower third of U.S. counties. This indicates livability challenges relative to the nation as a whole.

Below average among New York peers

At 42.7, Orange County significantly underperforms New York's state average of 54.7, ranking among the state's weaker performers on composite livability. A 12-point gap signals material disadvantages compared to other New York counties.

High income potential stands out

The Income Score of 46.4 reflects a median household income of $96,497—the highest in this county set and considerably above state and national norms. This income strength is Orange's primary livability asset.

Housing costs severely constrain affordability

The Cost Score of 46.5, driven by a median home value of $361,100 and rent at $1,602 monthly, reveals sharp affordability stress that negates income gains. The Tax Score of 36.4 adds further burden, making overall livability difficult despite high earnings.

Only for high earners with flexibility

Orange County suits high-income professionals and executives who can absorb $361,000+ home prices and can afford $1,600+ monthly rents. For others, the cost-to-income mismatch severely compromises livability despite the county's proximity to economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

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

Tax36.4Cost46.5SafetyComing SoonHealth79.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome46.4Risk9.4WaterComing Soon
🏛36.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠46.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡9.4
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

Atlantic County
New Jersey
49
Median income: $76,819
Rockland County
New York
49.3
Median income: $110,631
Cumberland County
New Jersey
48.9
Median income: $64,499
Kendall County
Illinois
49.6
Median income: $110,474
Salem County
New Jersey
48.6
Median income: $78,412

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 homeowners face steep national taxes

Orange County's effective tax rate of 2.344% exceeds the national median of 2.690%, pushing it into the higher bracket nationally. With a median home value of $361,100—the highest among comparable counties—the typical resident pays $8,463 annually, substantially above the national median tax of $2,690.

Orange ranks high on New York's tax scale

At 2.344%, Orange County's rate surpasses the state average of 2.046%, ranking it among the pricier counties for homeowners in New York. The median tax of $8,463 significantly exceeds the state median of $4,709, driven largely by Orange's higher property valuations.

Orange County taxes reflect Hudson Valley values

Orange's 2.344% rate sits below Putnam County's 2.232% when considering effective rates, yet Orange's actual tax bills run $8,463 versus Putnam's $10,001, reflecting Putnam's even steeper valuations. Orange carries substantially higher burdens than upstate counties like Oneida or Oswego.

What the typical Orange County homeowner pays

The median Orange County home is worth $361,100, and at the county's 2.344% effective rate, that translates to an annual tax bill of approximately $8,463. Homeowners with mortgages pay $8,904, while those without pay $7,379.

Large tax bills make appeals worth pursuing

When annual taxes exceed $8,000, even small assessment errors represent hundreds in unnecessary payments. Orange County homeowners should seriously consider contacting their local assessor about appealing their assessment—it's free, and the potential savings can be substantial.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orange County

via CostByCounty

Orange County's rent crunch strains budgets

Orange County residents spend 19.9% of their income on rent—significantly above the national affordability threshold and the highest ratio among New York counties examined here. Despite median household income of $96,497, the county's median rent of $1,602 consumes nearly a fifth of take-home pay.

New York's priciest housing burden by far

Orange County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds the state average of 17.6%, marking it as New York's least affordable major housing market. The median rent of $1,602 runs $469 higher than the state average, reflecting the county's proximity to New York City's housing pressures.

Orange stands out as the region's costliest

Orange County's $1,602 rent dwarfs neighboring Oneida ($917) and Oswego ($943), while even Putnam County's $1,824 only edges it out slightly. The 19.9% rent-to-income ratio—highest in the comparison group—signals that Orange demands more household sacrifice than any peer county.

High income masks tight housing squeeze

Orange households earn $96,497 annually, well above state medians, yet still dedicate 19.9% to rent and owner costs averaging $2,128. This is the rare case where above-average income fails to solve the affordability puzzle, signaling fundamental supply constraints rather than income shortfalls.

