Coos County's composite score of 65.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the top third of U.S. counties. This performance reflects particularly strong affordability and low tax burden.
2 / 5
Right at Oregon's state average
Coos County scores 65.4 compared to Oregon's state average of 66.6, placing it essentially at the state median. This positions the county as a typical Oregon livability option with balanced strengths and weaknesses.
3 / 5
Housing affordability stands out
Coos County leads in cost (73.9) with median home values of $302,800 and the lowest median rent at $992/month among all eight counties. The tax score of 81.4 and effective tax rate of 0.741% further enhance affordability for budget-conscious residents.
4 / 5
Income opportunities lag behind
Coos County's income score of 22.8 reflects a median household income of $60,313—the lowest in this group and well below state averages. Limited high-wage job opportunities constrain earning potential and overall economic advancement.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and remote workers
Coos County is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and families whose income comes from outside the county and who prioritize affordability. If you seek coastal living with minimal housing costs and low taxes, this county delivers strong value.
Coos County's composite score of 65.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the top third of U.S. counties. This performance reflects particularly strong affordability and low tax burden.
Right at Oregon's state average
Coos County scores 65.4 compared to Oregon's state average of 66.6, placing it essentially at the state median. This positions the county as a typical Oregon livability option with balanced strengths and weaknesses.
Housing affordability stands out
Coos County leads in cost (73.9) with median home values of $302,800 and the lowest median rent at $992/month among all eight counties. The tax score of 81.4 and effective tax rate of 0.741% further enhance affordability for budget-conscious residents.
Income opportunities lag behind
Coos County's income score of 22.8 reflects a median household income of $60,313—the lowest in this group and well below state averages. Limited high-wage job opportunities constrain earning potential and overall economic advancement.
Ideal for retirees and remote workers
Coos County is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and families whose income comes from outside the county and who prioritize affordability. If you seek coastal living with minimal housing costs and low taxes, this county delivers strong value.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.