Median Income
$43,670
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$127,000
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.0%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$750
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.7%
42% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
28.6%
131% higher than US avg
How Orwell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,854
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density966/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Economy
C
Median Income$43,670
Per Capita$23,727
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty28.6%
County GDP$9,687M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$127,000
Rent$750
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$221,990
Health
Obesity45.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression31.4%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.9 in/yr
Elevation909 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.0%
High School+87.1%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Libraries14
Is Orwell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Orwell receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Orwell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Orwell is $43,670, 42% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 28.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Orwell is $127,000, 55% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
10.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Orwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches, including 89.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Orwell has a population of 1,854 with a density of 966 people per square mile. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 3.6% Hispanic, 1.6% Black.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 98.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.0% |
| 85% below US avg |
The median household income in Orwell is $43,670, which is 42% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,670 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,727 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,944 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 28.6% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,454 |
| County GDP | $9,687M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 403 |
| Healthcare | 493 |
| Retail | 625 |
| Manufacturing | 196 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,734 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Orwell is $127,000, 55% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,990.
Home Values
| Census Median | $127,000 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $221,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $750 |
| 36% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,734 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.73% |
In Orwell, 45.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 31.4% report depression. 34.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Orwell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.7% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.8% |
| Depression | 31.4% |
| Mental Distress | 23.1% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.8% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Premature Death | 11,710/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
Crime Rates: Orwell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
Safety Score
Orwell has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation is 46.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 46.9 inches |
| 24% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 89.9 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 909 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (5.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 966/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5360°N, 80.8592°W |
| County FIPS | 39155 |