countyscore
29.2
County Score
Weather & Climate 73.5Soil Quality 67.5Property Tax 58.6

County Report Card

About Coos County, Oregon

Struggling Against National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 29.2, Coos County sits well below the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the lower tier of counties nationwide for livability factors.

Trailing the State Average Significantly

The county ranks nearly 13 points below the Oregon average of 42.5. This score highlights the economic and social hurdles facing the state's southern coast.

Lower Taxes and Solid Health

Taxes and health are the county's primary strengths, scoring 58.6 and 58.5. The effective tax rate is a relatively low 0.741%.

Steep Education and Safety Gaps

Education and safety scores are critical areas of concern, at 1.8 and 4.8 respectively. Environmental risk is also high, scoring only 8.1.

Suited for Tax-Focused Retirees

Coos County is best for individuals who prioritize low taxes and health access over school quality or safety. It serves those looking for a quiet coastal life without heavy reliance on public education.

Score breakdown

Tax58.6Cost27.1Safety4.8Health58.5Schools1.8Income40.1Risk8.1Water14Weather73.5
🏛58.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤58.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓1.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤73.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.4
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

Douglas County
Oregon
36.8
Curry County
Oregon
41.9
Josephine County
Oregon
35.7
Lane County
Oregon
30.8
Jackson County
Oregon
31.5
Del Norte County
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Benton County
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Lincoln County
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Deep Dives

Coos County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Coos County

via TaxByCounty

Coos County taxes near national median

Coos County's effective tax rate of 0.741% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, ranking it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median annual property tax of $2,243 is 17% below the national median of $2,690, making Coos County an affordable option for coastal homebuyers.

Below-average Oregon rate on lower home values

Coos County's 0.741% effective rate falls slightly below Oregon's state average of 0.775%, ranking it in the lower half of Oregon counties. The median property tax of $2,243 is the lowest among coastal counties, reflecting both the favorable rate and Coos County's more modest median home value of $302,800.

Coos County versus southern Oregon coast

Coos County's 0.741% rate is notably higher than Curry County's exceptional 0.531% but comparable to Douglas County. At $2,243 in median annual tax, Coos County residents enjoy some of Oregon's most affordable property taxes.

Your Coos County tax bill

The median Coos County home valued at $302,800 incurs roughly $2,243 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay slightly more at $2,315, while those owning outright pay $2,121.

Check for assessment errors

Even in lower-tax counties, your home's assessed value should match its true market worth. Coos County homeowners can challenge assessments if they believe their property was overvalued—a successful appeal can reduce your tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coos County

via CostByCounty

Coos County: Affordable Coastal Living

Coos County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% aligns with national averages despite median income of just $60,313—19% below the national median. Here, lower incomes match proportionally lower housing costs, creating genuine affordability for working-class families.

Coos Matches Oregon's Affordability Average

With a 19.7% rent-to-income ratio, Coos County sits right at Oregon's state average, making it a representative coastal county. Its $992 median rent is 13% below state average, reflecting demand patterns outside the Portland metro.

Coos Offers Affordable Coastal Alternative

Coos County's $992 rent undercuts all comparable counties except Baker ($814), while its $302,800 median home value is the lowest in this group. The south coast offers genuine affordability even as nearby Curry County rents reach $1,156.

Modest Costs for Working Families

Renters in Coos spend $992 monthly (19.7% of income), while homeowners pay $1,085—among the lowest absolute costs in Oregon. The county's affordability works for households earning modest incomes who prioritize financial stability.

Coos for Budget-First Movers

Coos County suits households where affordability is the primary concern, offering coastal living at the lowest absolute housing costs in Oregon's comparison group. Trade some urban amenities and job diversity for genuine financial breathing room in a tight budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Coos County

via IncomeByCounty

Coos County faces significant income challenges

Coos County's median household income of $60,313 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $14,442, placing it among the lowest-income counties nationally. Economic dependence on timber and fishing leaves Coos vulnerable to market volatility.

Oregon's lowest-income county

Coos County ranks at the bottom of Oregon's income distribution, trailing the state median of $69,965 by $9,652. Per capita income of $35,153 also ranks among the state's lowest, well below the $37,652 state average.

