Is Orangevale Safe, Pros and cons of living in Orangevale
Orangevale, California, offers a unique blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty, nestled in the rolling hills of Sacramento County. This census-designated place provides a more rural atmosphere while still being part of the greater Sacramento metropolitan area. Its community character is shaped by its scenic views and a lifestyle that can accommodate properties with space for horses and orchards.
With a population that has seen steady growth, Orangevale maintains a strong sense of community. The area is known for its access to outdoor recreation, making it an appealing location for those who appreciate a connection to nature. This introduction to Orangevale aims to provide a comprehensive overview for anyone considering a move to this distinctive California community.
Is it Safe to Live in Orangevale?
Orangevale’s crime rate is higher than the national average, with 16 crimes per one thousand residents (NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Orangevale is approximately 1 in 61 (NeighborhoodScout). Based on FBI crime data, Orangevale is not considered one of the safest communities in America, with a crime rate higher than 58% of California’s cities and towns (NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America, with the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime being 1 in 287 (NeighborhoodScout). Property crime also presents a risk, with a rate of 13 per one thousand population, meaning a chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 78 (NeighborhoodScout).
Understanding Orangevale’s Demographics
As of the latest census data, Orangevale is home to approximately 35,958 residents (US Census Bureau). The population is predominantly White, making up about 75% of residents, followed by Hispanic individuals at 14.5% (US Census Bureau). Multiracial residents constitute 5.2% of the population, with Asian and Black residents representing 2.7% and 1.4% respectively (US Census Bureau).
The median age in Orangevale is 41.3 years (US Census Bureau). The age distribution shows that about 18.5% of residents are under 15, while 19.6% are 65 or older (US Census Bureau). The majority of the population falls within the working-age brackets, with 27.3% aged 25-44 and 25.4% aged 45-64 (US Census Bureau).
Housing Costs in Orangevale
The housing market in Orangevale is competitive, with homes selling relatively quickly (Redfin). The median sale price of a home in Orangevale was approximately $533,000 in a recent month, showing a slight decrease of 3.2% compared to the previous year (Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is around $389, which is an increase of 15.1% from the prior year (Redfin).
For renters, the average rent in Orangevale is about $1,995 per month (Zillow Rentals). This figure represents a decrease of $155 over the last year and $300 over the last month (Zillow Rentals). The rental price range for properties in Orangevale typically falls between $1,200 and $3,750 (Zillow Rentals).
Cost of Living
Orangevale’s cost of living is higher than the national average, by approximately 22% (Salary.com). However, it is notably lower than the California state average, being about 47% less expensive (Salary.com). This indicates a moderate cost of living when compared to the rest of the state.
Housing costs are a significant factor, being about 40% higher than the national average (Payscale). Utility prices are also considerably higher, at 63% above the national average (Payscale). Transportation expenses, including gas prices and bus fares, are 34% higher than the national average (Payscale).
Job Market and Salaries
The average annual salary in Orangevale is approximately $39,113, which translates to about $18.80 per hour (ZipRecruiter). Most salaries fall between $31,878 and $44,799, with higher earners making up to $44,799 annually (ZipRecruiter). Some of the highest-paying professions in Orangevale include those in specialized medical fields, such as Neurosurgical Residency and Neurosurgeon roles (ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate for California, which includes the Orangevale area, was 5.4% as of February 2026 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). This figure reflects the broader state labor market conditions. Major employers in the broader Sacramento region include entities within the healthcare, government, and retail sectors, providing a diverse employment landscape (CA.gov).
Climate in Orangevale
Orangevale experiences a climate characterized by hot, arid summers and cold, wet winters (Time and Date). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 39°F to 95°F, with extremes rarely falling below 31°F or exceeding 103°F (Time and Date).
The summer season, lasting from June to September, brings hot and mostly clear days with average high temperatures above 87°F (Time and Date). July is the hottest month, with average highs around 94°F and lows of 62°F (Time and Date). Conversely, the winter season, from November to February, features cooler temperatures with average daily highs below 62°F (Time and Date). December is the coldest month, with average lows around 40°F and highs of 55°F (Time and Date).
Education in Orangevale
Orangevale is served by the San Juan Unified School District, which includes several elementary and K-8 schools. Pershing Elementary School, serving grades K-6, has a student-teacher ratio of 25 to 1 and reports that 63% of students are proficient in math and 64% in reading (Niche). Orangevale Open K-8, serving grades K-8, has a student-teacher ratio of 23 to 1, with 51% of students proficient in math and 53% in reading (Niche).
Niche provides overall grades for these schools, with Pershing Elementary receiving a C-minus and Orangevale Open K-8 receiving a B+ (Niche). These ratings are based on various factors including academic performance, diversity, and teacher quality.
Pros and Cons of Living in Orangevale
Orangevale offers a semi-rural lifestyle with scenic beauty, including rolling hills and views of the Sierra Nevada mountains (Wikipedia). The community provides a more relaxed pace of life, with some properties zoned for horses and orchards, appealing to those seeking a connection with nature (Wikipedia). It is also part of the larger Sacramento metropolitan area, offering access to more extensive amenities and job opportunities.
However, the crime rate in Orangevale is higher than the national average (NeighborhoodScout). Housing costs are also above the national average, with a median home price of $533,000 (Redfin) and average rents around $1,995 per month (Zillow Rentals). The cost of living, particularly for housing and utilities, is also higher than the national average (Payscale).