Orange is a city in Orange County, California with a population of around 140,000 residents. Here is an in-depth look at Orange including information about its population, economy, landmarks, sports teams and more.
Population
As of the 2020 census, the population of Orange was 140,434 making it the 33rd largest city in California. Orange saw rapid population growth through the 1950s and 1960s but growth has slowed in recent decades. However, Orange remains a densely populated suburban city in the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area of Southern California.
Economy
Orange has a diverse economy with strengths in retail, healthcare, professional services, manufacturing, and technology. Top employers in Orange include Chapman University, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, St. Joseph Hospital, Communications and Power Industries, schools in the Orange Unified School District, and government agencies.
Major industries in Orange include scientific research, computer programming, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. The city also has a strong tourism industry centered around attractions like Disneyland.
For more on the Orange economy, see this overview from the city’s economic development department.
Disneyland
One of Orange’s claims to fame is being the home of the iconic Disneyland theme park which opened in 1955. Though located in Anaheim, Disneyland’s mailing address is in Orange. The park attracts millions of tourists to the area each year and is a major driver of the local economy.
Old Towne Orange
Downtown Orange has a historic district known as Old Towne Orange which features homes, buildings, and businesses from the late 1800s. The scenic neighborhood with pedestrian-friendly Plaza Square is popular with tourists and locals alike. It offers shops, restaurants, antiques stores, and attractions like the Orange County Historical Society Museum.
Sports Teams
Orange is home to sports teams in baseball, soccer, and surfing. The Orange County Flyers are a professional baseball team in the Golden State Collegiate Baseball League. Youth soccer is popular in the area with clubs like OC Surf Soccer and West Coast FC training future stars. Orange County is also known as a hotbed for surf culture and home to standout high school surf teams.
Demographics
Orange has a racially and ethnically diverse population. The 2020 racial makeup of the city was 40.4% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 49.7% Asian, 12.6% from other races, and 4.3% from two or more races. 54.2% of residents identified as Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are also over 80 religious congregations in Orange representing many different faith traditions including Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist groups among others.
Education
Public education in Orange is provided by the Orange Unified School District which has 29,000 students across its preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, traditional high schools, and alternative/continuation high schools. The city is also home to several private schools.
Higher education options include Chapman University, Santiago Canyon College (one of three community colleges in the Rancho Santiago Community College District), and local campuses for California State University Fullerton, Brandman University, and National University.
Transportation
Key transportation infrastructure serving Orange includes the 55 and 5 freeways as well as public bus service through the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). The Metrolink commuter rail system has two stations in Orange providing service to points throughout Southern California.
John Wayne Airport, the sole commercial airport in Orange County, is located 10 miles from downtown Orange. Los Angeles International Airport is 40 miles north.
Fun Facts
- Orange was originally named Richland but was changed to Orange in 1875 after orange groves that dotted the landscape.
- Major scenes from hit movies like That Thing You Do! and Big Momma’s House were filmed in Old Towne Orange.
- Orange was rated one of America’s “safest cities” by the FBI in recent years based on its exceptionally low crime rates.
- The first Fred’s Mexican Cafe opened in Old Towne Orange in 1931 and is still popular today.
To learn more about Orange, California, visit the city’s official website, Facebook page, or the Orange Chamber of Commerce tourism site.