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
Orange County is a county in California with a population of 3,164,063. It ranks #3 among counties in California by population. The median age is 39.1, in line with the national median. The population is 49.6% male and 50.4% female.
The median household income in Orange County is $113,702, above the US median of $74,580. 6.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $915,500, with monthly rent averaging $2,352. The homeownership rate of 56.4% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Orange County reflects 43.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 16.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.0 minutes each way.
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+
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.