Santa Ana and Orange, both located in Orange County, CA, offer a unique blend of suburban living and city convenience. While they share similar climate and access to amenities, there are differences in crime rates, cost of living, and public services. Santa Ana is more urban and diverse, but has a higher crime rate. Orange has less diversity but is safer and more family-friendly. Both cities have distinct neighborhoods, well-established infrastructures, and a distinct culture and food scene.
Distance between
Santa Ana, CA and
Orange, CA : 5.1 miles
Santa Ana's population is larger by 125%. Its population has decreased by 28,536 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Orange has grown by 8,443 people (6.6%) during that time.
Santa Ana has a higher crime rate compared to Orange. Although the levels have been declining over the years, the city is still more dangerous than 22% of U.S. cities. Conversely, Orange has a lower crime rate and is safer than 38% of U.S. cities. Both cities have their safer neighborhoods and areas to avoid, so it's always suggested to research the neighborhoods thoroughly before settling in or visiting.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 414 registered sex offenders living in Santa Ana and 127 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Santa Ana is 807 to 1; the ratio in Orange is 1,106 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Santa Ana than in Orange.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in both Orange and Santa Ana is higher than the national average, reflecting the overall cost of living in California. However, Santa Ana generally tends to be slightly less expensive than Orange, particularly regarding housing. This makes Santa Ana a more appealing choice for those with budget constraints.
Income Tax
As they are both in California, Orange and Santa Ana share the same state income tax rates, which range from 1% to 13.3% depending on income, making it one of the highest in the United States.
Property Tax
Property taxes in California are administered at the county level, so both Orange and Santa Ana have the same average rate of 0.72%, which is below the national average.
Sales Tax
Both cities have a sales tax rate of 7.75%, which is lower than the California state average but higher than the national average. This applies to goods purchased in both cities.
Income
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Estimated median household income
$80,265
$103,045
Estimated per capita income
$26,691
$41,925
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
88.6
88.6
If you make $50,000 in Orange, you will have to make $50,000 in Santa Ana to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Both Santa Ana and Orange are located in the beautiful region of Orange County, known for its stunning beaches, inland canyons, and mountains. The Santa Ana River runs through both cities, providing a natural border and recreational opportunities.
Santa Ana has a number of good schools and is home to Santa Ana College. However, Orange boasts a slightly better education system overall, featuring top-rated public and private schools, as well as the prestigious Chapman University. Both cities offer diverse educational opportunities catered to various needs and interests.
Santa Ana's economy revolves around service industries, retail, and manufacturing. Major employers include the County of Orange, Ingram Micro, and Tenet Healthcare. In Orange, healthcare, education, and retail trade dominate the economy. The city's major employers include UC Irvine Medical Center and Chapman University.
Biggest Employers
Major employers in Santa Ana include the County of Orange, Ingram Micro, and Tenet Healthcare. Meanwhile, in Orange, the largest employers are UC Irvine Medical Center and Chapman University. Both cities provide ample employment opportunities across various sectors.
There were 231 building permits issued in Santa Ana in 2012 (189 more than in 2011) compared to 79 building permits issued in Orange in 2012 (74 more than in 2011).
Weather
Both Santa Ana and Orange enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The average high in July is about 83 degrees, while the average low in January is around 48. The cities are also less than 20 miles from the coast, giving residents and visitors access to beautiful beaches and ocean views.
