Palm Tree
RANK #692 / 996 NAT · #42 / 45 NY · POP 401,237
1YR FORECAST: +1.9%
5YR OUTLOOK: +19%
Orange County, New York, is often recognized for the United States Military Academy at West Point, a prominent landmark overlooking the Hudson River. Located approximately 60 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, the county offers a blend of suburban and rural living. Commute options to New York City include Metro-North Railroad's Port Jervis Line and express bus services, with average commute times around 33.5 minutes for county residents. The landscape features mountains, rivers, and lakes, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, and rafting on the Delaware River.
Life in Orange County appeals to families and those seeking a balance between natural scenery and accessibility to urban centers. Towns like Warwick, Cornwall, and Chester offer walkable village centers with local shops and restaurants. The public school systems in districts such as Monroe-Woodbury, Warwick Valley, and Cornwall Central are noted for their academic programs. Economically, the county is leveraging its logistical infrastructure, including New York Stewart International Airport, to attract advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and clean technology industries. Tourism also plays a significant role, with attractions like LEGOLAND New York Resort and Storm King Art Center contributing to the local economy.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 30/100, Orange County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $91,806 combined with job growth of +1.6% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Orange County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $337,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,494/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Orange County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.7% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.6% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +3.1% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.99% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Orange County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.