countyscore
36.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.4Health 91.4Weather & Climate 60.3

County Report Card

About Clackamas County, Oregon

High Prosperity vs National Median

Clackamas County scores 36.5 overall, falling below the national median of 50.0. While wealth is high, systemic factors like safety and cost impact its standing.

A Competitive Oregon Income Leader

The county ranks below the state average of 42.5 but leads most neighbors in income metrics. It represents one of Oregon's most affluent regions despite its composite score.

Top-Tier Income and Health Metrics

With an income score of 95.4 and health score of 91.4, Clackamas is a leader in well-being. The median household income is an impressive $100,360.

Addressing Safety and Housing Costs

Safety and cost are major pain points, scoring just 0.3 and 3.3 respectively. Median home values of $577,900 make it one of the most expensive markets in the state.

Ideal for Wealthy Wellness Seekers

This county suits high-income families who prioritize access to world-class healthcare and economic opportunity. It is a perfect fit for those who can navigate a very competitive and expensive housing market.

Score breakdown

Tax47.3Cost3.3Safety0.3Health91.4Schools46.9Income95.4Risk5.1Water37.6Weather60.3
🏛47.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼95.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡0.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤91.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.9
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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Explore this county

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Compare Clackamas County with Marion County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Multnomah County
Oregon
44.4
Marion County
Oregon
30.4
Hood River County
Oregon
48.2
Wasco County
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32.3
Clark County
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Skamania County
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Washington County
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Yamhill County
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Deep Dives

Clackamas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clackamas County

via TaxByCounty

Clackamas County taxes near national levels

Clackamas County's 0.874% effective tax rate sits slightly below the national median of 1.1%, putting it in the middle range of U.S. counties. At $5,051 in median annual tax, Clackamas County residents pay about 88% more than the national median of $2,690, driven by above-average home values.

Mid-range Oregon rate, high home values

Clackamas County's 0.874% effective rate ranks in the middle of Oregon counties, slightly above the state average of 0.775%. The median property tax of $5,051 is among Oregon's highest because the county's median home value of $577,900 is the second-highest in the state.

Clackamas County in metro Portland context

Clackamas County's 0.874% rate is lower than Benton County's 0.978% but higher than Yamhill County's rates. The $5,051 median tax bill reflects strong home values; only Multnomah County rivals it in absolute tax dollars paid.

Your Clackamas County tax bill

The median Clackamas County home valued at $577,900 incurs approximately $5,051 in annual property taxes. Mortgage-holding homeowners pay slightly more at $5,185, while those owning outright pay $4,788.

Challenge your assessment

Clackamas County homeowners often find their properties assessed above comparable recent sales, especially in fast-moving neighborhoods. Filing a formal appeal with the county assessor is free and can result in meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clackamas County

via CostByCounty

Clackamas: Highest Income, Still Tight Housing

Clackamas County has Oregon's highest median household income at $100,360—34% above the national average—yet renters still spend 20.2% of earnings on rent. This paradox reveals how rapidly housing costs have outpaced income growth in the Portland suburbs.

Prosperity Doesn't Equal Affordability Here

Despite leading Oregon counties in median income, Clackamas ranks near the state average for affordability with a 20.2% rent-to-income ratio. Its $1,693 median rent (49% above state average) and $577,900 median home value make it Oregon's priciest market in this group.

Clackamas County's Suburban Premium

Clackamas's $1,693 rent and $577,900 home values significantly exceed those in Columbia ($1,221 rent, $390,600 homes) and Benton ($1,359 rent, $481,700 homes). The Portland suburb premium reflects strong demand but limits affordability even for high-earning households.

High Income Can't Offset Premium Costs

Renters allocate $1,693 monthly (20.2% of income) while homeowners spend $1,972, leaving households with less cushion despite six-figure incomes. At $577,900, median home prices mean most buyers need substantial savings or dual high incomes.

Clackamas for Those with Strong Incomes

Clackamas County rewards high earners seeking suburban Portland access, excellent schools, and strong job markets—but it's the nation's most expensive county in this analysis. If you're making well above regional averages and prioritize commute convenience, the numbers work; otherwise, explore counties farther from the metro core.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clackamas County

via IncomeByCounty

Clackamas County significantly outpaces the nation

Clackamas County's median household income of $100,360 towers $25,605 above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the top income tier nationally. This prosperity reflects Portland's suburban growth and access to metro employment.

