countyscore
42.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.5Health 88.3Schools 68.3

County Report Card

About Orange County, New York

High Incomes Offset by National Ranking

Orange County scores 42.1, trailing the national median of 50.0. While wealth is high here, the high cost of living and tax burden suppress its overall national percentile ranking.

Competitive Standing Within New York State

The county’s 42.1 score is slightly below the New York state average of 47.0. It serves as a prosperous bridge between the Hudson Valley and the New York City metro area.

Wealthy Residents and Excellent Health

Orange County dominates with an income score of 94.5 and a median household income of $96,497. Its health score of 88.3 reflects a population with great access to wellness and medical care.

Severe Housing and Tax Costs

A cost score of 3.4 highlights extreme housing pressure, with median home values reaching $361,100 and rents at $1,602. The tax score of 1.2 reflects a heavy fiscal burden on local property owners.

Ideal for High-Earning Commuters

Orange County is a great fit for established professionals who prioritize high incomes and safety. Residents must be prepared for a $1,602 median rent and a 2.344% effective tax rate.

204060801001.23.452.188.368.394.59.419.754.7Tax1.2Cost3.4Safety52.1Health88.3Schools68.3Income94.5Risk9.4Water19.7Weather54.742.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Orange County DNA

Foverall

How Orange County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Orange County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (1.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
1.2-50.8
Cost
3.4-44.6
Safety
52.1
Health
88.3+38.3
Schools
68.3+14.299999999999997
Income
94.5+43.5
Risk
9.4-37.6
Water
19.7-38.3
Weather
54.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$361,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,602/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$361,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$64,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $96,497/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Rockland County
New York
42.6
Passaic County
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28.9
Putnam County
New York
55.2
Sussex County
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53.5
Sullivan County
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Pike County
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Ulster County
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Westchester County
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Deep Dives

Orange County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Orange County

via CrimeByCounty

Orange County Significantly Safer Than Average

With a safety score of 98.3, Orange County is a secure community by national standards. Its total crime rate of 1072.9 per 100K is a stark contrast to the national rate of 2,385.5.

Consistent with New York's Safety Profile

The county's safety score of 98.3 aligns exactly with the New York state average. This indicates that Orange County residents enjoy a level of security typical for the state.

Regional Comparison Shows Low Crime Rates

Orange County's crime rate of 1072.9 is nearly identical to Ontario's 1060.7. However, it is significantly higher than its ultra-safe neighbor to the south, Putnam County, which sees only 294.0.

Property Crimes Outnumber Violent Incidents

Property crime sits at 919.9 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 153.0. These figures mean a resident is far less likely to experience a crime here than in most other US counties.

Simple Steps for Orange County Safety

Protect your property by installing smart lighting and keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles. These small adjustments go a long way in a county where property crime is the primary concern.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Orange County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Growing Education Infrastructure

Orange County manages 82 public schools serving a large population of 57,686 students across 19 districts. The system is heavily weighted toward early education, featuring 48 elementary schools alongside 16 middle and 16 high schools. This robust network supports a fast-growing region of the Hudson Valley.

Superior Spending and High Achievement

Orange County boasts an impressive school score of 73.1, well above the state average of 67.7. This achievement is backed by high investment, with per-pupil expenditure reaching $16,681—far exceeding both state and national averages. The graduation rate remains strong at 87.5%, beating the national benchmark.

Spotlight on Newburgh and Monroe-Woodbury

Newburgh City School District is the county's largest, educating 10,895 students across 12 schools. Monroe-Woodbury Central follows with 6,483 students and includes some of the area's highest-capacity facilities. No charter schools exist in the county, meaning traditional public districts manage 100% of the public enrollment.

Large Campuses in a Diverse Locale

Orange County schools are among the largest in the region, with an average enrollment of 703 students per school. Newburgh Free Academy is a massive hub with 3,433 students, the largest in the area. The school locales are evenly split between rural and suburban settings, offering families a choice of environments.

Hudson Valley Homes Near Great Districts

With per-pupil spending nearly $4,000 above the national average, Orange County is a prime destination for educational investment. Families often flock to districts like Monroe-Woodbury or Cornwall for their reputation and high school scores. As you explore the Hudson Valley, consider how these well-funded districts add value to local real estate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Orange County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Compliance Deficit in Orange County

Orange County carries an F grade with 444 health violations, one of the highest counts in the region. The violation rate of 134.2 per 100,000 people far exceeds the New York state average of 81.8. Frequent health-based violations indicate serious ongoing issues with local water infrastructure.

Watershed Health Data Currently Missing

There is currently no ATTAINS data available for Orange County water bodies in the federal reporting system. Because these water bodies have not been assessed under Clean Water Act §303(d), official impairment causes remain unknown. This lack of data prevents a full accounting of watershed health.

