countyscore
36.3
County Score
Health 56.6Disaster Risk 51.9Cost of Living 49

County Report Card

About Baker County, Oregon

Baker County Trails the National Median

Baker County earns a composite score of 36.2, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects the broader economic challenges often found in rural Eastern Oregon.

Below the Oregon State Average

The county's overall score sits below the Oregon state average of 42.5. It ranks among the lower-scoring counties in the state, primarily due to struggles in public infrastructure and services.

Stronger Marks in Health and Risk

Health and environmental risk are the county's brightest spots, scoring 56.6 and 51.9 respectively. Residents also enjoy a relatively low median gross rent of $814 per month.

Investing in Schools and Safety

The county faces hurdles in education and safety, which score low at 9.7 and 19.9. Improvements in these areas are critical for lifting the overall quality of life index.

A Haven for Affordable Rural Living

Baker County best suits retirees or remote workers who prioritize low housing costs and natural surroundings over top-tier school systems. It offers a budget-friendly lifestyle for those who do not rely on local public services.

Score breakdown

Tax46.6Cost49Safety19.9Health56.6Schools9.7Income32.5Risk51.9Water28.4Weather33
🏛46.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡19.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓9.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧28.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤33
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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56.8
Union County
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43.2
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64.1
Adams County
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Deep Dives

Baker County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Baker County

via TaxByCounty

Baker County taxes rank low nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baker County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baker County

via IncomeByCounty

Baker County earns below the national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Baker County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Haven in Baker County

Baker County is safer than many regions, boasting an impressive safety score of 96.7. Its total crime rate of 2085.7 per 100K is lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Oregon's Safety Average

The county's total crime rate is lower than the Oregon average of 2,366.2 per 100K. It ranks well within the state with a safety score exceeding the Oregon average of 96.3.

A Quiet Corner of the State

Compared to more active neighbors like Benton, Baker maintains a relatively low crime profile. Four reporting agencies track local incidents to ensure community transparency.

Property Concerns Over Personal Safety

Violent crime is low at 221.8 per 100K, well below the state average of 261.6. Most reports involve property crimes, which occur at a rate of 1863.9 per 100K residents.

Staying Secure in Baker

Even in high-safety areas, property awareness remains essential for every homeowner. Motion lighting and secure locks are simple, effective ways to deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Baker County

via HealthByCounty

Baker County lags on life expectancy

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Baker County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Scale Education Network

Baker County supports 4,758 students across 15 public schools, including five elementary and four high school campuses. Four independent districts manage this infrastructure, providing a high ratio of facilities relative to the rural population.

Graduation Rates Outpace State Average

The county's 83.6% graduation rate exceeds the Oregon state average of 82.3%, despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $3,289. While current spending is significantly below the national average of $13,000, the composite school score of 42.1 indicates a system working to maximize limited resources.

Charter Options in Baker SD 5J

Baker SD 5J serves as the primary provider with 12 schools and 4,453 students. Charter schools play a massive role here, making up 40% of all schools and including the 2,377-student Baker Web Academy.

Town-Centered Learning Environments

Most students attend one of the 10 town-based schools, with another five schools serving rural pockets of the county. The average school size is 340 students, ranging from the large Baker Web Academy to the tiny Burnt River SD which serves only 27 students.

Put Down Roots Near Baker Schools

Families looking for close-knit educational environments should explore homes within the Baker SD 5J boundaries. School quality remains a vital consideration for local property values and long-term community growth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baker County

via RiskByCounty

Baker County: Below Average Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Baker County

via WeatherByCounty

A Brisk High-Desert Mountain Climate

Baker County averages 49.4°F annually, notably cooler than the national median of approximately 54°F. This high-desert environment pairs low annual precipitation of 15.7 inches with significant seasonal temperature swings.

Cooler and Drier Than State Averages

The county's average temperature of 49.4°F sits below Oregon's statewide average of 50.5°F. It receives less than half the state's average rainfall, highlighting the dry climate typical of the region east of the Cascades.

Cold Winters Set Baker Apart

While neighboring areas share a dry profile, Baker's winter average of 30.0°F creates a more rigorous seasonal cycle than many Oregon valleys. The county sees 47 extreme heat days annually, creating sharp contrasts compared to the milder coastal regions.

Heavy Snow and Summer Heat Peaks

Baker experiences intense winters with an average of 70.4 inches of snow and a January low of 28.2°F. Summers bring rapid warming, with July temperatures averaging 72.9°F and frequent days exceeding 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Dry Heat

Residents require heavy-duty winter gear and reliable heating systems to manage over 70 inches of annual snowfall. During the 47 annual extreme heat days, efficient cooling and hydration are essential for safety in this dry climate.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Baker County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert Earth in Transition

While specific taxonomic data for Baker County is currently limited, the region sits at a unique intersection of volcanic and alluvial histories. Local soil generally leans away from the national median pH of 6.5, though precise local testing is recommended for exact readings.

A Mixture of Mountain and Valley

Comprehensive percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in current regional records. However, the high-elevation landscape typically features well-draining mineral soils that require careful management of organic inputs.

Growing Against the Odds

Data for organic matter and available water capacity remains limited compared to the state's 29.41% organic matter average. Local gardeners should supplement with compost to build the moisture-holding capacity needed for the dry summer months.

Navigating Arid Hydrology

Official drainage classes are currently unrecorded for the county's primary tracts. This suggests that site-specific percolation tests are vital before beginning any large-scale farming or construction projects.

Gardening in a 6b Climate

Baker County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, demanding resilient plants that can handle cold winters and hot summers. Focus on hardy root vegetables and short-season grains to maximize your harvest in this rugged terrain.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Baker County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Baker County

Baker County faces a difficult lawn maintenance landscape with a score of 26.9, well below the Oregon average of 38.9. The local USDA Hardiness Zone 6b requires hardy grass varieties that can survive cold winters and dry summers.

Arid Climate Demands Constant Irrigation

The county receives just 15.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally need. With 47 extreme heat days and 2,540 growing degree days, your mowing schedule must adapt to rapid mid-summer growth spurts followed by heat dormancy.

Prepare for Undocumented Soil Challenges

While specific local soil pH and texture data are limited, regional trends suggest a need for testing before planting. Most arid Oregon soils require organic matter amendments to improve water retention in the absence of high clay content.

Managing Severe Water Shortages

The county spent 41 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. You should prioritize deep, infrequent watering at dawn to maintain roots without wasting moisture during these persistent dry spells.

Seeding for Success After May

Choose drought-tolerant cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue for this zone. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on May 15 to ensure the young grass establishes before the July heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Baker County's county score?
Baker County, Oregon has a composite county score of 36.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Baker County rank among counties in Oregon?
Baker County ranks #26 among all counties in Oregon on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Baker County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Baker County is $2,184, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Baker County a tax score of 46.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baker County?
The median household income in Baker County, Oregon is $57,844 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baker County earns an income score of 32.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baker County, Oregon a good place to live?
Baker County scores 36.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Baker County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Baker County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.