Oregon's highest-earning county

Clackamas County ranks decisively above all other Oregon counties with a median income $30,395 higher than the state average of $69,965. Per capita income of $51,666 similarly leads the state, well ahead of the $37,652 average.

Clear income leader in the Willamette Valley

Clackamas County's $100,360 median far exceeds neighboring Benton ($76,011), Marion, and Multnomah counties, driven by suburban wealth and proximity to Portland's job market. Income disparity across the metro region underscores geographic opportunity gaps.

High incomes offset expensive housing

Despite a median home value of $577,900, Clackamas County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% remains manageable because high incomes absorb housing costs. The county achieves affordability through earnings, not through cheap housing.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities now

Clackamas County residents earning above-average incomes have unique capacity to invest beyond homeownership—consider diversified portfolios, retirement accounts, and education funds. High earners should consult a financial planner to optimize tax strategy and generational wealth transfer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clackamas County

via CrimeByCounty

Clackamas Faces Higher Crime Pressures

The county reports 13443.2 total crimes per 100K, over five times the national average of 2,385.5. This high volume results in a safety score of 78.8.

Well Below Oregon's Safety Average

Clackamas's safety score of 78.8 sits far below the Oregon state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 13443.2 per 100K is significantly higher than the state mean of 2,366.2.

Urban Challenges in the Region

Thirteen reporting agencies coordinate to manage Clackamas's elevated crime numbers compared to rural neighbors. High population density near urban centers contributes to these large figures.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Violent crime is high at 1395.0 per 100K, while property crime reaches 12048.2 per 100K. These numbers indicate a significant frequency of both property theft and personal safety incidents.

Prioritizing Home Security

Residents should utilize comprehensive security measures like cameras and smart doorbells to protect their homes. Staying alert and connected with neighbors helps mitigate local crime risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clackamas County

via HealthByCounty

Clackamas County excels on health metrics

At 79.9 years, Clackamas County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With a 13.5% poor or fair health rate, the county matches the national benchmark for population health.

Strong performer within Oregon

Clackamas County's 79.9-year life expectancy ranks in Oregon's top five, exceeding the state average of 77.0 years by nearly 3 years. The county consistently demonstrates better-than-average health outcomes across age groups.

Outpaces Portland metro peers

Clackamas County's life expectancy of 79.9 years trails Benton (82.4) but exceeds Multnomah and most surrounding counties. Its 5.6% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the state.

Solid access to primary and mental care

Clackamas County has 92 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, approaching national adequacy levels. With 427 mental health providers per 100,000 and just 5.6% uninsured, access barriers are relatively low.

Check your insurance status now

While 94.4% of Clackamas County residents have coverage, 5.6% remain uninsured and vulnerable. Verify your coverage options at healthcare.gov or contact OHP to ensure continuous protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clackamas County

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast Suburban School Network

Clackamas County operates a massive educational system with 115 public schools serving 57,395 students. Managed by 12 districts, the county features 67 elementary schools and 21 high schools to accommodate its large population.

Strong Success in Large Districts

The county boasts a 89.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Oregon state average of 82.3%. Even with a per-pupil spend of $7,351, which is below the national average, the county maintains a high composite school score of 53.9.

North Clackamas and West Linn-Wilsonville

North Clackamas SD 12 is the largest provider, overseeing 31 schools and 16,378 students. The county also offers 14 charter schools, providing diverse specialized options for about 12% of the total school population.

Suburban Living with Large Campuses

Education here is primarily suburban, with 77 of the 115 schools located in residential suburbs. Schools are larger than the state average, typically enrolling 503 students, headlined by massive campuses like Oregon City Senior High with 1,931 students.

Invest in High-Performing Districts

Clackamas County offers some of the highest graduation rates in the region, making it a magnet for families. Consider the proximity to top-tier schools in West Linn or North Clackamas when searching for your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clackamas County

via RiskByCounty

Clackamas County: High-Risk Profile

Clackamas County scores 94.88 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively High" national rating and significantly exceeding Oregon's 63.43 state average. This marks one of Oregon's riskiest counties, with multiple hazards combining to create elevated exposure.

Among Oregon's Riskiest Counties

Clackamas County ranks among the top tier of Oregon counties by composite disaster risk, placing it well above the statewide median. The county faces compounded threats from earthquakes, floods, and wildfires simultaneously.

Highest Risk in Portland Metro Area

Clackamas County's 94.88 score is the highest among Portland area counties—exceeding Marion (79.28), Washington, and Multnomah counties. Its location in the Willamette Valley and proximity to the Cascade Range expose it to convergent natural hazards.

