countyscore
37.4
County Score
Weather & Climate 70.8Health 68.1Soil Quality 67.3

County Report Card

About Clatsop County, Oregon

Coastal Living Below National Norms

Clatsop County holds a composite score of 37.4, which sits about 13 points behind the national median. It faces typical challenges of coastal economies with higher living costs.

Close to the Oregon Average

The county's 37.4 score is slightly below the Oregon average of 42.5. It remains a stable middle-performer compared to other coastal counties in the state.

Health and Favorable Tax Burden

The county excels in health with a score of 68.1 and tax efficiency with a score of 62.7. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.704%.

Managing Risks and Safety Concerns

Safety and environmental risk are primary concerns, scoring 4.1 and 4.9 respectively. Cost also remains a barrier, with housing scoring only 16.5.

Suited for Tax-Conscious Coast Lovers

Clatsop County is a strong choice for mid-career professionals looking for lower tax burdens near the ocean. It rewards residents who prioritize personal health over neighborhood safety statistics.

Score breakdown

Tax62.7Cost16.5Safety4.1Health68.1Schools47.9Income63.5Risk4.9Water32.7Weather70.8
🏛62.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠16.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱32.1
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

Wahkiakum County
Washington
69.1
Pacific County
Washington
45.7
Columbia County
Oregon
43
Cowlitz County
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Tillamook County
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Washington County
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Clark County
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Yamhill County
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Deep Dives

Clatsop County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clatsop County

via TaxByCounty

Clatsop County taxes significantly below average

Clatsop County's effective tax rate of 0.704% is well below the national median of 1.1%, ranking it in the bottom third of U.S. counties. Despite a higher median home value of $437,800, Clatsop residents pay $3,084 annually—just 15% above the national median of $2,690.

Below-average Oregon rate with coastal homes

Clatsop County's 0.704% effective rate falls noticeably below Oregon's 0.775% state average, making it one of the more tax-friendly counties in the state. The median property tax of $3,084 remains below the state median of $2,745, despite higher home values reflecting coastal demand.

Clatsop County versus coastal neighbors

Clatsop County's 0.704% rate is lower than Columbia County (0.755%) but significantly lower than Benton County (0.978%). On the Oregon coast, Clatsop offers one of the more favorable tax rates for homebuyers seeking coastal living.

Your Clatsop County tax bill

The median Clatsop County home valued at $437,800 generates an annual property tax of $3,084. Whether financed with a mortgage ($3,096) or owned outright ($3,063), your tax obligation remains remarkably consistent.

Verify your assessment accuracy

Even in lower-tax counties, assessments sometimes exceed market value, particularly after property transfers. Clatsop County homeowners can request an assessment review free of charge; discrepancies discovered can lower future tax bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clatsop County

via CostByCounty

Clatsop County: Slightly Above National Average

Clatsop County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% sits just barely above Oregon's state average (19.4%) and matches national affordability trends closely. With median income of $68,705 (8% below national average), residents are paying proportional housing costs.

Clatsop Sits Right at Oregon's Affordability Middle

At 19.7%, Clatsop County's rent-to-income ratio is virtually identical to Oregon's state average, making it a median-affordability county. Its $1,130 median rent is just $7 below the state average, reflecting typical Oregon housing market pressures.

Coastal County Priced Below Urban Neighbors

Clatsop's $1,130 rent is lower than Benton ($1,359), Columbia ($1,221), and Clackamas ($1,693), offering coastal living at a discount. Yet homes here average $437,800—higher than inland Baker ($247,700) and Coos ($302,800) counties.

Balanced Between Rent and Ownership Costs

Renters in Clatsop spend $1,130 monthly (19.7% of income), while homeowners pay $1,303, both moderate for Oregon standards. The $437,800 median home value offers a middle ground between rural and suburban Oregon markets.

Clatsop for Balanced Coastal Living

Clatsop County suits those seeking a small-town coastal lifestyle without extreme affordability pressures—it's affordable compared to Portland suburbs but pricier than inland rural counties. If beach access and community feel matter as much as housing costs, Clatsop delivers solid value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clatsop County

via IncomeByCounty

Clatsop County lags the national income standard

Clatsop County's median household income of $68,705 falls $6,050 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it below the national middle class benchmark. The shortfall reflects Clatsop's limited urban job base and reliance on seasonal tourism and fishing.

