CaliforniaPop. 138,266Mid-size cities
Is Orange a Good Place to Live? Orange, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Orange ranks #431 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #62 of 256 mid-size cities and #42 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($117,113, #33 of 256) and high graduation rates (93%, #28 of 205), and trails on expensive homes ($945,800, #239 of 256) and high rents ($2,327/mo, #237 of 256).
Orange by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Orange's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Orange?
Orange's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,327/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,125,988, 47% above the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Orange | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 113.6#1185 of 1,308 | 113 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $1,125,988#1136 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $3,116/mo#1047 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $945,800#1245 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,327/mo#1213 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 8.1x#1220 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 23.8%#872 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Orange housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Orange is in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Orange safe?
Orange recorded 196 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 373 and 55% below California's 440. That ranks #348 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #53 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Orange Police Department. Property crime runs 939 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Orange | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 196#348 of 1,083 | 440 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 939#188 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Orange?
The median household in Orange earns $117,113, 52% above the US figure of $76,827 and 27% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Orange | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $117,113#178 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.5%#455 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Orange?
The median resident of Orange is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #471 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Orange | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 39.7%#471 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 56.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Orange's schools and health?
Orange's 24 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.7 students per teacher and $14,945 spent per pupil. 25% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Orange | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93%#172 of 1,063 | 85% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 23.7#1124 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,945#594 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 25%#141 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 10.1%#669 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,492 students are enrolled in Orange's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Orange?
The average commute in Orange is 25.8 minutes (California 25.2); 1.1% of workers take transit and 17.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Orange scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 71.5°F and winters 57.9°F, with 11.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Orange | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 25.8 min#837 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.5%#776 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 67.8% | 68.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.1% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.6% | 2.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 17.7% | 13.6% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14.1#142 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 67 | 48.6 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 66.7 | 50.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 67.7 | 52.3 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 70.2 | 54.9 | 0.5 |
| May | 71.3 | 59.3 | 0.3 |
| Jun | 74.1 | 62.6 | 0 |
| Jul | 78.9 | 66.2 | 0 |
| Aug | 80.4 | 67.1 | 0 |
| Sep | 79.9 | 65 | 0.1 |
| Oct | 76.5 | 59.2 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 71.9 | 53.3 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 66.5 | 48.3 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Ana John Wayne Airport.
| Measure | Orange | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 64.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 71.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 57.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 11.2 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Santa Ana John Wayne Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Orange?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
| Measure | Orange | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 53#913 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 13#916 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.3%#1079 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Orange County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Orange County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 87% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.009% | 84% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0014% | 58% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Orange compare with similar-size cities?
Orange is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #62 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 138,266.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange, CAPop. 138,266 | #431 | 59.4 | $117,113 | $2,327/mo | 196 | 25.8 min |
| Columbia, SCPop. 139,643 | #977 | 50.4 | $55,529 | $1,204/mo | 791 | 17.7 min |
| Miramar, FLPop. 138,600 | #482 | 58.3 | $89,125 | $2,117/mo | 121 | 31.1 min |
| West Valley City, UTPop. 138,437 | #821 | 52.9 | $92,209 | $1,504/mo | 383 | 22.6 min |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #1032 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 | 24.9 min |
| Hampton, VAPop. 137,557 | #694 | 55.0 | $69,621 | $1,427/mo | 276 | 22.5 min |
| Elizabeth, NJPop. 137,302 | #858 | 52.3 | $66,555 | $1,523/mo | 345 | 26.7 min |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #383 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 | 18.6 min |
| Stamford, CTPop. 137,144 | #117 | 67.9 | $111,586 | $2,276/mo | 154 | 28.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Orange compare with the rest of California?
Orange ranks #42 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 27% above the California median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 47% above the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | … #38 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 |
| Alameda, CAPop. 77,238 | #39 | 59.9 | $137,697 | $2,474/mo | 348 |
| San Jose, CAPop. 990,138 | #40 | 59.7 | $146,427 | $2,669/mo | 505 |
| Novato, CAPop. 52,546 | #41 | 59.6 | $115,736 | $2,506/mo | 211 |
| Orange, CAPop. 138,266 | #42 | 59.4 | $117,113 | $2,327/mo | 196 |
| Walnut Creek, CAPop. 70,088 | #43 | 59.1 | $130,432 | $2,680/mo | 217 |
| Fountain Valley, CAPop. 56,258 | #44 | 59.0 | $115,237 | $2,631/mo | 176 |
| Milpitas, CAPop. 78,578 | #45 | 58.6 | $178,798 | $3,120/mo | 237 |
| Costa Mesa, CAPop. 110,330 | #46 | 58.2 | $111,505 | $2,446/mo | 543 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Orange among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Orange's score calculated?
Orange scores 59.4 out of 100, #431 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Orange. Similar-size median 52.9.
70.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Orange's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
87.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Orange. Similar-size median 53.8.
68.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Orange's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
48.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Orange's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
23.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Orange. Similar-size median 51.2.
73.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Orange. Similar-size median 42.1.
40.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Orange. Similar-size median 50.1.
54.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Orange's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
23.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Orange's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Orange has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Orange
Is Orange, CA a good place to live?
Orange ranks #431 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #62 of 256 mid-size cities and #42 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($117,113, #33 of 256) and high graduation rates (93%, #28 of 205), and trails on expensive homes ($945,800, #239 of 256) and high rents ($2,327/mo, #237 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Orange?
Orange's cost of living index is 113.6, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1185 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,327/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $1,125,988, 47% above the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Orange?
Orange recorded 196 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 373 and 55% below California's 440. That ranks #348 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #53 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Orange Police Department. Property crime runs 939 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Orange?
The median household in Orange earns $117,113, 52% above the US figure of $76,827 and 27% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Orange?
Median rent in Orange is $2,327/mo (Census), #1213 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,116/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Orange?
Zillow's typical home value in Orange is $1,125,988, up 2.6% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $945,800.
How are the public schools in Orange?
Orange's 24 public schools graduate 93% of students in four years (California 85%), with 23.7 students per teacher and $14,945 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Orange?
The average commute is 25.8 minutes, #837 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 6.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Orange?
Orange averages 64.9°F over the year, 71.5°F in summer and 57.9°F in winter, with 11.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Orange walkable?
Orange scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Orange at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, inland flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.3% of building value, higher than 88% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Orange?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 53, and 38% of measured days were rated good; 13 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Orange?
Orange has 138,266 residents. The median resident of Orange is 37.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #471 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Orange compare with the rest of California?
Orange ranks #42 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 59.4 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 27% above the California median. Violent crime is 55% below the statewide rate. Homes are 47% above the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Orange?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Orange's population of 138,266 are Columbia, SC (#977 overall), Miramar, FL (#482 overall), West Valley City, UT (#821 overall), Warren, MI (#1032 overall), and Hampton, VA (#694 overall). Orange is #431.