countyscore
48.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 85.5Health 73.4Property Tax 69.9

County Report Card

About Crook County, Oregon

A Competitive National Performer

Crook County boasts a 48.0 composite score, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It is one of the highest-performing counties in the region.

Surpassing the Oregon State Average

The county easily exceeds the Oregon average of 42.5. Its strong economic and health indicators make it a standout destination within the state.

High Incomes and Environmental Resilience

The county shines with an income score of 85.5 and a risk score of 66.4. Residents enjoy a median household income of $81,675 and low tax burdens.

Housing Costs and School Development

Cost remains the biggest challenge with a score of 14.3 as home values rise to $423,300. Education also lags other dimensions with a score of 28.1.

The Choice for Wealthy Adventurers

Crook County is ideal for high-earning professionals who value personal safety and environmental stability. It is a premium destination for those who can afford the rising cost of Central Oregon real estate.

Score breakdown

Tax69.9Cost14.3Safety52Health73.4Schools28.1Income85.5Risk66.4Water35Weather37.1
🏛69.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡52
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.2
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

Deschutes County
Oregon
44.3
Wheeler County
Oregon
55.3
Jefferson County
Oregon
48.1
Wasco County
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Gilliam County
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Sherman County
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Grant County
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Lake County
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Deep Dives

Crook County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Crook County

via TaxByCounty

Crook County offers exceptional tax value

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crook County

via CostByCounty

Crook County: Better Than National Average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crook County

via IncomeByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crook County

via CrimeByCounty

Crook County Ranks High for Safety

Crook County is exceptionally safe, boasting a score of 98.3 and a low crime rate of 1076.5 per 100K. This is less than half of the national average crime rate.

One of Oregon's Safest Areas

The county's safety score of 98.3 outperforms the state average of 96.3. Total crime of 1076.5 per 100K is well below the Oregon average of 2,366.2.

Safer Than Regional Urban Centers

Crook County maintains a quieter profile than its neighboring counties, with only four reporting agencies needed to track its low incident volume. Property crime is particularly low here.

Exceptionally Low Property Crime

Violent crime at 256.1 per 100K is near the state average, but property crime is remarkably low at 820.4. This creates an environment where theft is relatively rare.

Preserving Your Peace of Mind

Use basic smart home tech, like door sensors, to maintain the high standard of safety in Crook. Community vigilance is the most effective way to keep crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Crook County

via HealthByCounty

Crook County slightly above national average

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Crook County

via SchoolsByCounty

Unified County-Wide Education

Crook County operates a streamlined system with 11 public schools, primarily managed by a single county-wide district. This system serves 3,999 students, including five elementary schools and four high schools.

Solid Performance and Local Investment

Crook County maintains an 80.0% graduation rate, nearing the state average of 82.3%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $7,271, supporting a school score of 48.8, which is just below the national median of 50.0.

Crook County SD and Charter Choice

Crook County SD serves 3,018 students as the primary educational provider. Charter schools are highly prevalent here, with four institutions making up over 36% of the county's total school options.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Roots

Eight of the county's schools are located in town settings, with the remaining three serving rural areas. The average school size is 364 students, though Crook County High School is significantly larger with 830 students.

Make Crook County Your Home

With a unified school district and a high percentage of charter options, Crook County offers flexibility for families. Explore homes near Prineville to stay close to the county's main educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crook County

via RiskByCounty

Crook County: Very Low Risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crook County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool and Dry High Desert

Crook County averages 48.3°F annually, which is cooler than the national median of 54°F. It is an exceptionally dry region, receiving only 11.4 inches of precipitation per year.

One of Oregon's Driest Counties

The county's 11.4 inches of rain is far below the state average of 37.4 inches, marking it as a true semi-arid climate. Its 48.3°F average temperature also tracks cooler than the statewide average of 50.5°F.

Hotter Summers Than Coastal Regions

Crook experiences 35 days of extreme heat annually, far more than the mild coastal counties. However, its winter average of 33.0°F is much warmer than the deep mountain freezes found in Baker County.

Sunny Heat and Moderate Snow

July averages 68.0°F with many days topping 90°F, while winters bring an average of 19.6 inches of snow. January temperatures average 32.5°F, creating a clear four-season cycle.

Prepare for Sun and Snow

With 35 days of extreme heat, air conditioning and sun protection are vital for residents. You will also need snow removal tools to manage the 19.6 inches of annual snowfall during the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crook County

via SoilByCounty

High Desert Mineral Earth

Data regarding pH and taxonomic orders for Crook County is currently limited. In this high-desert environment, soils typically differ from the state's moist western regions and may sit closer to the national median pH of 6.5.

Arid Textures of the Interior

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded in the available county metrics. Local growers usually encounter mineral-rich soils that may require significant organic amendments to match the productivity of western Oregon.

Building Capacity in Dry Land

With organic matter and water capacity data missing, Crook County presents a blank canvas for regenerative gardening. Adding mulch and compost is essential to help the soil reach the state's average fertility standards.

Managing Rapid Interior Drainage

Formal drainage classes are unassigned for the county's primary soil tracts. In this arid climate, ensuring that your soil can hold onto water is just as important as ensuring it doesn't flood during rare heavy storms.

Rugged Gardening in Zone 6b

Crook County’s USDA Hardiness Zone 6b requires plants that can endure cold desert winters and high-summer heat. Focus on drought-tolerant herbs, hardy fruit trees, and short-season crops to find success in this challenging environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crook County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging High-Desert Lawn Care

Crook County’s score of 37.2 reflects a challenging environment where Hardiness Zone 6b winters meet very dry summers. Lawns here require significantly more intervention than those in the wetter western part of the state.

Sparse Rain and Intense Summer Heat

The county receives a meager 11.4 inches of annual precipitation, far below the 30-50 inches lawns prefer. With 35 extreme heat days, your grass faces significant evaporation stress, making smart irrigation the most critical part of your routine.

Testing for High Desert Alkalinity

Specific soil data for Crook County is currently unavailable, but high-desert soils often lean toward alkalinity. You should test your soil to see if sulfur is needed to lower the pH, ensuring your grass can access essential micronutrients.

Strategic Watering for Dry Soil

With 82.7% of the county currently abnormally dry, water conservation is a local necessity. Focus on early morning watering to minimize evaporation and use a weather-based irrigation controller to match your lawn's actual needs.

Wait for the Late Spring Frost

Choose drought-hardy species like Buffalo grass or specialized Tall Fescue blends for this region. Be patient with planting, as the last spring frost doesn't occur until June 2, giving you a shorter but intense window for establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crook County's county score?
Crook County, Oregon has a composite county score of 48.1 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 Crook County rank among counties in Oregon?
Crook County ranks #8 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 Crook County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Crook County is $2,703, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Crook County a tax score of 69.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crook County?
The median household income in Crook County, Oregon is $81,675 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crook County earns an income score of 85.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crook County, Oregon a good place to live?
Crook County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Crook 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 Crook 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.