STATE OF COMMUNITY REPORT

State of Community Report: Orange County, Texas

SOC Report, Texas Target Communities| Team: Elizabeth, Mahya, Sarayu, John | My role: Land Use and Economic Mapping

Overview

Orange County, Texas, located in the southeastern part of the state, is home to over 80,000 residents. Known for its petrochemical industry, agriculture, and tourism, the county plays a key role in the regional economy. It features a diverse population, a growing workforce, and a well-developed transportation network.

Key Demographics

Population: 85,045 (2021)
Median Household Income: $71,022
Majority Population: White (85%)
Fastest-growing area: Bridge City (21.76% growth from 2010-2020)

Education in Orange County, TX

High School Graduation Rate: 36% of residents have completed high school or obtained a GED.
Higher Education: Limited local institutions; many students commute outside the county for college.
School Enrollment: 19,691 students are currently enrolled in local schools.
Racial Disparities: Most school districts have a high percentage of White students, with some exceptions.
Youth Disconnection: 14.69% of youth (ages 16-19) are not enrolled in school or employed.

Orange County Household Data

Orange County Gross Rent as a Percentage of Household Income

Housing

Median Home Price: $131,700
Median Rent: $882/month
Owner-occupied homes: 76.52%
Rent Burdened Households: 45.6% (spending over 30% of income on rent)

Transportation

Well-connected through highways, railroads, airports, and river freight
Major commuting patterns: Significant outflow of workers to nearby counties
Limited public transit options: Plans under development

Road Systems, Orange County

Employment Details

Key Industries: The economy is primarily driven by petrochemical manufacturing, construction, education, and healthcare.
Employment Outflow: A significant number of residents commute outside the county for work, highlighting a need for more local job opportunities.
Unemployment Rate: The county’s 8.3% unemployment rate is higher than the state and national averages.
Job Density: Employment is concentrated in Bridge City and industrial areas, with fewer job opportunities in rural parts of the county.
Industry Specialization: The county exports services in public administration, education, and manufacturing but imports labor for industries like agriculture, real estate, and finance.
Wage Disparity: There is a significant gender wage gap, with women earning $25,800 less than men annually on average.

Job Density, Orange County, TX

Orange County Inflow/Outflow 2019

Orange County & Bridge City Land Cover, 2019

Environmental Insights

Climate: Subtropical humid, with frequent hurricanes and flooding risks
Major Natural Disasters: Hurricane Ike (2008), Hurricane Harvey (2017)
Rich Natural Resources: Forests, wetlands, and agricultural land
Endangered Species: Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Louisiana Pine Snake, Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

Heat Maps - Temperature Cover, Orange County

Wetland Cover, Orange County

Community & Infrastructure

Education: High school graduates make up 36% of the population
Healthcare Access: Hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers present, but improvements needed
Public Services: Law enforcement, fire services, and recreational parks available.

Hierarchical Structure of the Government Bodies,

Orange County, Texas

Orange County is a growing, economically diverse region with strong industrial roots, a thriving workforce, and an expanding housing market. While challenges like economic inequality, housing affordability, and disaster resilience persist, strategic planning and investment can drive sustainable growth and prosperity.

The report goes much into details about the above categories and can be found here.

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