Orlando is a city located in central Florida, in the southeastern United States. It is the county seat of Orange County and has a population of over 2.5 million people in the greater metropolitan area. Orlando is known for its warm climate, numerous theme parks, and diverse cultural attractions.

One of the most popular attractions in Orlando is Walt Disney World Resort, which includes four theme parks, two water parks, and a number of hotels and other attractions. Other popular theme parks in the area include Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and LEGOLAND Florida. These theme parks draw millions of visitors to Orlando each year and contribute significantly to the city’s economy.

Orlando is also home to a number of museums and cultural institutions, including the Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Science Center, and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues.

In addition to its attractions and cultural offerings, Orlando is a major hub for business and industry. It is home to several major corporations, including Darden Restaurants, Tupperware Brands, and Lockheed Martin. The city is also a major center for conventions and trade shows, with the Orange County Convention Center ranking as the second-largest convention facility in the United States.

Overall, Orlando is a vibrant and dynamic city with a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for theme parks and entertainment, cultural attractions and museums, or a thriving business and industry scene, Orlando has something for everyone.

Population:

• Population (2023): 320,742
• Median age (2023): 34
• Residents under 18 (2023): 20.8%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 10.8%
• Population by sex (2023): 51.5% female, 48.5% male
• Homeowners and renters (2022): 39.2% homeowners, 60.8% renters
• Married population (2023): 42%
• Population change (2010-2020): Appx. 17% Increase
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 15.2% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 34.2%
• Black Non Hispanic – 22.5%
• White Hispanic – 14.3%
• Multiracial Hispanic – 12.3%
• Other Hispanic – 7%
• Multiracial Non Hispanic – 4%
• Asian – 3.92%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median household income (2022): $66,292
• Avg. per capita income (2022): $40,253

Tax:

• County property tax rate: 1.01% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7.5% (2023)

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): Slightly Higher
• Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Higher
• Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Lower
• Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 10% Lower
• Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 5% Lower

Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Orange County ):

Democratic – 55.91%

Republican – 42.37%

Other – 1.72%

Largest 3 employers: Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and Orange County Public Schools

School ratings: Orlando’s public schools have an average rating of 6 out of 10 (GreatSchools, 2021)

Coastal: No

Average low and high temperature: Low 18.25 °C, High 27.5 °C

Fun facts: Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the world.

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Interstate 4 (I-4): I-4 runs through Orlando and connects it to other major Florida cities like Tampa and Daytona Beach.
• Florida’s Turnpike: This toll road provides north-south connectivity and connects Orlando to Miami.

International Airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO): Orlando’s primary airport is located approximately 10 miles southeast of downtown Orlando. Travel time from downtown Orlando to MCO is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Universities and Colleges:

• University of Central Florida (UCF): UCF’s main campus is located about 20 miles northeast of downtown Orlando, which is roughly a 30-40 minute drive.
• Rollins College: Rollins College is situated in Winter Park, just a few miles north of downtown Orlando, approximately 15-20 minutes by car.

Hospitals:

• Orlando Regional Medical Center: Located in downtown Orlando, it is easily accessible.
• Florida Hospital Orlando (now known as AdventHealth Orlando): This hospital is also located in Orlando, near downtown.

Shopping Malls:

• The Mall at Millenia: Approximately 6 miles southwest of downtown Orlando, which is about a 15-20 minute drive.
• Orlando International Premium Outlets: About 7 miles south of downtown Orlando, approximately a 15-20 minute drive.

Major Cities:

• Tampa, Florida: Approximately 85 miles southwest of Orlando, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive, depending on traffic.
• Miami, Florida: Approximately 230 miles southeast of Orlando, which is roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive, depending on traffic.
• Jacksonville, Florida: Approximately 140 miles northeast of Orlando, which is around a 2.5-hour drive, depending on traffic.

Amenities/attractions:

• Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando Science Center, and more

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions:

• Rental periods of less than 30 Days are considered short term rentals in Orange County
• Currently short term rentals are not permitted in residential zones in Orange County.
• Sketch or survey of property to be provided to the city
• Property must be owner occupied or if multi – dwelling owner must live in one of the units
• Entire home is not permitted to be rented as a short term rental
• All property owners within 500 feet of the rental property must be notified in writing of the contract and arrangement of the rental agreement.

For information visit Orlando.gov