About Orange County

Geography
Orange County, approximately 354 square miles (226,560 acres) in area, is located in Virginia’s central Piedmont region.  It is 70 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., 65 miles northwest of Richmond, 25 miles west of Fredericksburg, and only 15 miles northeast of Charlottesville - home of the University of Virginia.  Topography ranges from 175 feet to 1200 feet above sea level.

Climate
The climate is mild and temperate.  According to local data collected from 1961 to 1990 by the Piedmont Research station (446712), the mean high temperature of 86.4^oF occurs in July and the mean low temperature of 22^oF occurs in January.  July’s average temperature is 75.7^oF, and January’s is 32.3^oF.

Precipitation
Monthly precipitation has proven to be relatively constant during this 30 year period.  The mean high rainfall of 4.47 inches occurs in July.  The mean low rainfall of 2.74 inches occurs in February.  The average total annual rainfall from 1961 to 1990 is 42.93 inches per year.  The largest mean snowfall of 7.5 inches occurs in January.  For statistical data relative to precipitation, click here.

Orange County is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors with daily operations managed by a County Administrator.  Each member of the Board of Supervisors represents a separate voting district.  The 2005 population estimate is 30,426.  For Census Bureau QuickFacts please click here.

Two incorporated towns, Orange and Gordonsville are located in the western half of the county.  Lake of the Woods, a self-governing gated community, is located in the eastern corner.