CountyScore

Orange County

Virginia · VA

#71 in Virginia
70.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Orange County, Virginia

Orange exceeds national benchmarks

Orange County's composite score of 70.4 is 41% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it well into the upper half of U.S. counties. This above-average performance reflects strong fundamentals across multiple livability dimensions.

Right at Virginia's state average

With a composite score of 70.4, Orange County essentially matches Virginia's state average of 70.3, placing it in the middle-to-upper band of the commonwealth's counties. It represents a balanced, mainstream livability option within the state.

Strong incomes, reasonable tax burden

Orange County leads with a standout Income Score of 44.9, supported by a median household income of $94,175—well above state and national medians. Its Tax Score of 85.2 and effective tax rate of 0.607% also demonstrate fiscal restraint.

Housing costs rising, data gaps remain

Orange County's Cost Score of 65.7 reflects its higher real estate market, with median home values reaching $337,300 and gross rent at $1,145/month—significantly above county averages. Safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality metrics are not yet available.

Perfect for affluent professionals seeking balance

Orange County suits higher-income households and professionals seeking strong earnings potential balanced with reasonable taxes and stable community conditions. Its median income of $94,175 and moderate tax burden appeal to those who can afford higher housing costs in exchange for quality-of-life stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.2Cost65.7SafetyComing SoonHealth71.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome44.9Risk74.5WaterComing Soon
🏛85.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡74.5
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

Elmore County
Alabama
70.9
Median income: $75,553
Randolph County
Arkansas
70.9
Median income: $52,838
Wilcox County
Georgia
70.9
Median income: $48,036
Putnam County
Illinois
70.9
Median income: $77,526
Greene County
Iowa
70.9
Median income: $59,159

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 align with national levels

Orange County's effective tax rate of 0.607% sits slightly below the national median, but its median property tax of $2,048 closely mirrors the national median of $2,690. This reflects Orange County's higher median home values of $337,300, placing it above the national average.

Moderate burden compared to Virginia counties

Orange's 0.607% rate falls slightly below Virginia's 0.671% state average, yet its median tax of $2,048 exceeds the statewide median of $1,960. This paradox reflects Orange's status as a more affluent county with significantly higher property values.

Higher taxes than surrounding counties

Orange County's $2,048 median tax substantially exceeds Page County's $1,489 and Pittsylvania County's $907, reflecting its premium real estate market. Its 0.607% rate also runs higher than Patrick County's 0.581%, making Orange one of the region's pricier tax environments.

Expect over $2,000 in annual property taxes

On Orange's median home value of $337,300, the 0.607% effective rate yields approximately $2,048 in annual property taxes. Mortgage holders may see this figure remain stable at around $2,069 when including additional assessments.

High-value homes warrant assessment review

In a market like Orange where properties command premium prices, accurate assessments are critical—overassessments directly impact larger dollar amounts. If your home's assessed value seems out of step with recent sales of similar properties, an appeal could justify the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Orange County

via CostByCounty

Orange County's high incomes ease housing costs

Orange County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% ranks among the nation's most affordable, reflecting a median household income of $94,175 that exceeds the national median by 26%. The county's $1,145 monthly rent consumes a smaller share of income here than in most American communities.

Orange County leads Virginia affordability

At 14.6%, Orange County's rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Virginia's state average of 18.6%, making it one of the state's most affordable counties despite higher absolute rents. The county's strong median income of $94,175 drives this advantage, enabling residents to absorb housing costs with ease.

Orange County commands premium pricing

Orange County's $1,145 rent sits at the higher end of the comparison group, reflecting its affluent demographics and proximity to Northern Virginia wealth. However, the county's $94,175 median income—far above state and regional peers—makes these costs proportionally affordable.

Wealth translates to housing comfort

Renters spend $1,145 monthly while homeowners commit $1,437 to mortgage payments, yet both remain manageable on Orange County's $94,175 median income. At roughly 14.6% of income for rent and 18% for homeownership, Orange residents enjoy considerable housing security.

