countyscore
36.9
County Score
Health 56.6Property Tax 52.1Disaster Risk 51.9

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.

2040608010052.147.319.956.69.736.451.928.433Tax52.1Cost47.3Safety19.9Health56.6Schools9.7Income36.4Risk51.9Water28.4Weather3336.9/100
This county
National avg
5 below average

Baker County DNA

Foverall

How Baker County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Baker County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Schools (9.7/100), though Health (56.6/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
52.1
Cost
47.3
Safety
19.9-35.1
Health
56.6
Schools
9.7-44.3
Income
36.4-14.600000000000001
Risk
51.9
Water
28.4-29.6
Weather
33-23
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Compare mortgage rates in Baker County

Whether buying or refinancing in Baker County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$285,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$865/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$285,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,936/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

53.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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37

Nearby counties

Washington County
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58.7
Union County
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44.3
Grant County
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66.9
Adams County
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Deep Dives

Baker County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 36.9 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 #25 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 $2,239, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Baker County a tax score of 52.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Baker County?
The median household income in Baker County, Oregon is $60,936 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Baker County earns an income score of 36.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Baker County, Oregon a good place to live?
Baker County scores 36.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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