With a composite score of 69.7, Baker County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties overall. This solid performance reflects a county where affordability and tax burden remain significant advantages for residents seeking livability.
2 / 5
Above average in Oregon
Baker County's score of 69.7 exceeds Oregon's state average of 66.6, ranking it among the stronger-performing counties in the state. This position reflects both economic conditions and quality-of-life factors that attract residents to eastern Oregon.
3 / 5
Affordability and low taxes shine
Baker County excels in cost (79.9) and tax burden (77.5), with an effective tax rate of just 0.882% and median home values of $247,700—some of the most affordable in the state. Residents also benefit from reasonable rents at $814/month, making this county one of Oregon's most budget-friendly places to live.
4 / 5
Income growth lags state average
The county's income score of 21.1 is notably low, with a median household income of $57,844—well below state and national benchmarks. This income gap is the primary factor constraining the overall livability score and suggests limited high-wage job opportunities in the region.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious families
Baker County is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over urban amenities and earning potential. If you value low taxes, manageable housing costs, and a quieter pace of life, this county offers strong livability relative to your dollar.
With a composite score of 69.7, Baker County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties overall. This solid performance reflects a county where affordability and tax burden remain significant advantages for residents seeking livability.
Above average in Oregon
Baker County's score of 69.7 exceeds Oregon's state average of 66.6, ranking it among the stronger-performing counties in the state. This position reflects both economic conditions and quality-of-life factors that attract residents to eastern Oregon.
Affordability and low taxes shine
Baker County excels in cost (79.9) and tax burden (77.5), with an effective tax rate of just 0.882% and median home values of $247,700—some of the most affordable in the state. Residents also benefit from reasonable rents at $814/month, making this county one of Oregon's most budget-friendly places to live.
Income growth lags state average
The county's income score of 21.1 is notably low, with a median household income of $57,844—well below state and national benchmarks. This income gap is the primary factor constraining the overall livability score and suggests limited high-wage job opportunities in the region.
Ideal for budget-conscious families
Baker County is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability over urban amenities and earning potential. If you value low taxes, manageable housing costs, and a quieter pace of life, this county offers strong livability relative to your dollar.
Score breakdown
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🏛77.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Baker County's effective tax rate of 0.882% sits below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $2,184 annually on the median home, compared to the national median of $2,690—a savings of about $500 per year.
Above Oregon average but not the highest
Baker County's 0.882% effective rate exceeds Oregon's state average of 0.775%, ranking it in the upper third of Oregon's 36 counties. The median property tax of $2,184 trails the state median of $2,745, reflecting Baker County's lower median home values.
Baker County versus neighboring counties
Baker County's rate of 0.882% sits between Union County's higher rates and the lower rates of Gilliam and Wheeler counties in eastern Oregon. At $2,184 in median annual tax, Baker County residents pay considerably less than Benton County ($4,713) but more than Curry County ($1,948).
Your Baker County tax bill
The median Baker County home valued at $247,700 incurs roughly $2,184 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $2,316, while those owning free-and-clear pay $2,029.
Could you be overassessed?
Oregon law allows homeowners to challenge assessments if their property is valued above market rate. If your Baker County home was recently assessed, filing an appeal with the county assessor's office could lower your tax burden by hundreds of dollars annually.
Baker County's Rent Burden: Below National Average
Baker County residents spend just 16.9% of income on rent, well below the national norm and among the most affordable in Oregon. The county's median household income of $57,844 is lower than the nation's $74,755, but housing costs here reflect that difference proportionally.
Most Affordable Rental Market in Oregon
Baker County ranks as one of Oregon's most affordable counties for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% compared to the state average of 19.4%. At $814 per month, median rent is $323 below Oregon's state average, making it a genuine outlier in the region.
Cheapest Rent Among Eastern Oregon Peers
Baker County's $814 median rent undercuts nearby Crook County ($1,224) and Curry County ($1,156) by 33% and 30% respectively. Even though baker County's income is lower than these neighbors, the rent savings make it genuinely more affordable for working families.
Rent and Ownership Both Reasonable Here
Renters pay $814 monthly while homeowners spend $913, leaving most households with more than 83% of income for other expenses. At a median home value of $247,700, ownership is the most attainable in Oregon's comparison group.
Move to Baker for Affordability
If housing costs are squeezing your budget, Baker County offers Oregon's most forgiving rent-to-income ratio and some of the state's lowest absolute rents. You'll trade urban amenities for financial breathing room—a tradeoff that pays off clearly in the numbers.
Baker County's median household income of $57,844 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $17,000 annually. This puts Baker County in the lower-income tier nationally, though many rural counties face similar pressures.
Below average for Oregon overall
Baker County ranks in the lower third of Oregon counties, with a median household income $12,121 below the state average of $69,965. Per capita income of $35,829 also lags the state average of $37,652.
Baker lags neighboring counties
Baker County's $57,844 median falls short of nearby Crook County ($81,675) and Union County areas. Among rural Oregon counties, Baker faces steeper income challenges than coastal counterparts like Clatsop.
Housing remains affordable here
With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.9%, Baker County residents spend a manageable share of earnings on rent—well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $247,700 also offers entry-level homeownership opportunities relative to state averages.
Build wealth through homeownership
Baker County's affordable housing market creates a real opportunity: households can lock in lower mortgage payments while building equity. Even modest income growth combined with home equity can create long-term wealth—consider consulting a local financial advisor about first-time homebuyer programs.
At 75.2 years, Baker County residents live nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 19.0% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 13.5%, signaling persistent health challenges.
Below Oregon average despite state support
Baker County's life expectancy of 75.2 years trails Oregon's 77.0-year state average by 1.8 years. This places the county in the lower half of Oregon's 36 counties for health outcomes.
Struggling compared to eastern neighbors
Baker County's life expectancy of 75.2 years lags Crook County (78.0 years) and Columbia County (77.6 years). Its uninsured rate of 7.3% is better than Clatsop's 8.7% but reflects ongoing access challenges across rural Oregon.
Limited primary care, adequate mental health
Baker County has 71 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the national ideal of 100—while mental health resources at 828 per 100,000 exceed state norms. The 7.3% uninsured rate means one in 14 residents lack health coverage.
Explore your coverage options today
One in 14 Baker County residents remain uninsured, missing critical preventive care. Visit your local health department or healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, ACA marketplace plans, and community health programs designed for rural Oregon.
Baker County scores 48.16 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the "Relatively Low" category and well below Oregon's state average of 63.43. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than typical American counties, though certain hazards remain present.
Among Oregon's Safest Counties
Baker County ranks among the lower-risk counties statewide, with only a handful of Oregon counties scoring lower on overall composite risk. This relative safety reflects the county's geography and lower exposure to multiple concurrent hazards.
Safer Than Eastern Oregon Peers
Baker County's score of 48.16 is significantly lower than neighboring Crook County (33.59, very low) but notably safer than Union County and other surrounding areas. The county benefits from lower flood and tornado exposure compared to western Oregon counties.
Wildfire and Earthquake Top Concerns
Wildfire risk dominates Baker County's hazard profile at 96.06—among the highest in the state—reflecting the county's location in Oregon's semi-arid interior where large fires are common. Earthquake risk scores 78.69, a reminder that the Pacific Northwest sits atop active seismic zones, though floods (47.84) and tornadoes (5.95) pose minimal threat.
Prepare for Fire Season Now
Wildfire insurance and defensible space around your home are essential protections for Baker County residents. Consider earthquake insurance and create a 30-foot defensible perimeter by removing dead trees and brush to reduce fire spread risk.