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Orange County, Texas, is the first “taste of Texas” visitors to the state see when traveling west on Interstate 10.

The county is unique geographically. The eastern border is the Sabine River, which also divides Texas and Louisiana. The county’s western border is the Neches River and along the southern border lies Sabine Lake, a brackish bay off the Gulf of Mexico where both rivers empty.

Part of what makes Orange County such a unique setting is the incredible scenery. The county is home to a variety of scenic, serene retreats, from the award winning Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center to nature trails, campgrounds, and fishing spots that allow the public to interact with the natural world.

Orange County has seven incorporated areas: Orange, West Orange, Pinehurst, Bridge City, Vidor, Pine Forest and Rose City. Unincorporated communities include Mauriceville, Orangefield, McLewis and Little Cypress.

Population

Orange County: 80,937

Orange: 18,948

Vidor: 10,915

Bridge City: 7,906

West Orange: 3,460

Pinehurst: 2,089

Rose City: 509

Pine Forest: 494

Climate

Orange County is located on the Louisiana State Line between Beaumont, Texas and Lake Charles Louisiana in the State of Texas.

The rainfall in the region averages 58.3 inches per year compared to the Texas average of 30.1 inches per year. The average growing season in the Orange County region is 240 days. The average low temperature in January, gathered by the Office of State Climatologist is 39 degrees and the average high in July is 91 degrees.

Major Employers

Petrochemical industry, education, shipping, craft trades, machine fabrication, health care, hospitality and retail.

Education

Orange County students are served by public schools, charter schools, and parochial school. For higher education, students turn to Lamar State College-Orange, a two-year campus.

Recreation

Situated on the Gulf of Mexico with a moderate climate, the Golden Triangle of Southeast Texas offers an array of outdoors activities. The fishing is great, whether from the banks or from numerous fishing piers in the area and public boat ramps are easily accessible. Biking and hiking are popular at county parks as well as offering two Birding Trail sites.

Interesting tidbit

In 1919, Governor William P. Hobby appointed Lutcher Stark, a prominent citizen of Orange, to the University of Texas Board of Regents, a position previously held by Lutcher Stark’s father. Lutcher Stark served on the board for a total of 24 years, including 12 years as chairman. Stark has been credited with naming the university’s mascot — the longhorn. His name was added to the University’s Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1958, according to The W.H. Stark House website.

Area information

Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau
803 West Green Avenue
Orange, Texas 77630

(409) 883-1011
(800) 528-4906
www.orangetexas.org