Wealth Index
Wealthier than 94% of counties in North Carolina
The wealth index reflects the overall economic prosperity and financial well-being of a county's residents based on income levels, employment rates, and income inequality metrics.
Income Statistics Overview
| Metric | Orange County | North Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $87,889 | $69,937 | $78,145 |
| Median Personal Income | $71,853 | $55,581 | $61,726 |
| Average income growth | 5.3% | 5.4% | 5.1% |
| Six-Figure Earners | 17.7% | 11.0% | 13.2% |
The median household income in Orange County is about 26% higher than in North Carolina. Income has been growing slower in Orange County (5.3%/yr) than in North Carolina (5.4%/yr).
About 18% of adults in Orange County earn six figures ($100,000 or more) a year, higher than the North Carolina average of 11%.
Median Household Income 2009–2023 Trend
Median Household Income Over Time
Median household income in Orange County, North Carolina grew by 76.4% from 2009 to 2023, reaching $87,889 in 2023. That's an average of about 5.3% per year.
Economic Inequality in Orange County | Gender Pay Gap | Gini Coefficient
| Metric | Orange County | North Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gini Coefficient | 0.608 | 0.561 | 0.570 |
| Male Median Income | $79,212 | $60,778 | $67,746 |
| Female Median Income | $66,374 | $50,560 | $54,793 |
| Gender Pay Gap | 16.2% | 16.8% | 19.1% |
The Gini coefficient measures how evenly income is shared between richer and poorer households, from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns nearly everything). The lower the number, the more equally income is distributed. In Orange County, it is 0.608, higher than North Carolina's 0.561, so income is less evenly distributed here than there, and higher than the US's 0.570, so income is less evenly distributed here than there.
Men's income is about 19% more than women's income in Orange County, North Carolina. Over a 35-year career, a 19% wage gap accumulates to roughly $449,330 in unearned income for female workers in the area.
Income by Sex Over Time
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Orange County, North Carolina has narrowed from about 22% to 16% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $258 since 2009.
Employment
| Metric | Orange County | North Carolina Avg | US Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 3.6% | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Working from Home | 24.2% | 14.5% | 13.4% |
| Commute time (minutes) | 21 | 21 | 22 |
Approximately 2,738 people are unemployed in Orange County, North Carolina.
The average commute time in Orange County is 21 minutes, about the same as in North Carolina.
Unemployment Rate Over Time
Since 2011, the unemployment rate in Orange County, North Carolina has fallen from 6.4% to 3.6% in 2023.
Conclusion
Considering all these factors, Orange County, North Carolina has an overall wealth index grade of B, making it somewhat better than North Carolina, and somewhat better than the country as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about income and wealth in Orange County, North Carolina.
How Wealthy Is Orange County, North Carolina?
Orange County has a wealth index grade of B. The wealth index grades areas from A+ (best) to F- by combining income levels, employment rates, and income inequality; a B grade means residents are quite well off compared to the U.S. average. The median household income is $87,889, about 26% higher than the North Carolina average of $69,937.
What is the current median household income in Orange County, North Carolina?
As of 2023, the median household income in Orange County, North Carolina is $87,889.
What was the median household income in Orange County in 2023?
In 2023, the median household income in Orange County, North Carolina was $87,889.
What was the median household income in Orange County in 2020?
In 2020, the median household income in Orange County, North Carolina was $74,769.
What is the Gini coefficient in Orange County, North Carolina?
The Gini coefficient in Orange County is 0.608. It measures income inequality on a scale from 0 (everyone earns the same) to 1 (one household earns everything). That is higher than the US average of 0.570, so income is distributed less equally than in the country overall.
How has the income gap between men and women changed in Orange County, North Carolina?
Since 2009, the income gap between men and women in Orange County, North Carolina has narrowed from about 22% to 16% in 2023. In dollar terms, the gap has widened by $258 since 2009.