The National Average ORA® Score

The National Average ORA® Score provides comparison context.

It is a national average benchmark of resident experience across apartment communities evaluated during a specific month.

Because ORA® updates monthly, the benchmark can change over time.

Why The National Average Benchmark Matters

A score by itself lacks context.

Comparing a community’s ORA® Score to the National Average ORA® Score benchmark for the same month and year helps you understand relative positioning.

If a community scores above the benchmark, it reflects stronger overall resident experience signals relative to broader patterns.

If a community scores near the benchmark, it may still be a strong fit depending on priorities.

If a community scores below the benchmark, it may reflect repeated patterns worth verifying before signing.

The ORA® Score reflects patterns of resident experience.

How To Use The National Average ORA® Score Benchmark

Always compare scores from the same month and year.

Resident experience changes over time, and the benchmark provides time-based context for comparison.

The benchmark is a context tool, not a guarantee of fit.

Formal Definition: The ORA® Score

The ORA® Score is a 0–100, monthly-updated, unbiased resident experience metric for an apartment community.

A strong ORA® Score indicates avoidance of sustained negative reviews in critical resident experience categories within the last 6–12 months, suggesting a more predictable resident experience relative to the National Average ORA® Score benchmark.

Even strong scores can have opportunity areas worth verifying.

Example

ORA^® Score

February 2026

A monthly-updated resident experience score based on real renter feedback, designed to help renters compare apartment communities with more confidence.

Strengths:

Maintenance
Cleanliness
Communication

Opportunities:

Parking, Noise

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the ORA National Average

Does the National Average ORA® Score stay the same?

No. It can shift monthly as resident experience patterns change.

Is the National Average ORA® Score a grading curve?

No. It is a comparison reference point.

Will ORA® show the National Average number here?

This page explains what the benchmark means and how to use it. When a specific monthly National Average number is published, it should be referenced with a month and year for clear context. The ORA app compares every apartment community to the national average.