countyscore
52.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.5Disaster Risk 74.5Property Tax 73.3

County Report Card

About Orange County, Virginia

Orange County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Orange County secures a composite score of 52.9, comfortably exceeding the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher-than-average standard of living across most data categories.

A Strong Performer in the Commonwealth

The county's score of 52.9 beats the Virginia state average of 50.9. Orange County represents a competitive and prosperous segment of the Piedmont region.

High Incomes and Environmental Resilience

A standout Income Score of 93.5 is backed by a strong median household income of $94,175. Additionally, a Risk Score of 74.5 shows the county is well-protected against various natural hazards.

Cost of Living and Water Infrastructure

Prosperity comes at a price, as evidenced by a Cost Score of 14.2 and median home values of $337,300. The Water Score of 16.1 suggests that improvements in local water quality or utility access are necessary.

The Verdict: Prime for High-Earning Families

Orange County is a top-tier choice for established professionals and families seeking high income potential and safety. While housing is expensive, the economic stability and low environmental risk provide a solid foundation.

Score breakdown

Tax73.3Cost14.2Safety57.5Health58.1Schools58.7Income93.5Risk74.5Water16.1Weather63.5
🏛73.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡74.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Deep Dives

Orange County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Orange County

via CrimeByCounty

Orange County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Orange County earns an impressive 98.5 safety score, placing it well above the national baseline. Its total crime rate of 978.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Commonwealth

The county's total crime rate is nearly half the Virginia average of 1,728.8 per 100K. Four reporting agencies coordinate to maintain a safety score that exceeds the state average of 97.3.

Comparing Orange to Regional Neighbors

Orange County maintains a more secure environment than neighboring Page County, which has a higher crime rate of 1,427.2. Its consistent safety performance makes it a standout for the region.

Low Property Crime Drives Local Safety

The property crime rate of 721.4 per 100K is remarkably low compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime stands at 256.9, which slightly exceeds the Virginia state average of 229.7.

Vigilance Protects Your Orange County Home

High safety scores are best maintained through proactive community awareness and home security. Installing outdoor motion lighting and smart locks provides an effective deterrent against property theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Orange County

via SchoolsByCounty

Orange County's Expanding Schools

Orange County operates 11 public schools within a single district, supporting a substantial student body of 5,035. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school.

Academic Excellence and Efficiency

With a 93% graduation rate, Orange County exceeds the state average of 89% and the national average of 87%. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,120, showing a high return on educational investment.

Orange County Public Schools

The Orange County Public Schools district manages all 11 schools and 5,035 students. Despite the system's size, there are no charter schools, with all resources directed toward the traditional public school network.

A Blend of Rural and Town Locales

The district features a mix of 7 rural and 4 town schools, catering to various residential preferences. Orange County High is a major local hub with 1,476 students, dwarfing the county's average school size of 559.

Searching Near Orange County High

The high graduation rate and diverse locale options make Orange County a magnet for growing families. Homes in the Locust Grove area are particularly popular due to their proximity to well-regarded middle and elementary schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Orange County

via WeatherByCounty

A quintessential Virginia climate profile

Orange County averages 55.9°F annually, which aligns perfectly with the state average. It receives 44.4 inches of precipitation, making for a standard Mid-Atlantic environment.

The benchmark for Virginia weather

Matching the state average of 55.9°F exactly, Orange County represents the typical Virginia weather experience. It avoids the coastal heat and the mountain chill.

Colder than the southern Piedmont

Orange is notably cooler than Nottoway County, which averages 57.6°F. It also receives much more snow than its southern neighbors.

Real winters and hot summers

The county experiences 15.9 inches of snow annually, making it one of the snowier spots in this list. Summer features 28 days of extreme heat reaching at least 90°F.

Prepare for four distinct seasons

Residents need both snow shovels for the 15.9 inches of snow and efficient cooling for the 28 heat days. This climate requires a full range of seasonal clothing and home prep.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Orange County

via SoilByCounty

Orange County's Acidic Profile

The average pH here is 5.32, sitting just above the state average but far below the national median of 6.5. This moderately acidic soil is a hallmark of the central Virginia landscape.

Silty and Stable Soils

Orange County has a balanced mix of 41.2% silt and 39.4% sand. The 19.4% clay content is higher than many coastal counties, offering better nutrient retention and structural stability.

Excellent Moisture Retention

The available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.143. However, organic matter is low at 1.55%, suggesting that soil health could be improved with cover crops.

Reliable Water Storage

A high available water capacity means these soils are resilient during dry spells. The balanced silt and clay content helps prevent the rapid leaching of nutrients found in sandier regions.

Fruit and Vine Potential

The Zone 7a climate and silty soil are excellent for orchards and vineyards. Enrich your soil with organic material to create a robust foundation for a home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Orange County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Challenges in Zone 7a

Orange County scores 53.1 for lawn difficulty, placing it just behind the state average of 55.4. Homeowners in this 7a hardiness zone face slightly more obstacles than the national median of 50.0.

Average Rainfall with Regular Heat

Annual precipitation of 44.4 inches sits just below the state average, requiring supplemental watering during peak summer. The county averages 28 extreme heat days per year, matching the Virginia state average exactly.

Overcoming Low Soil pH

Orange County soil has a pH of 5.32, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 threshold for grass. With 19.4% clay content, the soil can compact easily, making aeration and lime treatments vital for a healthy lawn.

Enduring a Long Drought Cycle

Lawns here faced a challenging 34 weeks of drought over the past year. Since 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, keeping your mower deck high can help shade the soil and retain precious moisture.

Maximizing the Growing Season

The window between the April 17 last frost and October 30 first frost provides ample time for turf establishment. Tall fescue is a resilient choice for this zone, especially given the history of dry spells in the county.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Orange County's county score?
Orange County, Virginia has a composite county score of 52.9 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 Virginia?
Orange County ranks #66 among all counties in Virginia 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, Virginia?
The median annual property tax in Orange County is $2,048, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Orange County a tax score of 73.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Orange County?
The median household income in Orange County, Virginia is $94,175 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Orange County earns an income score of 93.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Orange County, Virginia a good place to live?
Orange County scores 52.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Virginia. 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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