Earthquakes, Floods, and Wildfires Threaten

Earthquake risk peaks at 98.60, among the nation's highest, while flood risk of 93.70 reflects major exposure to Clackamas and Molalla river systems. Wildfire risk of 86.77 increasingly affects eastern county communities as fire seasons intensify, and even tornado risk (38.10) exceeds national averages.

Prepare for Multiple Hazards Aggressively

Clackamas County residents need earthquake, flood, and comprehensive homeowners insurance to cover the full spectrum of regional threats. Seismic retrofitting, backup generators, and evacuation plans are equally important for a county facing compounding disaster risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clackamas County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate With Mountain Influence

Clackamas County averages 51.3°F annually, sitting just below the national median temperature. It is a wet region, receiving 61.1 inches of precipitation per year, far exceeding the typical American county average.

Higher Precipitation Than State Norms

The county's average temperature closely tracks the state average of 50.5°F, but its 61.1 inches of rain nearly doubles the statewide average of 37.4 inches. This high rainfall is driven by the county's proximity to the Cascade Range.

Snowy Mountains and Mild Valleys

Clackamas stands out from neighboring valley counties with a high average snowfall of 48.7 inches, primarily occurring in its mountainous eastern half. Despite the mountain snow, the lower elevations share the mild 40°F winter averages of the Portland metro area.

Cool Summers and Snowy Winters

Summers are comfortable with a 63.8°F average and only 11 days of extreme heat annually. Winter brings a mix of rain and significant snow, with temperatures in January averaging 39.3°F.

Be Ready for Varied Conditions

Residents need versatile gear to handle both 61 inches of rain and nearly 49 inches of snowfall. Homeowners should prioritize roof inspections and drainage to manage the heavy annual precipitation and winter snow loads.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clackamas County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain-Fed Valley Soils

Clackamas County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in current regional soil datasets. However, it generally follows the Oregon trend of acidic profiles that fall well below the national median pH of 6.5.

Undocumented Textures and Mixes

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available for this county. Given its location, the soil likely ranges from mountain loams to silty valley deposits that offer varied drainage for local farms.

Potential for High Organic Richness

While specific organic matter data is missing, the county sits in a region known for fertile volcanic soils that often match or exceed the state's 29.41% organic average. Gardeners typically find deep, productive ground in the lower valley reaches.

Diverse Hydrology from Peaks to Plains

Formal drainage and hydrologic group data are not recorded at the county-wide level. Site-specific observations are necessary, as drainage can shift rapidly from well-draining slopes to heavy, saturated lowland clays.

A Versatile Zone 8b Haven

Clackamas County occupies USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, supporting an incredible range of nursery crops, Christmas trees, and berry varieties. Take advantage of the long growing season by starting your seeds early in this temperate climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clackamas County

via LawnByCounty

Healthy Lawns in Clackamas County

With a lawn difficulty score of 40.9, Clackamas County is an easier place to grow grass than much of the state. The temperate Hardiness Zone 8b environment allows for a long growing season with relatively low maintenance stress.

High Rainfall Shapes Mowing Habits

The county averages 61.1 inches of rain annually, well above the state average of 37.4 inches. While this reduces watering needs, 2,074 growing degree days and only 11 heat days mean grass grows consistently, requiring frequent mowing during the peak season.

Manage Drainage in Wet Conditions

Local soil data is limited, but the high annual precipitation suggests that proper drainage is your primary concern. You may need to aerate your lawn annually to prevent soil compaction and waterlogging during the heavy rainy season.

Preparing for Seasonal Dryness

The county experienced 29 weeks in drought last year, and currently, the entire area is considered abnormally dry. Focus on building deep root systems in the spring so your lawn can survive the low-precipitation summer months.

Seeding Opportunities Start in March

Tall Fescues are excellent for this region because they handle both the winter wet and summer dry periods. With the last spring frost typically occurring on March 27, you can start your lawn projects earlier than many other Oregon residents.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clackamas County's county score?
Clackamas County, Oregon has a composite county score of 36.5 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 Clackamas County rank among counties in Oregon?
Clackamas 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 Clackamas County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Clackamas County is $5,051, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Clackamas County a tax score of 47.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clackamas County?
The median household income in Clackamas County, Oregon is $100,360 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clackamas County earns an income score of 95.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clackamas County, Oregon a good place to live?
Clackamas County scores 36.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Clackamas 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 Clackamas 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.