FloridaPop. 319,758Big cities
Is Orlando a Good Place to Live? Orlando, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Orlando ranks #789 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #26 of 53 big cities and #33 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.5%, #11 of 53) and high graduation rates (90%, #10 of 47), and trails on long commutes (26.2 min, #40 of 53).
Orlando by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Orlando's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Orlando: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Orlando safe?
What is the cost of living in Orlando?
Orlando's cost of living index is 101.4, 1% above the US level of 100 and #757 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,747/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $371,120, 1% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Orlando | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 101.4#757 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $371,120#563 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,896/mo#652 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $394,100#775 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,747/mo#917 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 29%#1228 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Florida 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.
Orlando 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. Orlando is in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Orlando safe?
Orlando Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Orlando and we don't rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Orlando?
The median household in Orlando earns $72,336, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Orlando | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $72,336#773 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.5%#249 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 14.7%#845 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Orlando?
The median resident of Orlando is 35.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 42.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #400 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Orlando | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.1 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 42.5%#400 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 39.5% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Orlando's schools and health?
Orlando's 71 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 18 students per teacher and $11,706 spent per pupil. 34.5% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Orlando | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 18#837 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $11,706#992 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 34.5%#734 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.6%#1132 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 56,920 students are enrolled in Orlando's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Orlando?
The average commute in Orlando is 26.2 minutes (Florida 28.9); 1.9% of workers take transit and 16.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Orlando scores 12.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #355 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.1°F and winters 62.5°F, with 51.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Orlando | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 26.2 min#876 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6%#714 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 68.1% | 69% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.9% | 1.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 1.6% | 1.4% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 16.2% | 15.5% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.8#355 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Florida 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 | 71.8 | 49.5 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 74.9 | 52.4 | 2 |
| Mar | 78.9 | 55.8 | 3 |
| Apr | 83.6 | 60.7 | 2.6 |
| May | 88.4 | 66.3 | 4 |
| Jun | 90.8 | 71.6 | 8.1 |
| Jul | 92 | 73.2 | 7.5 |
| Aug | 91.6 | 73.7 | 7.7 |
| Sep | 89.6 | 72.4 | 6.4 |
| Oct | 84.7 | 66.2 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 78.3 | 58.2 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 73.8 | 52.9 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Orlando International Airport.
| Measure | Orlando | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 73°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 82.1°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 62.5°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 51.5 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Orlando International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Orlando?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hurricane, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Orlando | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.14%#583 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.012% | 94% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.029% | 83% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.003% | 72% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0026% | 55% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0086% | 49% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.07% | 35% 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 Orlando compare with similar-size cities?
Orlando is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #26 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 319,758.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #682 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 | 24.3 min |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Riverside, CAPop. 319,069 | #1046 | 49.0 | $91,045 | $1,914/mo | 535 | 31.3 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 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 Orlando compare with the rest of Florida?
Orlando ranks #33 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 53.4 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 7% below the Florida median. Homes are 1% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Sanford, FLPop. 63,730 | … #29 | 55.0 | $66,891 | $1,609/mo | 530 |
| Pinellas Park, FLPop. 53,560 | #30 | 54.8 | $63,432 | $1,631/mo | 247 |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #31 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 |
| Bonita Springs, FLPop. 55,904 | #32 | 53.6 | $95,210 | $1,882/mo | no data |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #33 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year |
| Hialeah, FLPop. 226,165 | #34 | 53.4 | $55,594 | $1,689/mo | 173 |
| Riverview, FLPop. 113,697 | #35 | 53.3 | $100,438 | $2,002/mo | no data |
| Kendall, FLPop. 79,562 | #36 | 53.2 | $87,325 | $1,905/mo | no data |
| Palm Coast, FLPop. 98,258 | #37 | 52.8 | $77,350 | $1,782/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Orlando among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Orlando's score calculated?
Orlando scores 53.4 out of 100, #789 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Florida'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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Orlando. Similar-size median 53.8.
54.5 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Orlando. Similar-size median 54.8.
53.7 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Orlando's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
51.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Orlando's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
59.1 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Orlando. Similar-size median 47.2.
44.6 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Orlando. Similar-size median 42.4.
46.9 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Orlando. Similar-size median 53.7.
52.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Orlando's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
62.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
55.6 - SafetyNot scored
Orlando's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Orlando's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Orlando 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 Orlando
Is Orlando, FL a good place to live?
Orlando ranks #789 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #26 of 53 big cities and #33 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.5%, #11 of 53) and high graduation rates (90%, #10 of 47), and trails on long commutes (26.2 min, #40 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Orlando?
Orlando's cost of living index is 101.4, 1% above the US level of 100 and #757 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,747/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $371,120, 1% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
Is Orlando safe?
Orlando Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Orlando and we don't rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Orlando?
The median household in Orlando earns $72,336, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 3.5% (US 4.3%). 14.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Orlando?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,747/mo (Census), #917 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,896/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Orlando?
The typical home value in Orlando is $371,120, down 1.4% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $394,100.
How are the public schools in Orlando?
Orlando's 71 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 18 students per teacher and $11,706 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Orlando?
The average commute is 26.2 minutes, #876 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Orlando?
Orlando averages 73°F over the year, 82.1°F in summer and 62.5°F in winter, with 51.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Orlando walkable?
Orlando scores 12.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #355 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 Orlando at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Orange County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hurricane, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.14% of building value, lower than 57% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Orlando?
Orange County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Orlando?
Orlando has 319,758 residents. The median resident of Orlando is 35.1 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 42.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #400 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Orlando compare with the rest of Florida?
Orlando ranks #33 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 53.4 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 7% below the Florida median. Homes are 1% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Orlando?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Orlando's population of 319,758 are Henderson, NV (#682 overall), Lexington, KY (#405 overall), Riverside, CA (#1046 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), and Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall). Orlando is #789.