Weather and climate
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Temperature - Average
65.4°F
65°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
69.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
26.2%
25.6%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
78.3%
77.7%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13.8 in
11.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.5%
26.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21.9%
21.9%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
84.8%
84.9%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
62.9%
62.9%
Wind speed - Average
5.9 mph
5.7 mph
Average climate in Santa Ana, California
Average climate in Orange, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Santa Ana
Orange
Santa Ana
Orange
Santa Ana
Orange
Santa Ana
Orange
Santa Ana
Orange
Santa Ana
Orange
Santa Ana
Orange
Santa Ana
Orange
2018
124
144
0.34
0.34
14.2
14.0
27.0
27.3
N/A
0.007
27.5
29.0
12.3
12.6
0.7
0.7
2017
129
151
0.35
0.39
13.9
14.6
29.1
28.3
N/A
0.007
26.7
29.6
13.6
13.8
0.5
0.5
2016
107
137
0.35
0.40
12.6
14.3
29.2
28.0
N/A
0.007
24.1
26.3
12.7
13.1
0.2
0.3
2015
128
145
0.32
0.36
13.4
14.7
29.6
28.1
N/A
0.007
25.0
27.0
14.7
14.9
0.2
0.3
2014
127
141
0.29
0.33
13.2
15.0
28.6
27.5
N/A
0.008
26.7
29.1
15.9
15.9
0.4
0.4
2013
123
143
0.34
0.38
13.9
15.6
27.6
26.4
0.003
0.005
28.8
30.5
14.0
14.1
0.3
0.4
2012
115
144
0.31
0.39
12.9
15.2
26.7
26.0
0.004
0.005
27.5
29.2
14.5
15.0
0.1
0.2
2011
118
143
0.31
0.37
14.8
16.6
27.1
26.6
0.006
0.007
27.5
29.0
15.9
16.6
0.7
0.7
2010
107
139
0.34
0.40
14.4
16.9
26.5
26.1
0.011
0.009
23.5
25.3
14.6
15.1
0.6
0.6
2009
133
154
0.35
0.39
16.0
18.4
27.7
26.8
0.010
0.009
24.4
25.2
14.9
15.8
1.1
1.1
2008
138
158
0.38
0.41
17.1
20.1
28.2
27.0
0.010
0.010
30.1
30.1
21.6
18.6
1.1
1.1
2007
121
135
0.36
0.42
17.0
20.2
27.1
26.0
0.012
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
0.8
2006
120
128
0.40
0.46
17.7
20.7
26.6
25.9
0.007
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2005
119
128
0.40
0.47
18.2
21.8
28.3
26.9
0.013
0.013
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.3
1.3
2004
128
134
0.50
0.55
19.4
22.1
31.2
30.3
0.014
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.6
1.6
2003
139
143
0.64
0.68
22.3
25.5
28.3
24.8
0.029
0.025
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.1
2002
122
134
0.66
0.72
22.3
25.6
25.1
22.7
0.019
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.9
2001
120
143
0.76
0.85
22.6
27.3
25.1
22.8
0.036
0.035
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.5
1.6
2000
127
149
0.80
0.83
25.7
29.7
23.7
22.3
0.028
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.9
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
19.1%
19.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,931.4%
7,026.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
32%
Transportation
Both cities are serviced by the OCTA, providing public buses throughout Orange County. Santa Ana also has a Metrolink station for travel within Southern California. Many residents in both cities commute using private vehicles, with several major highways and freeways nearby, including I-5, SR-22, and SR-57.
Transport
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
150
72
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
15
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Bicycle
0.2%
0.5%
Bus
0.9%
1.2%
Carpooled
12%
11.2%
Car alone
83.6%
83%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.1%
0.3%
Subway
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
1.4%
2.1%
Average travel time to work
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Average
30.4 min
31.3 min
Other means
25.5 min
25.6 min
Public transportation
48.1 min
45.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Average
1.2
1.3
Drove alone
84.6%
85.8%
In 2 person carpool
11.7%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
2.7%
1.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
1.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in both Orange and Santa Ana is robust, reflecting California trends. Homes are generally more expensive in Orange, known for its charming and well-preserved Old Towne. Santa Ana, although also historic, offers relatively more affordable housing options.
Neighborhoods
Santa Ana offers diverse neighborhoods, ranging from bustling downtown to quieter suburban areas. Orange, meanwhile, has well-planned, family-friendly neighborhoods. The Plaza, in Orange, is a popular community hub with historic homes, shops, and restaurants.
