countyscore
43
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.6Soil Quality 71.8Health 69.3

County Report Card

About Columbia County, Oregon

Approaching the National Median Score

Columbia County earns a 43.0 composite score, coming within reach of the 50.0 national median. It performs better than many other regions in the Pacific Northwest.

Outperforming the Oregon Average

The county sits above the state average of 42.5, making it a competitive choice within Oregon. It offers a balanced profile compared to its metropolitan neighbors.

High Incomes and Strong Health

A standout income score of 89.6 is supported by a median household income of $86,359. Health also scores well at 69.3, indicating a thriving population.

Water Quality and Housing Costs

Water quality is the lowest-performing metric at 13.9, followed by housing cost at 12.3. Residents pay a median gross rent of $1,221 per month.

Perfect for Pros Seeking Balance

Columbia County is an excellent fit for working families who value high earnings and good health outcomes. It attracts those willing to trade high housing costs for a prosperous local economy.

Score breakdown

Tax57.2Cost12.3Safety44.1Health69.3Schools32.8Income89.6Risk29.3Water13.9Weather59.9
🏛57.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓32.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡29.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨71.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱44
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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Nearby counties

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Clark County
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Washington County
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Wahkiakum County
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Yamhill County
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Tillamook County
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Deep Dives

Columbia County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Columbia County

via TaxByCounty

Columbia County taxes below national median

Columbia County's effective tax rate of 0.755% falls below the national median of 1.1%, placing it in the lower-middle range of U.S. counties. At $2,948 annually on the median home, Columbia County residents pay 10% above the national median of $2,690.

Close to Oregon average, middle-tier county

Columbia County's 0.755% effective rate closely matches Oregon's state average of 0.775%, ranking it near the middle of Oregon's counties. The median property tax of $2,948 slightly exceeds the state median of $2,745 due to Columbia County's higher median home value of $390,600.

Columbia County in northwest Oregon

Columbia County's 0.755% rate sits between Clatsop County's lower 0.704% and Tillamook County's rates. The $2,948 median tax bill places Columbia County residents in the middle of northwest Oregon communities in terms of property tax burden.

Your Columbia County tax bill

The median Columbia County home valued at $390,600 results in an annual property tax of approximately $2,948. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,906, while those owning free-and-clear pay $3,085.

Request a reassessment if needed

Columbia County homeowners whose properties have declined in value or were recently overassessed can appeal to the county assessor. An appeal is simple to file and costs nothing, potentially lowering your tax burden if your home's market value has shifted.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Columbia County

via CostByCounty

Columbia County: Better Than National Average

Columbia County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% beats both Oregon's state average (19.4%) and national trends, reflecting strong affordability. With median income of $86,359 and rent of just $1,221, households here keep more than 83% of income for other needs.

Among Oregon's Most Affordable Counties

Columbia County ranks in Oregon's upper affordability tier with a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio, below the state average of 19.4%. Its $1,221 median rent is only $84 above state average while income runs significantly higher than many Oregon counties.

Columbia Balances Affordability and Value

Columbia's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Clatsop (19.7%), Benton (21.4%), and Curry (21.4%) despite similar or higher absolute rents. The county offers better income-to-cost alignment than most comparable Pacific Northwest communities.

Renters and Owners Both Find Balance

Renters pay $1,221 monthly (17.0% of income) while homeowners spend $1,441, leaving substantial room in household budgets. At $390,600, median home values remain accessible compared to Portland-area counties.

Columbia County: Strong Value Play

Columbia County rewards cost-conscious households seeking Pacific Northwest small-town character without sacrificing affordability or income potential. If you earn above-average income and want housing that doesn't dominate your budget, few Oregon counties offer better numbers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Columbia County

via IncomeByCounty

Columbia County exceeds national income levels

Columbia County's median household income of $86,359 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $11,604, positioning it in the upper-middle income tier nationally. This strength reflects Columbia's proximity to Portland and a diverse manufacturing and forestry base.

Upper-middle ranking among Oregon counties

Columbia County earns $16,394 above Oregon's median of $69,965, placing it firmly in the upper third of state counties. Per capita income of $39,526 slightly exceeds the state average of $37,652.

Columbia outperforms nearby coastal counties

Columbia County's $86,359 median substantially exceeds Clatsop ($68,705) and Coos County ($60,313), but trails the Portland-area affluence of Clackamas ($100,360). The county occupies a sweet spot between rural coast and urban metro.