Orange County for affluent relocators

If you're relocating with a six-figure income, Orange County offers the best affordability ratio in this Virginia cluster, with median home values around $337,000. The county's strong income base means housing costs feel light even at higher absolute prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Orange County

via IncomeByCounty

Orange County outpaces nation on income

Orange County's median household income of $94,175 substantially exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $19,420, placing it comfortably in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This $94,175 figure represents prosperity well above typical American households.

Virginia's wealthiest county communities

At $94,175, Orange County's median household income exceeds Virginia's state average of $74,957 by 26%, ranking it among the state's most affluent jurisdictions. Its per capita income of $45,021 also surpasses the state average of $39,155 by 15%.

Clear leader in the region

Orange County's $94,175 income substantially outpaces peer counties—it's $32,000 ahead of Nottoway ($62,161) and nearly double Norton's $38,497. Only Poquoson city ($120,919) surpasses Orange among Virginia's wealthier communities.

Prosperity with room to spare

Orange County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio is among Virginia's lowest, with a median home value of $337,300 comfortably within reach for most households. This strong income-to-housing ratio leaves substantial flexibility for discretionary spending and wealth accumulation.

Leverage your income advantage

Orange County's high median income creates an ideal environment for aggressive wealth-building through diversified investments, retirement contributions, and real estate. Consider working with a financial advisor to optimize tax strategies and build a portfolio aligned with your long-term goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Orange County

via HealthByCounty

Orange outperforms on national stage

At 75.2 years, Orange's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, positioning it well above most Virginia peers. Just 17.5% of residents report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among the eight counties profiled and well below the national average of ~13%. This strong performance suggests effective disease prevention and healthcare management.

Healthiest county in this group

Orange ranks at the top of Virginia with a life expectancy of 75.2 years, matching the state average of 75.1 years almost exactly. Its 17.5% poor/fair health rate ranks in the state's best quartile. Orange demonstrates that rural Virginia can achieve strong health outcomes with adequate resources and prevention focus.

Health leader in Piedmont region

Orange's 75.2-year life expectancy exceeds Nottoway (72.6) by 2.6 years and Patrick (72.2) by 3.0 years in nearby counties. Its 17.5% poor/fair health rate is notably lower than Patrick's 19.9% and Nottoway's 23.9%, suggesting more effective chronic disease management. Orange's relative success offers a model for neighboring regions.

Balanced coverage and access

Orange's 7.9% uninsured rate matches Virginia's state average, indicating solid insurance penetration across the community. The county offers 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 78 mental health providers per 100,000—modest but adequate for a rural area. Residents have reasonable pathways to preventive and mental health care that likely support the county's strong life expectancy.

Maintain coverage for long-term health

Orange's strong health outcomes stem partly from its 7.9% uninsured rate matching the state average, showing residents value coverage. To stay healthy and maintain this advantage, visit healthcare.gov or contact the Virginia Department of Social Services to ensure your plan stays active year-round. Consistent insurance access is key to continuing Orange's upward trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Orange County

via RiskByCounty

Orange County sits below national risk baseline

Orange County's composite risk score of 25.57 places it in the very low risk category, trailing the national average and reflecting a relatively protected environment. This score suggests the county experiences lower-than-typical natural disaster pressure compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

Lower risk than Virginia statewide

At 25.57, Orange County scores about 23% below Virginia's state average of 33.27, ranking it among the safer Virginia communities. The county's below-average positioning reflects a more favorable geographic exposure relative to higher-risk regions of the state.

Safer than Page, similar to Albemarle County

Orange County's score of 25.57 is notably lower than Page County's elevated score of 37.88, with flooding being the key differentiator. The county aligns with nearby Piedmont and Blue Ridge communities in moderate risk exposure, particularly for flood and wildfire events.

Flooding and wildfire top the hazard list

Flood risk (35.62) and wildfire risk (30.63) are Orange County's most pressing natural hazard concerns, reflecting the county's proximity to water systems and forested areas. Tornado risk (25.38) and earthquake risk (61.93) follow, with hurricane threats remaining relatively distant.

Assess flood risk based on property location

Orange County residents should determine whether their homes sit in FEMA flood zones and secure appropriate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program if needed. Standard homeowners coverage combined with location-specific flood protection provides comprehensive safeguards for most properties.

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.