Coos lags all surrounding counties

Coos County's $60,313 median significantly trails Columbia County ($86,359), Curry County ($64,769), and Lane County to the east. The county faces steeper economic headwinds than nearly all regional peers.

Affordable housing masks tight budgets

Coos County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% appears reasonable, and median home values of $302,800 are among Oregon's lowest. However, tight household budgets leave little room for savings or unexpected expenses.

Prioritize education and economic diversification

Coos County residents should invest in education and skills training to access higher-wage employment within or outside the county. Even modest income growth combined with the county's affordable housing can build meaningful long-term wealth—explore workforce development programs and entrepreneurship support.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Coos County

via CrimeByCounty

Coos Above National Crime Rate

Coos County reports 3548.1 total crimes per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. However, it still maintains a strong overall safety score of 94.4.

Near the Oregon Safety Average

With a safety score of 94.4, Coos sits slightly below the state average of 96.3. Its total crime rate of 3548.1 per 100K is about 50% higher than the Oregon average.

Local Comparison with Neighbor Curry

Coos County experiences more crime than its neighbor Curry, largely driven by property-related incidents. Nine different agencies provide detailed data on local safety trends.

Property Crimes Drive the Data

Property crime is the primary concern at 3281.6 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 266.5. This aligns closely with the state average for violent incidents.

Tips for Homeowners in Coos

Protect your belongings by securing outbuildings and using motion-activated lighting. Home security systems are an effective deterrent against the county's common property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Coos County

via HealthByCounty

Coos County significantly below national norms

At 74.8 years, Coos County residents live more than 4 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 17.5% poor or fair health rate substantially exceeds the national average of 13.5%.

Among Oregon's worst health outcomes

Coos County's 74.8-year life expectancy ranks in the lowest fifth of Oregon counties, trailing the state average of 77.0 years by 2.2 years. This coastal region faces persistent, complex health challenges.

Struggling more than southern coastal peers

Coos County's life expectancy of 74.8 years is lower than Curry (73.9—the state's lowest), and significantly trails Columbia (77.6). Its 7.5% uninsured rate is moderate but compounds limited provider access.

Moderate access despite low life expectancy

Coos County has 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, near national standards, but 558 mental health providers per 100,000 suggests unmet behavioral health demand. At 7.5% uninsured, one in 13 residents lack coverage.

Secure your healthcare access now

With life expectancy among Oregon's lowest and 7.5% uninsured, Coos County residents urgently need preventive care. Enroll in coverage at healthcare.gov or through OHP, then schedule routine checkups to improve long-term health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Coos County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Coastal District Network

Coos County supports 9,035 students through 27 public schools and seven distinct school districts. This infrastructure includes 13 elementary schools and eight high schools, reflecting a distributed population along the coast.

Opportunities for Academic Growth

Coos County faces challenges with a graduation rate of 66.8%, falling below the state average of 82.3%. The per-pupil expenditure of $5,291 is lower than the state benchmark, contributing to a composite school score of 37.6.

North Bend and Coos Bay

North Bend SD 13 is the largest district by enrollment with 3,452 students, followed by Coos Bay SD 9 with 3,029. Three charter schools operate in the county, including the large Evergreen Virtual Academy which serves 1,295 students.

Town Locales and Virtual Options

The majority of the 27 schools are located in town settings, making schools central to community life. While the average school size is 348 students, virtual charter options provide a significant alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar campuses.

Navigate the Coos County Market

When evaluating homes in Coos County, consider the diverse range of district options from North Bend to Coquille. Reliable school data is a key factor for families looking to plant roots in this coastal region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coos County

via RiskByCounty

Coos County: High National Risk

Coos County scores 91.89 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Moderate" national rating while exceeding Oregon's 63.43 state average by 28 points. This southern Oregon county faces elevated exposure to multiple concurrent natural disasters.

Among Oregon's Highest-Risk Counties

Coos County ranks in Oregon's top tier by composite disaster risk, placing it well above the statewide median. Only a handful of Oregon counties score higher on overall natural disaster exposure.

Riskier Than Southern Oregon Peers

Coos County's 91.89 score exceeds neighboring Douglas and Lane counties, though it falls slightly below the state's riskiest coastal counties like Clatsop (95.07). Its position on the southern coast amplifies earthquake and flood threats compared to inland southern Oregon counties.

