Orange County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 3rd-largest in California
The population of Orange County, California is 3,164,063 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 3rd-largest county in California. The median household income is $113,702, the median home value is $915,500, and the median age is 39.1.
The population of Orange County has grown 5.1% since 2010 (3,016,376 → 3,170,435), a +0.36% annualized rate.
3,164,063
Population
+0.36%
Annual growth
3991
People / sq mi
$113,702
Median Income
$915,500
Median Home Value
Orange County covers 793 sq mi of land at 3990.7 people per square mile.
About Orange County, CA
In Orange County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $915,500. With 3,164,063 residents, Orange County is a county in California. It is the #3-largest of all counties in California nationally.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $113,702, putting Orange County near the top of US counties. The poverty rate, 6.6%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $915,500, with typical rent around $2,352.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US counties — 43.4% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Working from home is common here: 16.6% of workers do so, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Orange County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Orange County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Orange County had a population of 3,016,376 in 2010 and 3,170,435 in 2024, a 5.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 3,186,261 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.36%.
3,170,435
Population (2024)
3,016,376
Population (2010)
3,186,261
Peak (2020)
0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 3,016,376 |
| 2011 | 3,050,199 |
| 2012 | 3,078,710 |
| 2013 | 3,105,262 |
| 2014 | 3,126,523 |
| 2015 | 3,148,952 |
| 2016 | 3,164,277 |
| 2017 | 3,174,159 |
| 2018 | 3,175,579 |
| 2019 | 3,170,851 |
| 2020 | 3,186,261 |
| 2021 | 3,159,351 |
| 2022 | 3,158,489 |
| 2023 | 3,154,563 |
| 2024 | 3,170,435 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 46.4% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
39.1
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
15.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.4% · Seniors (65+): 15.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $113,702+$17,368 vs state |
| Mean household income | $152,475 |
| Per-capita income | $52,816 |
| Poverty rate | 6.6%-1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 62.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Orange County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.0% of workers.
How residents commute
1.2%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
69.4%
Public transit
16.6%
Work from home
27.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$915,500+$220,100 vs state
Median home value
$2,352
Median rent
56.4%
Homeownership rate
1,138,473
Total housing units
94.4%
Occupied
5.6%
Vacant
43.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.2%
With health insurance
97.6%
With broadband internet
14.9%
Foreign-born
3.6%
Veterans (18+)
9.3%
With a disability
54.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.9%
High School+
43.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
Other counties in California
Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Common questions about Orange County, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Orange County, California has a population of 3,164,063 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 3rd-largest county in California. Population density is 3991 people per square mile.
The population of Orange County has grown 5.1% since 2010 (3,016,376 → 3,170,435), a +0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Orange County, California is $113,702, with mean (average) household income of $152,475 and per-capita income of $52,816. 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Orange County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (46.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.0%), Black or African American (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Orange County, California is 39.1 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Orange County is $915,500 and median monthly rent is $2,352. 56.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,138,473 total housing units, 5.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Orange County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Orange County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Orange County, CA Climate
Orange County, CA has an average annual temperature of 17.8°C (64°F) and receives about 338 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.8°C
Avg Temp
338
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14° / 56° | 73 mm |
| February | 14° / 58° | 72 mm |
| March | 15° / 58° | 67 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 19 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 6 mm |
| June | 20° / 68° | 2 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 0 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 3 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 8 mm |
| October | 20° / 67° | 9 mm |
| November | 16° / 61° | 32 mm |
| December | 13° / 56° | 47 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Orange County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Orange County, CA are typically June, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 29°C high). The coldest is December (near 7°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Orange County
Visiting or relocating to Orange County, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Orange County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.