CountyScore

Benton County

Oregon · OR

#27 in Oregon
63.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Benton County, Oregon

Benton County well above national norm

Benton County's composite score of 63.3 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects a county with notably high health outcomes and moderate risk factors.

Slightly below Oregon average

Benton County scores 63.3 compared to Oregon's state average of 66.6, placing it in Oregon's middle tier. Despite falling short of the state average, it remains a solid-performing county with specific standout strengths.

Health and income lead the way

Benton County dominates in health (81.1) and income (33.0), with a median household income of $76,011 that supports a well-educated, affluent population. The county also boasts the lowest risk score (15.7) among all eight counties, indicating strong environmental and economic stability.

Housing costs strain affordability

Benton County's cost score of 60.9 reflects significant housing pressures, with median home values at $481,700 and rents at $1,359/month—among the state's highest. This affordability challenge limits livability for middle- and working-class residents despite strong incomes in the region.

Premium choice for educated professionals

Benton County suits higher-income professionals and families seeking excellent health care, strong schools, and low environmental risk. If you earn above-median income and prioritize professional growth and wellness over affordability, this county delivers strong livability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.8Cost60.9SafetyComing SoonHealth81.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome33Risk15.7WaterComing Soon
🏛74.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼33
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤81.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Benton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

New Castle County
Delaware
63.3
Median income: $89,901
Okeechobee County
Florida
63.3
Median income: $52,288
Troup County
Georgia
63.3
Median income: $54,905
Sumner County
Kansas
63.3
Median income: $60,348
Otsego County
New York
63.3
Median income: $67,086

Deep Dives

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Benton County

via TaxByCounty

Benton County taxes well above national average

Benton County's effective tax rate of 0.978% ranks in the nation's upper quartile, significantly outpacing the national median of 1.1%. The median annual property tax of $4,713 is 75% higher than the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher rates and substantially higher home values.

Benton County is Oregon's tax leader

At 0.978%, Benton County has the highest effective tax rate among all Oregon counties, well above the state average of 0.775%. The median property tax of $4,713 is the second-highest in Oregon, owing largely to the county's median home value of $481,700—among the state's highest.

Benton County leads the Willamette Valley

Benton County's 0.978% rate significantly outpaces nearby Clackamas County (0.874%) and Marion County. The median tax bill of $4,713 is the highest in the region, a result of both the county's elevated rate and the area's strong housing market.

Your Benton County tax bill

A median Benton County home valued at $481,700 generates an annual property tax of $4,713. Whether you have a mortgage or own free-and-clear, your tax bill remains relatively stable at $4,727 and $4,692, respectively.

Appeal if assessed above market

High-value Benton County homes are sometimes overassessed relative to recent comparable sales. Oregon allows homeowners to file appeals with the county assessor; even a small percentage reduction on a $480,000+ home can save thousands annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benton County

via CostByCounty

Benton County: Pricier Than National Average

Benton County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% exceeds both Oregon's state average (19.4%) and reflects stronger housing demand typical of college towns. Though median income here ($76,011) edges above the national median ($74,755), housing costs are climbing faster.

Benton Ranks Among Oregon's Pricier Markets

With a 21.4% rent-to-income ratio, Benton County is less affordable than most Oregon counties, driven partly by Oregon State University's presence in Corvallis. Median rent of $1,359 runs 19% above the state average of $1,137.

Benton's Housing Costs Reflect College-Town Pressures

Benton County's $1,359 rent is higher than Columbia County ($1,221) and Crook County ($1,224), reflecting Corvallis's regional role as an education and tech hub. Even so, homes here average $481,700—less than nearby Clackamas County's $577,900.

Over 1 in 5 Income Goes to Rent

Renters in Benton County spend $1,359 monthly (21.4% of income), while homeowners pay $1,484—both above state norms. The median home value of $481,700 means many households must choose: rent affordably or buy at a premium.

Benton Works for Professionals, Not Budget Hunters

Benton County suits higher-income professionals drawn to its tech ecosystem and university community, but tight budgets should look south or east. Your dollar stretches further in Baker, Columbia, or Crook counties while remaining in central Oregon.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benton County

via IncomeByCounty

Benton County slightly exceeds U.S. income levels

Benton County's median household income of $76,011 edges just above the national median of $74,755, positioning it solidly in the middle-income range. This modest lead reflects Benton's diverse economy anchored by education and research institutions.

Middle-income ranking in Oregon

Benton County earns $6,046 above Oregon's state median of $69,965, placing it in the upper-middle tier of Oregon counties. Per capita income of $42,112 also exceeds the state average of $37,652.

Outearned by Clackamas, ahead of coastal peers

Benton County's $76,011 median trails Clackamas County ($100,360) but surpasses coastal neighbors like Clatsop ($68,705) and Coos County ($60,313). The gap reflects urban versus rural economic structures across the Willamette Valley and coast.

Rising rents pressure household budgets

Benton County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% is elevated, meaning renters dedicate over one-fifth of earnings to housing—nearing the affordability ceiling. Median home values of $481,700 make ownership challenging for single-income households.

Leverage employer benefits and education

Benton County's proximity to Oregon State University and research centers creates pathways for skills training and salary growth. Maximize employer 401(k) matches and explore professional development to boost earnings in a knowledge-driven economy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Benton County

via HealthByCounty

Benton County leads on life expectancy

At 82.4 years, Benton County residents live more than 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 15.3% poor or fair health rate is substantially better than the national 13.5% average.

Oregon's healthiest county by far

Benton County's 82.4-year life expectancy ranks first in Oregon, exceeding the state average of 77.0 years by 5.4 years. The county's health outcomes consistently place it in the top tier nationally.

Far ahead of surrounding counties

Benton County's life expectancy of 82.4 years significantly exceeds Clackamas (79.9), Yamhill (not provided), and all other neighbors. Its healthcare infrastructure—117 primary care and 1,374 mental health providers per 100,000—far surpasses regional peers.

Robust provider access, low barriers

Benton County boasts 117 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well above national standards, plus unmatched mental health capacity at 1,374 per 100,000. At just 5.7% uninsured, the county provides insurance coverage to 94% of residents.

Nearly all Benton County residents insured

With 94.3% of residents covered, Benton County leads Oregon in insurance access. If you're in the 5.7% uninsured, healthcare.gov and OHP can help connect you to affordable plans quickly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benton County

via RiskByCounty

Benton County: Moderate National Risk

Benton County scores 84.35 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating and exceeding Oregon's 63.43 state average by over 20 points. This places the county in the higher-risk band nationally, driven primarily by earthquake vulnerability.

Mid-Tier Risk Among Oregon Counties

Benton County ranks in the middle range of Oregon's 36 counties by overall disaster risk. While not the most hazardous county statewide, its composite score places it above average for the state.

Moderate Risk in Willamette Valley

Benton County's 84.35 score sits between neighboring Marion County's higher risk and Columbia County's lower risk, reflecting typical Willamette Valley exposure. Nearby Washington County and Yamhill County face similar multi-hazard profiles.

Earthquakes and Floods Dominate

Earthquake risk is exceptionally high at 97.23—among the state's highest—while flood risk of 74.81 reflects the county's position in Oregon's primary river valleys. Wildfire (37.05) and tornado (12.66) risks are comparatively lower, though not negligible.

Earthquake and Flood Coverage Essential

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage; Benton County residents should purchase separate earthquake insurance to protect against the county's significant seismic threat. Flood insurance is equally critical if your home sits in a designated flood zone or near the Willamette River.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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