Earthquakes and Floods Lead Threats

Earthquake risk is exceptionally high at 98.35, positioning Coos County near major Cascadia Subduction Zone rupture zones, while flood risk of 87.40 reflects coastal storm surge and Coquille River systems. Wildfire risk (64.76) is moderate but increasing as fire seasons extend, while tornadoes (4.13) pose minimal threat.

Earthquake and Flood Insurance Essential

Coos County residents face compounded seismic and coastal flood threats requiring both earthquake and standard flood insurance. Tsunami preparedness is critical for coastal properties; establish evacuation plans and monitor sirens during major earthquakes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Coos County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild and Moist Southern Coast

Coos County features an annual average temperature of 53.0°F, sitting near the national median. This coastal region is defined by heavy moisture, receiving 60.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Warmer and Wetter Than Average

At 53.0°F, Coos County is warmer than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It receives 60.6 inches of rain per year, which is over 20 inches more than the statewide average of 37.4 inches.

A Haven from Extreme Heat

With only 3 extreme heat days annually, Coos is significantly cooler in summer than inland neighbors like Douglas County. Its 46.1°F winter average is among the mildest in the state, avoiding the snow common in other regions.

Constant Cool with Minimal Snow

Summers are exceptionally mild with a July average of 61.0°F, while winters remain temperate with an average of 46.1°F. Snowfall is nearly non-existent, averaging only 0.3 inches annually.

Pack Layers for Constant Cool

The maritime climate requires moisture-wicking layers rather than heavy winter parkas. Residents should prioritize home moisture control and drainage to manage the 60.6 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Coos County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Coastal Loams

Coos County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.71. This is well below the state average of 5.26 and significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which defines the local flora's character.

Balanced Sandy-Silt Composition

The soil is comprised of 47.7% silt and 32.0% sand, with clay making up 17.4%. This balance prevents the soil from becoming too dense and allows for decent drainage through the sandy particles during high-rainfall events.

Vibrant Organic Foundations

Organic matter content is high at 38.00%, surpassing the state average of 29.41%. The available water capacity of 0.307 in/in is also above average, indicating that the soil is exceptionally good at storing water for plant use.

Coastal Water Management

Specific drainage classes are not currently recorded in the county dataset. However, the high organic matter and sand content usually work together to manage the heavy coastal moisture without losing all nutrient content to leaching.

Marine Climate Success in 9a

The 9a hardiness zone is perfect for specialty crops like cranberries and blueberries that love acidic environments. If you are starting a garden, lean into the local climate by planting berries and maritime-adapted shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Coos County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Coastal Maintenance in Coos

Coos County has a lawn difficulty score of 37.4, which sits close to the Oregon state average. The maritime influence of Zone 9a keeps temperatures stable, but the high moisture levels require specific management strategies.

Low Heat Stress and High Humidity

With only 3 days of extreme heat and 60.6 inches of rain, your lawn rarely suffers from scorching. The 1,747 growing degree days indicate a slower, more manageable growth rate compared to inland counties with higher summer temperatures.

Amending Highly Acidic Coastal Soil

A soil pH of 4.71 is quite low, meaning most turf grasses will struggle to absorb phosphorus and magnesium. The soil contains 32.0% sand, which aids drainage but may require organic compost to help hold nutrients against the 60+ inches of rain.

Watching the Abnormal Dryness

Currently, 99.0% of the county is considered abnormally dry despite only 25 weeks of drought last year. To conserve water, avoid over-watering in the morning; instead, rely on the coastal humidity to keep the grass blades from wilting.

Early Start in a Mild Climate

Fine Fescues and Colonial Bentgrass are ideal for this cool, damp coastal environment. Because the last frost is typically as early as March 21, you have a long window to establish your lawn before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coos County's county score?
Coos County, Oregon has a composite county score of 29.2 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 Coos County rank among counties in Oregon?
Coos County ranks #36 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 Coos County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Coos County is $2,243, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Coos County a tax score of 58.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coos County?
The median household income in Coos County, Oregon is $60,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coos County earns an income score of 40.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coos County, Oregon a good place to live?
Coos County scores 29.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Coos 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 Coos 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.