Houses and residents
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Houses
80,604
45,377
Average household size (people)
4.4
3
Median year apartment built
1974
1975
Median year house/condo built
1962
1970
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.9 years
15.4 years
Houses occupied
78,674 (97.6%)
43,291 (95.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
35,317 (44.9%)
24,222 (56%)
Houses occupied by renters
43,357 (55.1%)
19,069 (44%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,407
$3,066
Median monthly housing costs
$1,836
$2,103
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$976,981
$1,306,159
Estimated median house or condo value
$623,000
$827,200
Median numbers of rooms
4.5
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.6
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$724,856
$943,896
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$512,474
$539,500
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$351,406
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$406,926
$632,238
Median house price - mobile homes
$125,004
$111,668
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$492,339
$661,387
Median house price - All housing units
$648,392
$889,359
Median house age
53
49
Renting percentage
52.5%
39.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,969.6
1,939.6
House value disparities
21.7%
20.3%
Household income disparities
40.4%
40.6%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$120,617
$144,254
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$74,449
$87,481
Housing units without a mortgage
318 (1.2%)
317 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
1,175 (4.6%)
927 (5.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
25,378 (98.8%)
17,033 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
23 (0.1%)
53 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
1,438 (5.6%)
1,157 (6.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
5
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.3%
3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Santa Ana
Orange
One, detached
46.4%
55.0%
One, attached
5.8%
8.3%
Two
3.6%
2.1%
3 or 4
7.3%
8.8%
5 to 9
5.7%
3.5%
10 to 19
8.8%
2.1%
20 to 49
6.3%
6.1%
50 or more
11.0%
10.6%
Mobile homes
4.9%
3.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
13,591
6,160
State government workers
3,716
2,223
Unpaid family workers
355
72
Industries and Occupations
Both Santa Ana and Orange have diverse economies but different dominant industries. In Santa Ana, the major sectors are manufacturing, retail trade, and health care. In Orange, top industries are healthcare, education, and professional services – mainly due to the presence of important healthcare facilities and Chapman University.
Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations
8.7%
3.3%
Production occupations
7.0%
1.1%
Healthcare support occupations
6.4%
3.6%
Management occupations
6.3%
12.9%
Business and financial operations occupations
4.8%
11.2%
Educational instruction, and library occupations
4.7%
10.7%
Personal care and service occupations
4.6%
3.4%
Material moving occupations
4.3%
1.5%
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical occupations
3.0%
6.1%
Computer and mathematical occupations
2.0%
1.7%
Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations
1.7%
0.8%
Transportation occupations
1.6%
1.1%
Health technologists and technicians
1.6%
1.8%
Community and social service occupations
1.5%
2.1%
Legal occupations
1.5%
1.4%
Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations
1.3%
3.7%
Life, physical, and social science occupations
0.2%
1.6%
Health Care
Both cities host prominent health care facilities. Santa Ana is home to the South Coast Global Medical Center and Orange hosts the UC Irvine Medical Center and CHOC Children's Hospital.
Santa Ana and Orange both have well-established infrastructure systems. Santa Ana, being more urban, boasts a larger number of high-rise buildings and the Santa Ana Freeway running through the city facilitates commuting. On the other hand, Orange is known for its charming Old Town district and a well-maintained road network.
Infrastructure
Type
Santa Ana
Orange
Hospitals
9
9
TV stations
2
4
Bank branches located here
31
30
Bank institutions located here
13
13
Main business address for public companies
15
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Santa Ana
Orange
1999
955
451
2000
834
380
2001
725
299
2002
933
300
2003
1,222
478
2004
1,657
589
2005
2,302
645
2006
2,615
769
2007
1,456
561
2008
694
287
2009
399
133
Culture and Food
Santa Ana has a vibrant Latinx culture reflected in its food, arts, and festivals. The city's 4th Street Market attracts food lovers with its diverse food stalls and vendors. Orange celebrates its rich history with the Old Towne Historic District and an array of comfort food and fine dining options.
Sports Teams
While neither city has major professional sports teams, both are in proximity to Anaheim, home to the Los Angeles Angels (MLB) and Anaheim Ducks (NHL). Fans of the sports won't have to travel far to catch a game.
Santa Ana, CA
Orange, CA
Santa Ana, CA and 
Orange, CA : 5.1 miles
