Orange County, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Orange County
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        Top to bottom, left to right: Universal CityWalk; Lake Eola; Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom; Orange County Courthouse; Universal Studios Florida; Orlando International Premium Outlets; Disney Springs; and Downtown Winter Park
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 Orange County
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | ||
| Founded | December 29, 1824 (renamed January 30, 1845) | ||
| Named for | For the citrus orange fruit that once thrived in the area | ||
| County seat | Orlando | ||
| Largest city | Orlando | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 1,003 sq mi (2,600 km2) | ||
| • Land | 903 sq mi (2,340 km2) | ||
| • Water | 100 sq mi (300 km2) | ||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,429,908 | ||
| • Estimate
(2022)
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1,452,726 | ||
| • Rank | 28th in the United States 5th in Florida |
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| • Density | 1,608.78/sq mi (621.09/km2) | ||
| Gross Domestic Product | |||
| • Total | US5.013 billion (2022) | ||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern Time Zone) | ||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (Eastern Daylight Time) | ||
| ZIP Codes |
32828, 32703, 32712, 32820, 32709, 34734, 34786, 32810, 32751, 32824, 34760, 34761, 32835, 32836, 32837, 32839, 32825, 32821, 32822, 32829, 32830, 32831, 32832, 32801, 32803, 32804, 32805, 32806, 32807, 32811, 32812, 32814, 32817, 32819, 32827, 32809, 32818, 32808, 32826, 32833, 34787, 32789, 32792, 32798
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| Area codes | 407, 689, 321 | ||
| FIPS code | 12095 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 295750 | ||
Orange County is a county in the central part of Florida. It is a very busy place, known for its many theme parks and attractions. In 2020, over 1.4 million people lived here. This makes it the fifth most populated county in Florida.
The main city and county seat is Orlando. Orlando is also the biggest city in the county. It is the center of a larger area called the Orlando metropolitan area, which has over 2.6 million people.
Orange County is a major spot for tourists, business, and culture in Central Florida. Famous places to visit include Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. It is also home to the University of Central Florida (UCF), which is one of the largest universities in the United States. Even with all the development, Orange County still has beautiful natural areas. There are many lakes, like Lake Apopka, and parks such as Wekiwa Springs.
Contents
History of Orange County
Early History and Naming
The land that is now Orange County first appeared from the sea millions of years ago. This ancient land is known as Orange Island. Fossils found here, dating back over a million years, show that animals like giant sloths, mammoths, camels, and dire wolves once lived in the area.
In 1821, Florida was divided into two main areas. By 1824, the southern part of the eastern area became Mosquito County. This county was very large, covering much of central Florida. The town of Enterprise was its first county seat.
In 1845, when Florida became a state, Mosquito County was renamed Orange County. It was named after the sweet oranges that grew very well there. Over time, parts of Orange County were used to create other counties, like Osceola, Seminole, Lake, and Volusia.
Citrus Groves and Growth
Orange County was once famous for its orange groves. In the early 1970s, about 80,000 acres (320 square kilometers) were covered with citrus trees. However, the orange industry faced many challenges. Many growers had to leave their farms.
As the orange farms declined, Florida's population kept growing. The success of nearby Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida also brought more people to the area. This led to many former grove lands being used for new housing developments. Even so, some orange packing and selling businesses still operate in Orange County today.
Geography of Orange County
Location and Size
Orange County is located in the middle of Florida. It covers a total area of about 1,003 square miles (2,600 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 903 square miles (2,339 square kilometers), is land. The remaining 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) is water, including many lakes.
Neighboring Counties
Orange County shares its borders with several other counties:
- Seminole County to the north
- Volusia County to the northeast
- Brevard County to the east
- Osceola County to the south
- Polk County to the southwest
- Lake County to the west
Population and People
How Orange County Has Grown
Orange County has grown a lot over the years. In 1830, only 733 people lived here. By 1950, the population was over 100,000. In 2020, it reached more than 1.4 million people. This growth shows how popular the area has become.
Diverse Community
Orange County is a very diverse place. People from many different backgrounds live here. Many languages are spoken at home, with English and Spanish being the most common. A large number of people living in Orange County were born in other countries, making it a truly global community.
Economy and Jobs
Major Businesses
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Many companies have their main offices in Orange County. Some of these include Darden Restaurants, which owns popular restaurant chains, and Tijuana Flats. Other big companies like Amazon, JetBlue, Lockheed Martin, and Tupperware also have offices here.
The Orange County Convention Center is a very important place for business. It is one of the largest convention centers in the United States. It hosts many events each year, bringing in millions of visitors and a lot of money to the area.
Healthcare Services
Orange County is a growing center for healthcare in Central Florida. Two of the biggest healthcare groups, AdventHealth and Orlando Health, started here. They have many hospitals and clinics that serve the community.
The Lake Nona Medical City is a special area dedicated to health and science. It has parts of the University of Central Florida's medical school and other health colleges. It also includes important hospitals like Nemours Children's Hospital.
Shopping Fun
Orange County is a great place to shop! The Florida Mall is one of the largest single-story malls in the United States. It has over 250 stores and many places to eat. It attracts millions of visitors every year.
Disney Springs at Walt Disney World is another popular spot. It is an outdoor area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Universal CityWalk is similar, located next to the Universal Orlando theme parks. Other big shopping areas include The Mall at Millenia and the Orlando International Premium Outlets.
Sports in Orange County
Orange County is home to professional sports teams. The Orlando Magic play basketball in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Orlando City SC plays soccer in Major League Soccer (MLS). There are also other professional and college sports teams, like the UCF Knights from the University of Central Florida.
