Median Income
$43,670
42% lower than US avg
Home Value
$127,000
55% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% 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%
Veterans10.7%
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
Ownership42.1%
Zillow$221,990
Housing Units791
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,473/100K
Health
Obesity45.7%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking23.1%
Depression31.4%
Heart Disease7.5%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain46.9 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation909 ft (277 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.0%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Broadband81.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries14
Is Orwell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Orwell receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Orwell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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.
Safety & Crime
Orwell is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,473 per 100,000, 25% below the national average.
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 5.8/10.
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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 3.6% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.8% have health insurance coverage.
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. Per capita income is $23,727 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 28.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,454 business establishments, including 403 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,670 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,727 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,944 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
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 |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Orwell is $127,000, 55% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,990, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $750 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 42.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 791 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,734 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 42.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 57.9% |
| Housing Units | 791 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
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 national rate of 32.1%. 13.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.5% of residents, above the national average. 35.9% have high blood pressure. 23.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 34.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 23.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,212. The dentist ratio is 1:2,047. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
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% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.1% |
| 65% above US avg |
| 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% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,212 |
| Dentists | 1:2,047 |
| Mental Health | 1:424 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 53.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,710/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 493 |
Orwell has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,473 per 100,000, 25% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 15 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Orwell receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Orwell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,473.3/100K |
| 25% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 15 |
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Orwell experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 46.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 89.9 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 909 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 909 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 966/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5360°N, 80.8592°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Trumbull County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Ohio Regional (JFN)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
46.9"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0454 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 84.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 12, 2025.
| Sep 25, 1998 |
2 km SW of Adamsville, Pennsylvania |
M4.5 |
40 km |
| Jun 10, 2019 |
1 km NW of Timberlake, Ohio |
M4.0 |
52 km |
| Jan 26, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.9 |
45 km |
| Mar 12, 2007 |
Ohio |
M3.7 |
52 km |
| Oct 16, 1993 |
8 km SSE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
22 km |
| Jun 30, 2003 |
6 km NW of Perry, Ohio |
M3.6 |
41 km |
| Aug 28, 2023 |
7 km SE of Madison, Ohio |
M3.6 |
24 km |
| Mar 15, 1992 |
15 km NW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
53 km |
| Jun 20, 2006 |
9 km WNW of North Perry, Ohio |
M3.5 |
46 km |
| Jun 3, 2001 |
3 km N of Edgewood, Ohio |
M3.4 |
42 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Mayfield Heights, Ohio |
M3.4 |
49 km |
| Jun 30, 2004 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.3 |
33 km |
| Jul 1, 2013 |
5 km NNW of Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
M3.2 |
46 km |
| Jan 9, 2008 |
6 km WNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
8 km NNW of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio |
M3.1 |
52 km |
| Mar 30, 2024 |
2 km SSW of Maple Ridge, Ohio |
M3.0 |
73 km |
| Apr 25, 2010 |
2 km WNW of Madison, Ohio |
M3.0 |
33 km |
| Jun 5, 2011 |
5 km W of Lodi, Ohio |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Feb 23, 1995 |
3 km W of Ashtabula, Ohio |
M2.9 |
37 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
286 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 70 fatalities, 933 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF5 |
45 km |
18 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
42 km |
12 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF4 |
29 km |
16 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
86 km |
9 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
62 km |
2 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Oct 12, 1978 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1973 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1972 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1966 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Aug 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 2.7 m (9 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1823 |
LAKE ERIE |
Unknown |
2.7 m |
— |
85 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Orwell has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 24°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Orwell. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,277 |
| Toddler | $1,147 |
| Preschool | $1,005 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $823 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Orwell
What is the population of Orwell?
Orwell has a population of 1,854 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 966 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Orwell expensive to live in?
Orwell is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,670, 42% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $127,000 (55% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $750 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Orwell safe?
Orwell is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,473 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Orwell receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Orwell?
Orwell has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 46.9 inches, with 89.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Orwell?
Orwell has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 4,454 business establishments in the area, including 403 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Orwell?
The median home value in Orwell is $127,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,990. For renters, the median monthly rent is $750. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 42.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,734.
How are the schools in Orwell?
Schools in Orwell score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.0% of adults in Orwell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Orwell?
The obesity rate in Orwell is 45.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.1% of adults are smokers. 34.8% are physically inactive. 31.4% of residents report depression. 11.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,212.
What is transportation like in Orwell?
The average commute in Orwell is 26 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Orwell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Orwell is 91.5% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 16.3% of residents have a disability. 83.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
