Is Orange City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Orange City

Orange City, Florida, located in Volusia County, is part of the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area. Incorporated in 1882, the city was originally named for its abundant orange groves, though a significant freeze in the late 19th century impacted the industry. Today, Orange City offers a blend of suburban living with proximity to Florida’s attractions.

The city spans approximately 7.2 square miles, with a population of 12,632 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. Orange City is known for its community-oriented atmosphere and its placement within a region offering diverse recreational and cultural opportunities. Its strategic location provides residents with access to both natural landscapes and the amenities of larger metropolitan areas.

Is it Safe to Live in Orange City?

Orange City’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime at 1 in 39 (according to NeighborhoodScout). The city’s crime rate is higher than 87% of Florida’s cities and towns of all sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout). Violent crime in Orange City occurs at a rate higher than in most communities across America (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Specifically, the chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as robbery or aggravated assault, is 1 in 372, equating to 3 per one thousand inhabitants (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime is a more significant contributor to the overall rate, with a 1 in 43 chance of becoming a victim, or 23 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). It is important to note that residents generally consider the west part of the city to be the safest, with chances of being a victim of crime there ranging from 1 in 39 in the south to 1 in 105 in the west (as reported by CrimeRate).

Housing Market Overview

The median home value in Orange City was approximately $290,440 as of March 31, 2026, showing a slight decrease of 3.4% over the past year (according to Zillow). The median listing price for homes in Orange City was $335,000 in April 2026 (according to Movoto).

The homeownership rate in Orange City stands at 58.7%, which is lower than the national average (according to Data USA). The median housing cost for all households is about $1,379 per month (according to Point2Homes). For renters, the median gross rent is approximately $1,607 per month (according to Point2Homes).

Rental Market Insights

As of May 2026, the average rent in Orange City is $1,470 per month, which is 10% lower than the national average (according to Apartments.com). One-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $1,470 per month, while two-bedroom apartments average about $1,713 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

More recent data from March 2026 indicates that the average rent for all bedrooms and property types in Orange City is $1,797 per month, with a month-over-month increase of $40 (according to Zillow). Apartments in Orange City, FL, are generally priced between $1,225 and $1,535 in 2026, with studio apartments averaging $1,225 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,535 (according to Rent.).

Cost of Living and Economy

Orange City’s overall cost of living is approximately 1% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses in Orange City are about 7% lower than the national average, while utility prices are 1% lower (as reported by Payscale).

The median household income in Orange City was $57,800 in 2024, reflecting a 13.2% increase from the previous year (according to Data USA). However, other sources indicate a median annual household income of $87,350 in 2024, with a median income of $57,800, marking a 9.1% change from the prior year (according to Point2Homes). The median wage in Orange City is $48,000 per year (according to ZipRecruiter).

Employment and Major Employers

The unemployment rate in Orange City is 2.2% (according to Niche). Major employers in the broader Orange County area include the United States Military Academy at West Point, Garnet Health Medical Center, and Crystal Run Health (as listed by Orange County Partnership).

While specific major employers within Orange City are not detailed in the search results, the presence of entities like Duke Energy and FPL in the greater Daytona area suggests a diverse employment landscape (as noted by Livability). Other notable companies in the region include Tyson Foods Incorporated and Smithfield Foods (according to Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather

Orange City, Florida, experiences a warm, humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The yearly temperature typically ranges from a low of 46°F to a high of 92°F (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is nonexistent in Orange City, and the total annual precipitation is around 53 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The wettest month is July, with an average of 8.4 inches of precipitation distributed across 22 rainy days (according to Orange City Climate). Conversely, November is the driest month, receiving about 48 mm of rainfall over 8 rainy days (as reported by Orange City Climate). Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and generally pleasant for outdoor activities.

Education in Orange City

Orange City is served by Volusia County Schools. Niche provides overall ratings for schools, with University High School receiving a rating of 3.62 out of 5 based on 807 reviews (according to Niche). Orange City Elementary School has a C+ overall grade and a rating of 5 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).

Approximately 38.3% of the population in Orange City has attended high school, while 24.6% have pursued college studies (according to Point2Homes). The city’s school district rankings are analyzed by Niche, which provides detailed information on school performance and student-teacher ratios.

Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Orange City had a population of 12,632 (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Orange City is 48.8 years, with 18.4% of residents under 18 and 30.3% aged 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia). In terms of racial composition, White residents make up 66% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 19%, and African Americans at 6% (according to Niche).

The gender distribution shows 46.1% male and 53.9% female residents (according to Point2Homes). Approximately 85.2% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, while 13.3% have gained naturalized citizenship (as reported by Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Orange City is 10.6% (according to Niche).