Orange County Monitors PFAS Risks

Testing in Orange County includes 1,178 measurements from 13 sites, with a specific focus on PFAS and perfluorinated alkyl substances. This targeted monitoring is critical for identifying modern industrial contaminants in the water supply. Physical characteristics and other organic groups round out the county’s testing profile.

Wallkill River Hits Critical Low Flow

The Wallkill River at Phillipsburg is flowing at just 239 cfs, only 32% of its typical long-term mean. This significant deficit suggests drought conditions or reduced recharge in the 429 square mile drainage area. Low flow can lead to higher concentrations of pollutants and warmer water temperatures.

Filter for PFAS and Monitor Supply

With 444 violations and low streamflow, Orange County residents face a dual risk of infrastructure failure and concentrated pollutants. The presence of PFAS in monitoring records makes specialized carbon or reverse osmosis filtration a vital precaution. Low flows in the Wallkill River mean source water may be more susceptible to contamination spikes.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Orange County

via WeatherByCounty

Approaching National Median Temperatures

Orange County’s 50.0°F average annual temperature is one of the closest in the state to the national median. This results in a climate that feels less extreme than the Adirondacks or North Country.

Warmer Than Most New York Counties

The county sits 2.6 degrees above the state average of 47.4°F. It occupies a warmer tier of New York geography, benefiting from its southern position in the Hudson Valley.

Warmer and Rainier Than Inland Neighbors

Orange County is significantly warmer than Otsego, which averages only 44.2°F. It also receives 45.9 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than the Finger Lakes region.

Hotter Summers and Lighter Snow

Residents face 13 days of extreme heat per year, the highest among these upstate and mid-state counties. Winter brings a modest 40.8 inches of snow and a relatively mild 26.2°F January average.

Focus on Cooling and Rain Gear

Effective air conditioning is a priority here given the 72.9°F July average and frequent 90°F days. Waterproof boots and gear are also essential for the 45.9 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Orange County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic, Rich Black Dirt Legacy

Orange County features an average pH of 4.68, significantly more acidic than the state average of 5.11. Despite this acidity, it maintains a soil score of 54.6. This unique chemical profile is characteristic of the region's famous 'black dirt' pockets.

A Silty Foundation for Farming

The soil contains 38.4% silt and 33.1% sand, which creates a fine-grained, easy-to-work surface. A relatively low clay content of 11.4% ensures the ground does not become excessively sticky when wet. This allows for early-season planting as the soil warms up quickly.

Surplus Organic Matter and Moisture

The county boasts an organic matter content of 19.18%, beating the state average of 17.01%. This high organic load drives an available water capacity of 0.187 in/in, which is better than the typical New York profile. It is a high-potential environment for crops that crave organic-rich foundations.

Managing High Water Retention

The mix of high organic matter and silt means this soil holds onto moisture with great efficiency. While specific hydrologic groups are not recorded, the high available water capacity suggests that drainage management is key. Strategic drainage is often used in this region to unlock the full potential of these moist soils.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 6b

Orange County's 6b climate is famous for onions, celery, and lettuce that thrive in high-organic soils. The acidity is a perfect match for blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs. With such rich ground at your feet, it is the perfect place to start a backyard produce patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Orange County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Lawn Challenges in Orange County

Orange County presents a challenging environment with a lawn difficulty score of 48.5, falling below both the state and national averages. This zone 6b county requires more intensive management than most of New York. Success requires a proactive approach to soil health and water management.

High Heat and Significant Growth Potential

The county experiences 13 extreme heat days per year, nearly double the state average of 7 days. With 2,871 growing degree days and 45.9 inches of annual precipitation, grass grows rapidly but faces significant heat stress in July. Lawns here need heat-tolerant varieties to survive the mid-summer peaks.

Addressing High Soil Acidity

The soil pH in Orange County is very low at 4.68, which is far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil is composed of 33.1% sand and 11.4% clay, often leading to nutrient leaching in acidic conditions. Significant lime applications are a must to bring the pH up to a level that supports healthy grass.

Managing Severe Drought Conditions

Orange County is currently under significant stress, with 100% of the area abnormally dry and 24.5% in severe drought. The county has spent 33 weeks in drought over the past year, necessitating strict water conservation practices. Focus on drought-resistant turf and use mulch-mowing to retain whatever moisture is available.

Tough Grasses for Orange County

Tall Fescue is the best choice here due to its deep root system and heat tolerance. You can start planting once the spring frost risk passes on April 29. While the season is long, be ready to protect new grass from the first frost around October 11.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange County's county score?
Orange County, New York has a composite county score of 42.1 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 New York?
Orange County ranks #47 among all counties in New York 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, New York?
The median annual property tax in Orange County is $8,463, with an effective tax rate of 2.34%. This earns Orange County a tax score of 1.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orange County?
The median household income in Orange County, New York is $96,497 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orange County earns an income score of 94.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orange County, New York a good place to live?
Orange County scores 42.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in New York. 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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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