Lower-middle income ranking in Oregon

Clatsop County earns $1,260 below Oregon's median of $69,965, ranking in the lower half of state counties. Per capita income of $40,991 slightly exceeds the state average, reflecting age demographics rather than higher individual earnings.

Income gaps with surrounding counties

Clatsop County's $68,705 median trails Columbia County ($86,359) to the south and Tillamook to the north. These disparities reflect differences in employment diversity and proximity to Portland's job market.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Clatsop County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% is favorable, placing housing costs well within the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $437,800 is substantial but manageable relative to median incomes.

Seek remote work and skills training

Clatsop County residents can offset local income constraints by pursuing remote employment or upskilling in high-demand fields through online education. Building a second income stream or leveraging home equity can accelerate wealth accumulation in this lower-income coastal market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clatsop County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living on the Coast

Clatsop County maintains a strong safety score of 94.1 despite a total crime rate of 3750.9 per 100K. This rate is higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly Below the State Mean

The county's safety score of 94.1 is just under the state average of 96.3. Total crime of 3750.9 per 100K exceeds the Oregon average of 2,366.2.

Tourism Affects Local Crime Numbers

Clatsop shows higher crime rates than neighbor Columbia County, likely due to seasonal tourist influxes. Eight agencies monitor activity to keep the coastal community safe.

Mostly Property and Theft Reports

Property crime accounts for 3449.9 per 100K, while violent crime remains modest at 301.0. This indicates that property loss is a much more common concern than personal violence.

Coastal Home Security Tips

Reinforce entry points and use outdoor lighting to secure your coastal home from property theft. Simple deterrents are often enough to prevent crimes of opportunity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clatsop County

via HealthByCounty

Clatsop County slightly above national average

At 76.7 years, Clatsop County's life expectancy falls short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 2.2 years. The county's 15.2% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 13.5%.

Below Oregon's health benchmark

Clatsop County's 76.7-year life expectancy lags Oregon's 77.0-year state average, placing it in the lower half of the state. Health challenges here reflect broader rural and coastal Oregon trends.

Struggling among Pacific Northwest peers

Clatsop County's life expectancy of 76.7 years trails Columbia (77.6) and Yamhill counties. Its uninsured rate of 8.7% is the highest among measured neighbors, indicating greater access barriers.

Provider shortages challenge residents

Clatsop County has only 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the national standard of 100. At 8.7% uninsured, the county has the highest uninsured rate among its regional peers, limiting preventive care access.

Don't delay—enroll in coverage today

With nearly 1 in 11 Clatsop County residents uninsured, gaps in healthcare access are urgent. Visit your local community health center or healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid and marketplace plans available now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clatsop County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coastal Education Community

Clatsop County serves 4,853 students through a network of 15 public schools and five districts. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools and five high schools, catering to the unique needs of the Oregon coast.

Investing Above the State Average

At $8,646 per student, Clatsop County spends more than the state average of $7,886. This investment yields a graduation rate of 84.4% and a school score of 54.1, both of which outperform state benchmarks.

Astoria and Seaside Districts

Astoria SD 1 is the largest district with 1,797 students, followed by Seaside SD 10 with 1,486. Charter schools are rare here, with only one school representing less than 7% of the total public options.

Small Schools in Rural Settings

Ten of the county's 15 schools are in rural locales, providing a quiet, focused learning environment. The average school size is a manageable 324 students, with Astoria Senior High being the largest campus at 631 students.

Seaside Living and Quality Schools

Families moving to the coast can find strong academic performance in Clatsop County's tight-knit districts. Use school district boundaries as a guide to finding the perfect coastal home with high educational standards.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clatsop County

via RiskByCounty

Clatsop County: High National Risk

Clatsop County scores 95.07 on the composite risk scale, ranking among the nation's highest-risk counties and nearly 32 points above Oregon's 63.43 state average. This coastal county faces significant multi-hazard exposure driven by water and seismic threats.

Oregon's Riskiest County

Clatsop County ranks as one of Oregon's highest-risk counties by composite score, reflecting its unique coastal geography and seismic setting. Only a handful of Oregon counties approach this risk level.

Riskier Than Coastal Peers

Clatsop County's 95.07 score exceeds neighboring Tillamook County and other coastal counties, driven by exceptionally high flood (96.40) and earthquake (96.50) risks. Its position at the mouth of the Columbia River amplifies flood vulnerability compared to southern Oregon coastal counties.

