Crook County's composite score of 70.4 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects exceptional tax efficiency and balanced livability strengths.
2 / 5
Leads among Oregon counties
Crook County scores 70.4, surpassing Oregon's state average of 66.6 and ranking among the state's highest-performing counties. This position reflects superior tax structure and cost management across multiple livability dimensions.
3 / 5
Tax burden among lowest in state
Crook County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.639% with a tax score of 84.3—the highest among all eight counties. Combined with a cost score of 66.3 and median home values of $423,300, the county offers exceptional tax and cost efficiency.
4 / 5
Risk factors require consideration
Crook County's risk score of 66.4 is the highest among all eight counties, suggesting notable environmental or economic risk factors. While this doesn't negate other strengths, prospective residents should understand the nature of these risks before relocating.
5 / 5
Best for tax-savvy, risk-aware families
Crook County suits families and professionals who prioritize tax minimization and affordability and have researched and accepted the county's risk profile. If low taxes and moderate housing costs outweigh risk concerns for your household, this county offers exceptional livability value.
Crook County's composite score of 70.4 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the top 25% of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects exceptional tax efficiency and balanced livability strengths.
Leads among Oregon counties
Crook County scores 70.4, surpassing Oregon's state average of 66.6 and ranking among the state's highest-performing counties. This position reflects superior tax structure and cost management across multiple livability dimensions.
Tax burden among lowest in state
Crook County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.639% with a tax score of 84.3—the highest among all eight counties. Combined with a cost score of 66.3 and median home values of $423,300, the county offers exceptional tax and cost efficiency.
Risk factors require consideration
Crook County's risk score of 66.4 is the highest among all eight counties, suggesting notable environmental or economic risk factors. While this doesn't negate other strengths, prospective residents should understand the nature of these risks before relocating.
Best for tax-savvy, risk-aware families
Crook County suits families and professionals who prioritize tax minimization and affordability and have researched and accepted the county's risk profile. If low taxes and moderate housing costs outweigh risk concerns for your household, this county offers exceptional livability value.
Score breakdown
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🏛84.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Crook County's effective tax rate of 0.639% ranks in the nation's bottom 10% of counties, far below the national median of 1.1%. Despite a healthy median home value of $423,300, residents pay just $2,703 annually—only 1% above the national median of $2,690.
Oregon's lowest effective tax rate
Crook County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Oregon at 0.639%, dramatically below the state average of 0.775%. The median property tax of $2,703 ranks among Oregon's lowest, making Crook County exceptionally affordable for central Oregon homebuyers.
Crook County in central Oregon context
Crook County's 0.639% rate is substantially lower than nearby Deschutes County and Wasco County, offering the best tax value in the region. The $2,703 median tax bill attracts homebuyers seeking reasonable taxes with strong home values.
Your Crook County tax bill
The median Crook County home valued at $423,300 generates an annual property tax of approximately $2,703. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,841, while those owning free-and-clear pay $2,319.
Verify your home's assessed value
Even in tax-friendly Crook County, assessments can occasionally exceed market value, especially for recently purchased properties. Filing a free appeal with the county assessor if your assessment seems high could provide additional savings.
Crook County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% beats both Oregon's state average (19.4%) and national norms, while its median income of $81,675 exceeds the national median by 9%. This county represents strong affordability for above-average earners.
Crook County Ranks Among Oregon's Best
At 18.0%, Crook County's rent-to-income ratio is well below Oregon's 19.4% state average, placing it in the upper affordability tier. The central Oregon location offers better income-to-housing ratios than most Oregon counties.
Crook Delivers Central Oregon Value
Crook's 18.0% ratio beats Benton (21.4%), Curry (21.4%), and Clatsop (19.7%), while its $1,224 rent sits between Columbia ($1,221) and Clackamas ($1,693). The county offers strong affordability without sacrificing reasonable income or amenities.
Income Supports Reasonable Housing Costs
Renters allocate $1,224 monthly (18.0% of income) while homeowners spend $1,300, leaving households with over 82% of earnings for other needs. At $423,300, median home values are accessible for middle-income buyers.
Crook County: Central Oregon's Sweet Spot
Crook County suits professionals and families seeking outdoor recreation, reasonable housing costs, and above-average incomes—Bend's quieter neighbor with better affordability. The numbers work especially well for remote workers or those employed in central Oregon's growing sectors.
Crook County meets and slightly exceeds national average
Crook County's median household income of $81,675 outpaces the U.S. median of $74,755 by $6,920, placing it solidly in the middle-to-upper-income tier nationally. This strength is notable for a rural central Oregon county.
Upper-middle income ranking in Oregon
Crook County earns $11,710 above Oregon's median of $69,965, ranking in the upper third of state counties. Per capita income of $41,804 similarly exceeds the state average of $37,652.
Crook outperforms eastern Oregon peers
Crook County's $81,675 median surpasses Baker County ($57,844) and many other central and eastern Oregon counties. The county rivals Benton County ($76,011) and benefits from outdoor recreation and light manufacturing employment.
Balanced affordability and income
Crook County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% is favorable, with residents spending less than one-fifth of income on rent. Median home values of $423,300 remain reasonable relative to the county's above-average household earnings.
Build wealth in a growing market
Crook County's combination of rising population, good incomes, and reasonable housing creates conditions for appreciation and equity building. Households should capitalize on this stability through homeownership and diversified investments as the county continues its growth trajectory.
At 78.0 years, Crook County's life expectancy marginally exceeds 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%, reflecting underlying health disparities.
Slightly above Oregon's health baseline
Crook County's 78.0-year life expectancy exceeds Oregon's 77.0-year state average by 1.0 year, placing it in the middle tier of county performance. However, the 18.0% poor or fair health rate signals room for improvement.
Mid-range performer among central Oregon
Crook County's 78.0-year life expectancy exceeds Baker (75.2) and Columbia (77.6) but trails Benton (82.4). Its 6.2% uninsured rate is better than Clatsop and Curry, supporting baseline access.
Limited primary care, adequate mental health
Crook County has just 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well below national standards, though mental health services at 531 per 100,000 are relatively robust. At 6.2% uninsured, access barriers compound provider scarcity.
Ensure coverage completes the care picture
Even with insurance, Crook County's 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means limited local options. Verify your coverage at healthcare.gov, then connect with regional providers for preventive and ongoing care.
Crook County scores 33.59 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and standing well below Oregon's 63.43 state average. This central Oregon county ranks among the nation's safest by overall natural disaster exposure.
Oregon's Safest County
Crook County scores lowest among Oregon's 36 counties by composite disaster risk, making it the state's safest jurisdiction. The county's remote location and semi-arid climate limit exposure to most hazard types.
Safest in High Desert Region
Crook County's 33.59 score is substantially lower than neighboring Wheeler, Gilliam, and Baker counties, reflecting its advantageous position in Oregon's interior. The county benefits from minimal flood and tornado risk compared to all surrounding areas.
Wildfire Is the Primary Concern
Wildfire risk dominates Crook County's hazard profile at 95.10—among Oregon's highest—reflecting the county's location in fire-prone high desert and ponderosa pine forests. Earthquake risk (69.50) is moderate but significantly lower than coastal counties, while flood (40.52) and tornado (3.56) risks are minimal.
Prioritize Wildfire Protection
Wildfire insurance and defensible space are paramount for Crook County homeowners; remove dead trees, trim branches 10 feet above ground, and keep roofs and gutters clear of debris. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but review your policy to ensure adequate coverage limits.