Strong affordability with reasonable housing

Columbia County combines a favorable rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% with a median home value of $390,600, creating genuine affordability for middle-income families. Residents spend well under the 30% housing affordability threshold.

Invest in homeownership and retirement

Columbia County's balance of good income and affordable housing creates ideal conditions for building equity through ownership. Households should prioritize maxing retirement contributions and considering real estate investment to capitalize on regional economic momentum.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Columbia County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Levels in Columbia

Columbia County earns a stellar safety score of 98.0, making it one of the safest in the country. Its total crime rate is just 1256.0 per 100K, nearly half the national average.

Leading the State in Safety

Columbia's safety score of 98.0 far exceeds the Oregon average of 96.3. The total crime rate of 1256.0 per 100K is also significantly lower than the state's 2,366.2 average.

Safer Than Neighboring Clatsop

Columbia County is considerably safer than its neighbor Clatsop, with far lower crime volumes. Eight reporting agencies work effectively to maintain this high standard of public safety.

Low Violence, Low Theft

Violent crime is only 219.4 per 100K, and property crime is remarkably low at 1036.6. These figures represent a very low risk to both persons and property.

Maintaining a Secure Community

Help keep crime rates low by practicing basic home awareness and staying active in neighborhood groups. Simple window locks and visible presence are your best defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Columbia County

via HealthByCounty

Columbia County near national health average

At 77.6 years, Columbia County's life expectancy closely tracks the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 18.0% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 13.5% by 4.5 percentage points.

Slightly above Oregon average

Columbia County's 77.6-year life expectancy modestly exceeds Oregon's 77.0-year state average. However, the county's 18.0% poor or fair health rate signals persistent health challenges for a significant portion of residents.

Middling health among rural peers

Columbia County's 77.6-year life expectancy ranks above Baker (75.2) and Curry (73.9) but below Clackamas (79.9). The county's 6.9% uninsured rate is better than Clatsop's 8.7%.

Severe primary care provider shortage

Columbia County has just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than one-quarter the national standard—creating significant access barriers for preventive and routine care. With 6.9% uninsured and limited providers, many residents face dual access challenges.

Coverage alone isn't enough—find a provider

While 93.1% of Columbia County residents have insurance, just 26 primary care providers per 100,000 means long waits and travel. Enroll at healthcare.gov if uninsured, then work with your provider to navigate local care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Columbia County

via SchoolsByCounty

Community-Driven School Infrastructure

Columbia County is home to 23 public schools and five districts, serving a total of 6,809 students. The system is balanced with 11 elementary schools and six high schools situated throughout the county's towns.

Meeting State Academic Standards

The county's 82.2% graduation rate matches the Oregon state average almost exactly. Spending per pupil sits at $7,431, helping the county maintain a solid composite school score of 50.4.

St Helens and Scappoose Lead

St Helens SD 502 is the largest district, enrolling 2,757 students across eight schools. Scappoose SD 1J follows closely, providing education to another 2,191 students in the southern part of the county.

Town-Based Learning with Small Classes

Most students attend one of the 14 schools located in town centers, while nine schools serve more rural areas. With an average enrollment of 296 students per school, Columbia offers an intimate learning experience compared to larger urban counties.

Find a Home in Columbia

For those seeking a smaller school feel within commuting distance of Portland, Columbia County is an ideal choice. Focus your home search in St Helens or Scappoose to access the county's largest and most diverse districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Columbia County

via RiskByCounty

Columbia County: Below-Average Risk

Columbia County scores 70.67 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating despite exceeding Oregon's 63.43 state average by about 7 points. Compared nationally, the county faces moderate exposure with manageable hazard profiles.

Mid-Range Safety Among Oregon

Columbia County ranks in the safer half of Oregon's 36 counties, with above-average scores offset by comparatively lower exposure to certain hazard types. The county's risk profile is more favorable than most coastal and metro-area peers.

Safer Than Coastal Clatsop County

Columbia County's 70.67 score is substantially lower than neighboring Clatsop County (95.07), reflecting inland positioning away from coastal flood and tsunami threats. It mirrors Tillamook County's moderate profile but benefits from lower overall earthquake emphasis in its location.

