Orange County Public RecordsVirginia

Orange County, VA, has about 27,000 registered voters out of a population of 38,000. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries, generals, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, the county voted 65% Republican and 33% Democratic. There are 13 polling locations countywide, overseen by the Orange County Electoral Board and Registrar. Major issues include education funding and rural development. The two dominant parties are Republican and Democratic, with independents occasionally running. Voter turnout in 2020 was approximately 75%.

As of 2023, Orange County, VA has an estimated population of 38,700. The median age is about 44 years. Females make up 51% of residents, and males 49%. The county is predominantly White (76%), with Black or African American residents at 16%, and Hispanic or Latino at 5%. Other races, including Asian and multiracial individuals, comprise the remainder.

Orange County, VA, has 17 public schools serving over 5,000 students, including 2 high schools. The high school graduation rate is 91%. Around 22% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety measures are in place, with a below-national-average incidence of violent incidents. Students score near state average on standardized tests. The county offers adult education programs in partnership with Germanna Community College and technical centers, supporting career and continuing education. Educational programs focus on STEM, trades, and college prep, ensuring diverse pathways for student success.

As of 2022, Orange County, VA, had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.8%. The leading industries for employment include Education, Health Care & Social Assistance (23%), Retail Trade (13%), and Manufacturing (12%). Major occupation types encompass Office & Administrative Support (15%), Sales (10%), and Management (9%). Around 67% of employed residents commute outside the county for work, with Fredericksburg and Charlottesville being common destinations. The average commute time is about 34 minutes, higher than the national average.

Orange County, VA boasts a homeownership rate of about 74%, with median home values around $340,000 in 2024. Rental costs average $1,400 per month. The county features diverse housing types, including single-family homes, townhouses, and historic properties, concentrated in neighborhoods like Lake of the Woods and Gordonsville. Recent market trends show a 5% annual home value increase. Property taxes are moderate, with a rate of $0.52 per $100 assessed value. The area combines rural charm with access to amenities, making it attractive to both buyers and renters.

Orange County, VA maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state and national averages. According to the latest FBI data, the county’s violent crime rate is approximately 1.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate stands at about 8.7 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies promote community-based policing and encourage residents to report suspicious activities through the county's online portal and non-emergency hotline. Overall, Orange County is regarded as a safe community, with crime rates steadily declining over the past five years.