Orange County, North Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in North Carolina
The population of Orange County, North Carolina is 147,292 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in North Carolina. The median household income is $88,553, the median home value is $428,500, and the median age is 36.2.
The population of Orange County has grown 14.1% since 2010 (133,985 → 152,877), a +0.95% annualized rate.
147,292
Population
+0.95%
Annual growth
371
People / sq mi
$88,553
Median Income
$428,500
Median Home Value
Orange County covers 398 sq mi of land at 370.5 people per square mile.
About Orange County, NC
Orange County is a county in North Carolina with a population of 147,292. It ranks #20 among counties in North Carolina by population. The median age is 36.2, younger than the national median. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The median household income in Orange County is $88,553, above the US median of $74,580. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $428,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,387. The homeownership rate of 64.2% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Orange County reflects 61.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 24.2% of workers primarily work from home, noticeably above the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.8 minutes each way.
Orange County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Orange County had a population of 133,985 in 2010 and 152,877 in 2024, a 14.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 152,877 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.96%.
152,877
Population (2024)
133,985
Population (2010)
152,877
Peak (2024)
0.96%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 133,985 |
| 2011 | 134,853 |
| 2012 | 137,870 |
| 2013 | 139,471 |
| 2014 | 140,432 |
| 2015 | 141,449 |
| 2016 | 142,849 |
| 2017 | 143,624 |
| 2018 | 148,029 |
| 2019 | 148,192 |
| 2020 | 143,732 |
| 2021 | 148,798 |
| 2022 | 150,744 |
| 2023 | 152,239 |
| 2024 | 152,877 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.5% |
| Black or African American | 10.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.2
Median Age
52.2%
Female
47.8%
Male
15.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.5% · Seniors (65+): 15.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $88,553+$18,649 vs state |
| Mean household income | $133,780 |
| Per-capita income | $51,856 |
| Poverty rate | 5.4%-4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Orange County is professional & business services, accounting for 37.9% of workers.
How residents commute
4.2%
Drive alone
4.0%
Carpool
57.7%
Public transit
24.2%
Work from home
23.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$428,500+$169,100 vs state
Median home value
$1,387
Median rent
64.2%
Homeownership rate
62,127
Total housing units
90.9%
Occupied
9.1%
Vacant
35.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
97.3%
With broadband internet
43.4%
Foreign-born
4.9%
Veterans (18+)
8.6%
With a disability
83.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.2%
High School+
61.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in North Carolina
Other counties in North Carolina
Part of North Carolina
Metro areas in North Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Orange County, North Carolina has a population of 147,292 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in North Carolina. Population density is 371 people per square mile.
The population of Orange County has grown 14.1% since 2010 (133,985 → 152,877), a +0.95% annualized rate.
The median household income in Orange County, North Carolina is $88,553, with mean (average) household income of $133,780 and per-capita income of $51,856. 5.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Orange County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.5%), Black or African American (10.6%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Orange County, North Carolina is 36.2 years. Residents are 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
The median home value in Orange County is $428,500 and median monthly rent is $1,387. 64.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 62,127 total housing units, 9.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Orange County, North Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 37.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Charlotte is among the largest cities associated with Orange County, North Carolina, with a population of 886,283.
More from North Carolina
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Full rankings of North Carolina counties
Statewide data for North Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across North Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.