Earthquakes and Floods Are Primary Threats

Earthquake risk ranks highest at 94.53, reflecting regional seismic activity, while flood risk of 68.16 results from heavy winter precipitation and river systems. Wildfire (30.50) and tornado (13.30) risks are notably lower, making Columbia County one of Oregon's least fire-prone counties.

Earthquake and Flood Coverage Recommended

Earthquake insurance is essential given the county's high seismic risk; most standard policies exclude this coverage entirely. Flood insurance protects against winter storm and river flood damage, especially for properties near the Columbia, Nehalem, or Tillamook river systems.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Columbia County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Maritime River Valley Climate

Columbia County averages 51.2°F annually, placing it slightly below the national median temperature. It receives 48.3 inches of precipitation, making it significantly wetter than many parts of the United States.

Wetter Than the Oregon Average

The county's temperature of 51.2°F is very close to the state average of 50.5°F. However, its 48.3 inches of annual rain is roughly 11 inches higher than the state's typical precipitation level.

Moderate Seasonal Extremes for the Region

Columbia experiences 11 extreme heat days annually, similar to its neighbors in the northern Willamette Valley. Its winter average of 39.7°F is typical for the region, avoiding the deep freezes found in eastern Oregon.

Rainy Winters and Temperate Summers

July averages a pleasant 65.1°F, while January temperatures hover around 39.2°F. The county sees very little snow, averaging only 1.7 inches per year, with most precipitation falling as winter rain.

Prioritize Waterproofing and Drainage

Residents should focus on high-quality rain gear to navigate the 48 inches of annual precipitation. With only 11 days of extreme heat, most homes stay comfortable with moderate ventilation or standard cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Columbia County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Oregon Lowland Soils

Columbia County soil has an average pH of 5.18, aligning closely with the state average of 5.26. Like most of the Pacific Northwest, these soils are more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime for many garden crops.

A Heavy Silt Profile

Silt makes up 53.6% of the soil composition, supported by 28.5% sand and 16.9% clay. This silty texture is common in river-adjacent counties, providing a smooth, workable medium that holds moisture without excessive compaction.

Strong Organic Benchmarks

With 29.50% organic matter, Columbia County sits right at the state average and vastly exceeds the national average of 2%. The available water capacity of 0.281 in/in ensures that crops have steady access to moisture during the peak summer.

Functional River-Region Hydrology

While official drainage classes aren't listed, the high silt and sand content suggests moderate permeability. This balance is critical for maintaining soil health in a region characterized by significant annual precipitation.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8b

Columbia County's 8b hardiness zone and 71.8 soil score support a thriving timber and agriculture sector. It is an excellent place for cool-season vegetables like brassicas and leafy greens which thrive in the county's damp, organic-rich soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Columbia County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Growing Conditions in Columbia

Columbia County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 44.0, making it one of the best spots in Oregon for a healthy yard. The Zone 8b climate provides the perfect balance of mild temperatures and adequate moisture for consistent growth.

Near-Ideal Precipitation Levels

With 48.3 inches of annual rain, the county sits right at the top of the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawns. Only 11 days of extreme heat per year ensure that your grass remains active and green without the high stress of scorching temperatures.

Correcting Acidity for Peak Growth

The local soil pH of 5.18 is acidic, which can limit the effectiveness of fertilizers if left uncorrected. The mix of 16.9% clay and 28.5% sand provides decent natural structure, but regular lime applications will help reach that ideal 6.0 pH level.

Resilient Against Summer Dryness

Only 0.9% of the county is currently abnormally dry, a much better status than the state average. Even so, the 29 weeks of drought experienced last year suggest that maintaining a high mowing height is vital for protecting soil moisture.

Perfect Timing for Spring Sod

Perennial Ryegrass is a local favorite for its quick establishment and vibrant color in this climate. Aim to plant after April 24 to avoid the last spring frost and ensure your new lawn takes hold during the peak growing months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Columbia County's county score?
Columbia County, Oregon has a composite county score of 43 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 Columbia County rank among counties in Oregon?
Columbia County ranks #17 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 Columbia County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Columbia County is $2,948, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Columbia County a tax score of 57.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Columbia County?
The median household income in Columbia County, Oregon is $86,359 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Columbia County earns an income score of 89.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Columbia County, Oregon a good place to live?
Columbia County scores 43/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Columbia 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 Columbia 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.