Orange County demands serious financial prep

Relocating to Orange County requires household incomes of $95,000+ to maintain reasonable housing ratios—and even then, you'll spend nearly 20% on rent. If affordability matters in your relocation decision, compare Orange's 19.9% burden to neighboring counties like Oneida (16.0%) or Oswego (16.5%) for substantial savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orange County

via IncomeByCounty

Orange earns well above national average

Orange County's median household income of $96,497 tops the national median of $74,755 by $21,742—a commanding 29% advantage. This exceptional performance places Orange among America's higher-earning counties.

Among New York's top earners

Orange exceeds the state median of $76,433 by $20,064, securing a strong position within New York's income hierarchy. The per capita income of $42,019 modestly trails the state average of $41,133, indicating wealth concentrations among households.

A regional income powerhouse

Orange significantly outearns Ontario ($79,814), Onondaga ($74,740), and Oneida ($68,819), but trails Putnam's exceptional $127,405. The county anchors the middle-upper income tier of its region.

Housing consumes premium income

Orange's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among these counties, reflecting a $361,100 median home value that demands strong earnings. Even with high incomes, residents commit nearly one-fifth of earnings to housing costs.

Manage wealth strategically at scale

Orange households earn significantly above-average incomes but face elevated property costs requiring careful financial planning. Consult with a tax strategist and investment advisor to optimize wealth preservation and estate planning for your income level.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Orange County

via HealthByCounty

Orange exceeds national longevity

At 78.8 years, Orange County's life expectancy sits nearly a full year above the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 14.2% poor or fair health rate slightly exceeds the national 13.4%, indicating room for health improvement.

Healthy above state baseline

Orange County's 78.8-year life expectancy surpasses New York State's 77.9-year average by 0.9 years. However, its 5.5% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state's 5.3%, suggesting some residents still lack coverage.

Strong performer among peers

Orange's 78.8-year life expectancy beats Oneida (76.3) and Oswego (76.2) significantly but trails Ontario (79.8) by a year. With 67 primary care providers per 100,000, Orange offers moderate access, though mental health services at 282 per 100,000 remain solid.

Coverage gaps persist despite strength

Orange County's 5.5% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 18 residents lacks health insurance—slightly higher than the state average. With 67 primary care providers per 100,000, primary care access is adequate but not abundant.

Don't delay on health coverage

If you're among Orange County's 5.5% uninsured, financial barriers and enrollment confusion don't have to hold you back. NY State of Health and community health navigators can help you find affordable coverage in minutes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orange County

via RiskByCounty

Orange County: High Risk by National Standards

Orange County scores 90.59 on composite disaster risk, positioning it in the upper tier of American counties by hazard exposure and earning a relatively moderate risk rating. This score reflects broad and serious exposure across multiple disaster types, with particularly acute threats from flooding, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Orange residents face a substantial and varied natural disaster threat profile compared to the nation.

Orange: Third-Highest Risk in New York

Orange County ranks among New York's highest-risk counties with a composite score of 90.59 compared to the state average of 69.42. This places Orange in the top tier of risk exposure statewide, exceeded only by a handful of peers. New Yorkers in Orange County face disaster threats that exceed typical state risk levels by a significant margin.

Orange Leads Hudson Valley Risk Profile

Orange County (90.59) has substantially higher composite risk than Putnam County (39.82), its primary neighbor to the east, despite some shared geographical characteristics. This difference reflects Orange's greater exposure to flooding, earthquake activity, and hurricane hazards. Orange residents confront significantly more serious disaster risks than their counterparts across the Hudson Valley.

Hurricane, Flood, and Earthquake Threats Peak Here

Orange County faces exceptional hurricane risk (90.82), exceptional flood exposure (93.42), and significant earthquake hazard (87.34), making it uniquely vulnerable to multiple major disasters. Hurricanes and tropical storms pose seasonal but potentially catastrophic threats, while flooding affects the county year-round. These three hazard types create a complex and serious risk landscape requiring comprehensive preparation.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Coverage is Critical

Orange County residents must secure flood insurance separately (given the 93.42 flood risk) and verify strong wind and hurricane coverage in homeowners policies. Earthquake insurance should also be evaluated given Orange's 87.34 earthquake risk score. Work with an insurance professional to ensure you're protected against all three major threats to your property.

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.