Orange County

As of the latest available data, Orange County, CA, has a population of approximately 3.2 million people. The racial composition is around 40% Hispanic or Latino, 38% White, 21% Asian, 2% Black or African American, and 1.5% from two or more races. The median household income is roughly $90,000, and the poverty rate is about 10%. The population is diverse in age, with a median age of 37 years. Over 80% of the residents have a high school diploma, and nearly 40% have a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of 2023, Orange County, CA, has a median home price of approximately $950,000. Average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,300. The county's homeownership rate stands at about 58%, while the rental vacancy rate is roughly 3.5%. Housing demand remains high, driven by strong job markets and desirable coastal locations. New housing construction is ongoing but not sufficient to meet demand fully.

Orange County, CA, holds elections for various federal, state, and local offices. Key offices include the U.S. House of Representatives, California State Senate, State Assembly, County Board of Supervisors, and various city councils and school boards.

For the U.S. House in 2022, districts include 38, 40, 45, 46, and 47, with notable candidates like Katie Porter (D) in District 47, Young Kim (R) in District 40, and Michelle Steel (R) in District 45. State Senate districts up for election include 34, 36, and 38. Assembly districts include 59 through 76.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors has five districts, with notable races often in districts 2, 4, and 5. City council elections vary across 34 cities, and dozens of school board seats are contested.

Voter turnout in recent midterm elections ranged from 60-70%. For up-to-the-minute details, visit the Orange County Registrar of Voters’ website.

Orange County, CA boasts a high level of educational attainment. As of recent data, approximately 41.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing both the national average of around 33.1% and the California state average of about 35%. Additionally, 89.8% of residents have completed high school, which is slightly above the national average of 88.6%. These figures highlight Orange County's commitment to education and its success in fostering an educated populace. High-performing school districts such as Irvine Unified contribute to this excellence, further distinguishing the county's educational landscape.

As of recent data, Orange County, CA boasts an unemployment rate of around 5%, slightly below the national average of 6.3% and California's state average of 7.5%. The county's workforce numbers approximately 1.6 million.

Top industries include:

1. Professional and Business Services: Employs over 300,000 people.
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Around 200,000 employees.
3. Leisure and Hospitality: 190,000+ jobs.
4. Retail Trade: Employs over 180,000 individuals.
5. Manufacturing: Provides jobs for approximately 160,000 people.

Compared to national trends, Orange County shows a higher concentration in Professional and Business Services and Health Care, reflective of its affluent demographic and developed infrastructure. The Leisure and Hospitality sector is notably robust due to tourist attractions like Disneyland. Manufacturing remains strong, contrasting with declining trends in other parts of the U.S.

As of the most recent data available, Orange County, CA, exhibits the following income statistics:

• Median Household Income:

  • Orange County: $90,234
  • California: $80,440
  • United States: $68,703

• Per Capita Income:

  • Orange County: $40,654
  • California: $39,393
  • United States: $35,672

Income Statistics Table:

Comparatively, Orange County's income levels are higher than both the state and national averages, reflecting the area's generally higher cost of living and economic status.

Orange County, CA, generally has lower crime rates compared to national averages. As of the latest data, violent crime rates stand at approximately 2.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime rates are around 13.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. Here is a simplified statistics table highlighting various types of crimes:

These values provide a snapshot of crime rates, with the highest frequency in theft-related incidents. Note that these numbers can fluctuate and local law enforcement agencies should be consulted for the most current data.