Orleans City Demographics

Orleans, a town in Barnstable County, MA, has a 2020 population of approximately 6,307. The median age is about 60 years, reflecting a predominantly older population. Gender distribution is roughly 47% male and 53% female. Racially, the town is 94.1% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. The community is largely non-Hispanic, and over 95% of residents speak English at home.

Orleans City Housing

Orleans, Barnstable, MA, features a high homeownership rate of about 75%, with median home values around $710,000 as of 2023. Rentals comprise approximately 25% of the housing market, with median rents near $2,400/month. The area offers a mix of single-family homes, cottages, and condos, concentrated in neighborhoods like East Orleans and South Orleans. Property values have risen roughly 8% year-over-year. Property taxes average 0.74% of assessed value, with a typical annual bill near $5,300. The market is competitive, reflecting strong demand for coastal Cape Cod living.

Education in Orleans City

Orleans, Barnstable, MA, is served primarily by Nauset Regional High School, which enrolls about 900 students and has a graduation rate over 90%. The area features 2 public schools and several private options. Around 55% of adults hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. School safety ratings are above state average, and Nauset Regional scores 7/10 in state tests. Educational programs include AP courses and vocational training. Adult education is available through nearby Cape Cod Community College. The community strongly values education, with small class sizes (13:1 ratio) and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Transportation in Orleans City

Transportation in Orleans, Barnstable, MA, is primarily car-dependent, with about 90% of commuters driving and just 0.6% using public transit (2022 ACS). The average commute time is approximately 25 minutes. Local transportation infrastructure includes Route 6 and regional bus service provided by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. Major employment hubs are retail, healthcare, and local government institutions. Vehicle ownership rates are high, with over 95% of households owning at least one vehicle. Public transit usage remains low due to rural density and limited service coverage.

Orleans City Healthcare

Orleans, Barnstable, MA, is served by Outer Cape Health Services’ clinic, with the nearest hospitals—Cape Cod Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth—located 20+ miles away. About 97% of Orleans residents have health insurance, per U.S. Census data. The population skews older, with 46% aged 65+, leading to prevalent health issues like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Healthcare access remains challenged by limited local specialists and transportation. The area hosts several primary care providers, urgent care clinics, and mental health professionals, with approximately 1.8 primary care providers per 1,000 residents, slightly above the state average.

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