Floods and Earthquakes Dominate

Flood risk soars to 96.40—the county's most severe threat—reflecting heavy winter rains, storm surge potential, and river proximity. Earthquake risk is nearly as dangerous at 96.50, positioning Clatsop residents near major Cascadia Subduction Zone rupture zones where tsunamis and ground shaking create compounded coastal risks.

Coastal Hazard Insurance Is Mandatory

Flood insurance is non-negotiable for Clatsop County residents; most lenders require it for properties in designated flood zones, and the risk extends beyond mapped areas. Earthquake insurance protects against the subduction zone threat, and tsunami evacuation planning is essential for coastal communities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clatsop County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Coastal Humidity and Rain

Clatsop County averages 51.6°F annually, which is slightly below the national median. It is one of the wettest places in the country, receiving a staggering 89.4 inches of precipitation every year.

Oregon's Rain-Heavy Coastal Leader

With 89.4 inches of annual precipitation, Clatsop far exceeds the Oregon state average of 37.4 inches. The average temperature of 51.6°F is just above the state mean, reflecting the stabilizing influence of the Pacific Ocean.

Cooler Summers Than Inland Neighbors

Clatsop experiences virtually no extreme heat, averaging just one day above 90°F per year. This sets it apart from inland counties where summer heat is much more frequent and intense.

Consistent Temperatures and Very Little Snow

Winter temperatures stay mild with a January average of 44.2°F and negligible snowfall of 0.7 inches. July remains cool at 60.4°F, making for one of the most stable temperature profiles in the Pacific Northwest.

Prepare for Persistent Moisture

Managing 89 inches of rain requires industrial-grade rain gear and rigorous home maintenance to prevent mold and water damage. Air conditioning is rarely needed, but dehumidifiers are a common household staple.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clatsop County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Coastal Ground

Clatsop County soil is notably acidic, with an average pH of 4.52. This is significantly lower than both the state average of 5.26 and the national median of 6.5, reflecting heavy rainfall and coastal leaching.

Silts and Sands of the Coast

The soil mix consists of 48.4% silt and 32.8% sand, with a relatively low 15.6% clay content. This composition facilitates good drainage and prevents the soil from becoming overly heavy during the rainy winters.

Elite Organic Matter Levels

The county features an extraordinary organic matter content of 50.09%, nearly double the Oregon state average. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.351 in/in, these soils have immense potential for nutrient-heavy growth.

Wet-Weather Hydrology Management

Though specific drainage classes are missing, the high silt and sand content usually prevents extreme waterlogging. However, the high water capacity means these soils remain damp and productive deep into the dry season.

Gardening in Maritime Zone 9a

The mild 9a hardiness zone and acidic soil are ideal for acid-loving crops like blueberries, huckleberries, and rhododendrons. You can grow year-round here, provided you choose plants that can tolerate the high moisture levels.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clatsop County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Challenges in Clatsop County

Clatsop County’s lawn difficulty score of 32.1 reflects the unique challenges of a maritime climate in Zone 9a. While winters are mild, the extreme moisture levels can make traditional turf management difficult compared to the national average.

Double the Ideal Annual Rainfall

The county receives a massive 89.4 inches of rain per year, nearly double the ideal range for most grass types. With only 1 day of extreme heat and 1,504 growing degree days, the climate is cool and damp, favoring moss over traditional turf.

Navigating High Acidity and Sand

The soil pH is a very acidic 4.52, falling far below the ideal 6.0 threshold for healthy lawns. Combined with a 32.8% sand content, your soil likely struggles to hold onto nutrients, making lime and slow-release fertilizers essential.

Rare Freedom from Drought

Unlike most of Oregon, 0% of Clatsop County is currently in drought or abnormally dry. While you don't need to worry about water conservation, you should monitor for fungal diseases that thrive in the persistent 29 weeks of damp conditions seen last year.

The Best Grass for the Coast

Bentgrass and Fine Fescues are the best choices for the cool, wet conditions found in Zone 9a. You can begin seeding as early as late March, as the final frost usually passes by March 30.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clatsop County's county score?
Clatsop County, Oregon has a composite county score of 37.4 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 Clatsop County rank among counties in Oregon?
Clatsop County ranks #22 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 Clatsop County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Clatsop County is $3,084, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Clatsop County a tax score of 62.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clatsop County?
The median household income in Clatsop County, Oregon is $68,705 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clatsop County earns an income score of 63.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clatsop County, Oregon a good place to live?
Clatsop County scores 37.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Clatsop 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 Clatsop 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.