The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World is a huge sports area. It has many fields and venues for different sports. It has hosted major events, including NBA games and the Invictus Games. Golf is also popular, with famous courses like the Bay Hill Club and Lodge.
Tourism and Fun Attractions
Orange County is known as the 'Theme Park Capital of the World'. Tourism is a huge part of its economy. Millions of people visit every year.
Here are some of the main attractions:
- Walt Disney World Resort: This huge resort includes four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. It also has two water parks, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach, and the shopping area Disney Springs.
- Universal Orlando: This resort has Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and the water park Universal Volcano Bay. It also has Universal CityWalk for dining and entertainment.
- SeaWorld Orlando: This park combines animal shows with thrilling rides. It also includes Aquatica water park and Discovery Cove.
Other fun places include Fun Spot Orlando, Icon Park, and Madame Tussauds. Many of the companies that run these parks, like United Parks & Resorts (which owns SeaWorld), have their main offices in Orange County.
Education in Orange County
Public Schools
The Orange County Public Schools system provides education for students across the county. It is one of the largest school districts in Florida and in the United States. The school board, made up of elected members, oversees the schools. As of 2021-2022, the system had over 200 schools and more than 200,000 students.
Colleges and Universities
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Orange County is home to several important colleges and universities:
- University of Central Florida (UCF): This is a large public university. It has one of the biggest student populations in the United States. Its main campus is in northeast Orange County.
- Rollins College: This is a private college located in Winter Park, close to Orlando. It is known for its strong academic programs.
- Valencia College: This college has six campuses in the county. It offers two-year degree programs and some four-year programs.
- Full Sail University: This university in Winter Park focuses on creative arts, media, and technology. It offers degrees in areas like film, animation, and game design.
Libraries in Orange County
The Orange County Library System serves the community. It started in 1923 with the Albertson Public Library. Today, there are 16 libraries across Orange County. They offer many books, movies, and online resources. They also have free programs and even deliver books to your home through their MAYL service.
Some cities, like Maitland and Winter Park, have their own separate library systems. However, residents of these cities can still get a free "Reciprocal borrower card" to use the Orange County Library System.
Places to See and Do
Museums and Art
Orange County has many museums where you can learn about art, history, and science:
- Orange County Regional History Center: Learn about the history of the area.
- Orlando Museum of Art: See different types of art.
- Orlando Science Center: Explore science and technology through hands-on exhibits.
- Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art: Home to the world's largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany art.
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! and WonderWorks: Fun and unusual museums with interactive displays.
Culture and Nature
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Orange County offers many cultural experiences and natural beauty:
- Harry P. Leu Gardens: A large garden with many different plants, historic buildings, and walking trails.
- Gatorland: A wildlife park where you can see alligators and other animals.
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts: A place to see plays, concerts, and other live shows.
- Lake Eola Park: A beautiful park in downtown Orlando with a lake, swan boats, and a fountain.
- Wekiwa Springs State Park: A state park with natural springs, trails, and camping.
Themed Attractions
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Orange County is famous for its many themed attractions:
- Walt Disney World Resort:
- Universal Orlando Resort:
- Universal Studios Florida
- Universal Islands of Adventure
- Universal Volcano Bay
- Universal Epic Universe (opening in 2025)
- Universal CityWalk
- SeaWorld Orlando:
- Discovery Cove
- Aquatica
- Fun Spot America
- Icon Park
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Orange County has many parks and trails for outdoor activities:
- Lake Eola Park: A popular park in downtown Orlando.
- Wekiwa Springs State Park: A natural spring and park for swimming and hiking.
- West Orange Trail: A long paved trail for biking and walking.
- Fort Christmas Historical Park: A park with a replica of an 1837 fort.
- Hal Scott Preserve: A large natural area for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Sports Venues and Golf Courses
Orange County has several places for sports and golf:
- Kia Center: Home to the Orlando Magic basketball team.
- Camping World Stadium: Hosts college football games and other events.
- Inter&Co Stadium: Home to the Orlando City SC soccer team.
- FBC Mortgage Stadium: The football stadium for the UCF Knights.
- Orange County National Golf Center: A large golf facility.
- Bay Hill Club and Lodge: A famous golf course that hosts a PGA Tour event.
Getting Around Orange County
Airports
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Orange County has several airports:
- Orlando International Airport: This is the busiest airport in Florida. It serves many flights to places all over the world.
- Orlando Executive Airport: This airport is mainly for private jets and smaller planes.
- Orlando Apopka Airport: A smaller airport for private aircraft.
Major Roads
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Many important roads run through Orange County, making it easy to get around. These include major highways like Interstate 4 and Florida's Turnpike. Famous local roads include International Drive, which is lined with attractions, and Orange Blossom Trail.
Public Transportation
Orange County has several public transportation options:
- Amtrak: A train service with stations in Orlando and Winter Park.
- Brightline: A high-speed train that connects Orlando International Airport to cities like Miami.
- Greyhound: A bus service for travel across the country.
- Lynx: The local bus system that serves Orange County and nearby areas.
- SunRail: A commuter train service that connects different parts of Orange County and neighboring counties.
Communities in Orange County
Orange County has many different cities, towns, and smaller communities.
Cities
- Apopka
- Bay Lake
- Belle Isle
- Edgewood
- Lake Buena Vista
- Maitland
- Ocoee
- Orlando
- Winter Garden
- Winter Park
Towns
Other Communities
There are also many other communities in Orange County, including:
- Alafaya
- Azalea Park
- Bay Hill
- Bithlo
- Christmas
- Dr. Phillips
- Pine Hills
- University
- Zellwood
Images for kids
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2010 U.S. Census tract map of Orange County
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Ethnic origins in Orange County
In Spanish: Condado de Orange (Florida) para niños
