CountyScore

Orange County

Texas · TX

#167 in Texas
61
County Score

County Report Card

About Orange County, Texas

Orange tops national livability benchmark

Orange County achieves a composite score of 67.2, surpassing the national median of 50.0 by over 34%, placing it in the upper quartile nationally. This ranking reflects strong performance in tax efficiency and cost management.

Slightly above Texas state average

At 67.2, Orange ranks just above Texas's state average of 66.8, securing a position in the state's better-performing counties. The county represents above-average livability within the Texas landscape.

Tax leadership and solid income balance

Orange boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this cohort at 1.246% (score 67.2) and offers a respectable median household income of $73,372. Housing remains moderately affordable with rent at $1,018 and homes valued around $163,400.

Income growth potential could be higher

The income score of 31.3 suggests room for wage growth compared to higher-earning peer counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors are not yet available for a complete livability picture.

Great for tax-conscious middle-class families

Orange County appeals to families and workers seeking tax relief, moderate incomes, and balanced housing costs. This county works best for those who value tax efficiency as a primary livability factor alongside reasonable affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax67.2Cost76.2SafetyComing SoonHealth60SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.3Risk14.1WaterComing Soon
🏛67.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤60
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡14.1
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 →

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Whiteside County
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Johnson County
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Median income: $74,721

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's taxes stay competitive

Orange County's 1.246% effective rate generates a median annual tax of $2,036, well below the national median of $2,690. This ranks the Southeast Texas county in the bottom 30% nationally for property tax burden.

Among Texas's lowest-tax counties

At 1.246%, Orange County's effective rate sits below the Texas state average of 1.276%, making it one of the state's more affordable counties for property owners. The $2,036 median tax edges below the state median of $2,193.

Competitive with regional benchmarks

Orange County's 1.246% rate edges below Palo Pinto County (1.283%) and other regional peers, positioning it as one of Southeast Texas's most tax-efficient options. The $2,036 median tax reflects the area's moderate property values.

Typical Orange County tax bill

A homeowner with the median property value of $163,400 pays approximately $2,036 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related fees, that bill rises to $2,720.

Don't assume your appraisal is fair

Even in lower-tax counties, individual properties are sometimes over-appraised relative to market value, costing owners hundreds in avoidable taxes. Orange County residents should review their appraisal annually and file an appeal with the county if they believe their home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orange County

via CostByCounty

Orange beats national renter burden

Orange County renters spend just 16.6% of income on housing, one of the best rates compared to the national median. This southeast Texas county offers solid affordability while maintaining an income level ($73,372) nearly matching the national average.

More affordable than Texas norm

At 16.6%, Orange County's rent-to-income ratio outperforms Texas's 18.1% average and ranks among the state's better-afforded counties. Median rent of $1,018 is only 5.7% above the Texas median, a minimal gap.

Sweet spot for Gulf Coast living

Orange's $1,018 rent is $206 cheaper than Nueces County (22.3% burden) and offers excellent income-to-cost balance relative to nearby counties. The 16.6% rent ratio makes it one of the most balanced Southeast Texas markets.

Housing takes ~17% of gross income

Orange County's median household income of $73,372 means renters pay roughly $12,216 yearly in rent—a manageable 16.6% of income. Homeowners spend $900 monthly, or about 14.8% of gross income, indicating strong affordability across both markets.

Strategic relocation from costlier areas

If you're paying more than 18% of income on housing, Orange County offers proven affordability near the Gulf Coast. The county's balanced income-to-cost ratio makes it ideal for workers relocating within Southeast Texas who want to lower their housing burden.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orange County

via IncomeByCounty

Orange County approaches national median income

Orange County's median household income of $73,372 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by just $1,383, placing it nearly at national parity. The county's petrochemical, manufacturing, and port-based economy generates middle-to-upper-class earning opportunities.

Above average for Texas households

Orange County exceeds the Texas state median of $64,737 by $8,635, ranking in the upper half of state counties. This performance reflects the county's diversified industrial base and strategic location.

Strongest earnings in its group

Orange County's $73,372 median surpasses Nueces ($66,021), Panola ($62,593), and Palo Pinto ($64,972), though trails Oldham County ($76,402) and Parker County ($102,099). The county's petrochemical corridor supports higher wages than many neighboring regions.

Excellent housing affordability

Orange County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% ranks among the lowest, meaning housing costs consume under 17% of household income. This affordability creates strong financial cushion for emergency savings and discretionary spending.

Invest the savings advantage

Orange County's combination of above-average income and low housing costs creates ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building—maximize 401(k) contributions and explore individual investment accounts. The county's stable industrial sector offers strong employer benefits; leverage them fully.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Orange County

via HealthByCounty

Orange's life expectancy raises serious concerns

Orange County residents live just 71.9 years on average—nearly 7 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. This is the lowest life expectancy among the eight counties, despite having a relatively low poor/fair health rate of 19.9%.

Orange ranks critically low in Texas

At 71.9 years, Orange County's life expectancy is 2.4 years below Texas's 74.3-year average—a significant gap that reflects cumulative health and healthcare access challenges. The county faces the steepest health mountain to climb in this group.

Severe shortage of primary care doctors

Orange County has only 17 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest of any county examined here and well below the adequate standard. Mental health providers are equally scarce at 37 per 100K, hampering both physical and behavioral health support.

Lowest uninsured rate masks access crisis

Orange's 14.6% uninsured rate is the best in this group, but severe provider shortages mean even insured residents struggle to find and access care. Long waits, travel distances, and limited appointments create barriers that insurance alone cannot solve.

Verify your coverage and access options

If you're among Orange's uninsured, coverage is critical—visit healthcare.gov immediately. Even with insurance, call ahead to confirm appointments and provider availability before travel, as local care options remain limited.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orange County

via RiskByCounty

Orange County faces significantly elevated risk

With a composite risk score of 85.91 and a Relatively Moderate rating, Orange County's disaster exposure is 75% above the Texas state average of 49.00. This coastal county ranks among the highest-risk areas in the nation, driven primarily by hurricane and tropical storm exposure.

Among Texas's most vulnerable counties

Orange County ranks in the upper-risk tier statewide, with hazard profiles that mirror those of other Gulf Coast communities. Its position on the Texas coast makes it a hurricane and flood hotspot, affecting property values, insurance costs, and disaster preparedness priorities.

Riskier than most inland neighbors

Orange County (85.91) sits well above Palo Pinto (55.22) and Panola (55.44) but slightly below Nueces County (96.63) and Parker County (81.11). As one of the state's coastal counties, Orange faces uniquely intense hurricane and flood threats that inland neighbors avoid.

Hurricane and wildfire create dual threat

Hurricane risk reaches 95.20 in Orange County, while wildfire risk stands at 89.44—both extremely elevated for this coastal region. Tornado (89.22) and flood (80.20) risks are also dangerously high, creating a multi-hazard environment where most disaster types pose genuine threats.

Hurricane and flood insurance are mandatory

Standard homeowners insurance excludes hurricane and flood damage—these require separate policies to protect your family and assets. Orange County residents should immediately secure hurricane coverage with appropriate wind deductibles and enroll in the National Flood Insurance Program, as both threats recur annually in this exposed coastal zone.

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.