countyscore
42.7
County Score
Property Tax 85.6Weather & Climate 71.2Soil Quality 66.8

County Report Card

About Curry County, Oregon

Coastal Life vs National Median

Curry County earns a composite score of 41.9, roughly 8 points below the national median of 50.0. Its profile is defined by exceptional tax advantages but moderate services.

In Line with State Averages

The county's 41.9 score is nearly identical to the Oregon average of 42.5. It represents a typical livability experience for the Oregon coast.

A Leader in Tax Efficiency

With a tax score of 82.8, Curry County offers some of the lowest burdens in the state. The effective tax rate is remarkably low at 0.531%.

Environmental Risk and Water Concerns

Risk and water scores are low, both sitting around 13.5 to 13.9. These scores reflect the natural hazards and infrastructure needs of this coastal stretch.

Perfect for the Tax-Conscious

Curry County is a top pick for retirees and investors looking for the lowest possible property tax burden in Oregon. It suits those who prioritize financial efficiency over environmental risk scores.

2040608010085.631.931.345.235.640.513.513.971.2Tax85.6Cost31.9Safety31.3Health45.2Schools35.6Income40.5Risk13.5Water13.9Weather71.242.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Curry County DNA

Foverall

How Curry County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Curry County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (85.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (13.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85.6+33.599999999999994
Cost
31.9-16.1
Safety
31.3-23.7
Health
45.2
Schools
35.6-18.4
Income
40.5-10.5
Risk
13.5-33.5
Water
13.9-44.1
Weather
71.2+15.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Curry County

Whether buying or refinancing in Curry County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$381,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,241/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$381,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,244/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Josephine County
Oregon
36
Coos County
Oregon
29.8
Del Norte County
California
39
Douglas County
Oregon
37.1
Jackson County
Oregon
31.4
Siskiyou County
California
37.1
Lane County
Oregon
31
Klamath County
Oregon
37.5

Deep Dives

Curry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Curry County

via TaxByCounty

Curry County taxes rank among nation's lowest

Curry County's effective tax rate of 0.531% is exceptionally low, placing it in the nation's bottom 5% of all counties—well below the national median of 1.1%. At $1,948 annually on the median home, Curry County residents enjoy some of America's most affordable property taxes.

Oregon's most tax-friendly county

Curry County's 0.531% effective rate is the lowest in Oregon by a wide margin, less than 69% of the state average of 0.775%. The median property tax of $1,948 is the lowest in Oregon, offering unmatched affordability on the southern coast.

Curry County dominates tax comparison

Curry County's 0.531% rate is dramatically lower than Coos County (0.741%) and all other Oregon counties, creating a stark tax advantage. The $1,948 median bill attracts retirees and remote workers seeking the lowest property tax burden on the Oregon coast.

Your Curry County tax bill

The median Curry County home valued at $366,700 incurs just $1,948 in annual property taxes—among the nation's lowest. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,264, while those owning outright pay $1,661.

Ensure fair assessment despite low rates

Even at Curry County's uniquely low rates, homeowners should verify their assessments reflect current market value. A challenge to the assessor's office is free and could save you hundreds annually if your property was overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Curry County

via IncomeByCounty

Curry County trails the national income average

Curry County's median household income of $64,769 falls $9,986 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. Economic reliance on tourism and timber limits wage growth opportunities.

Lower-income ranking among Oregon counties

Curry County earns $5,196 below Oregon's median of $69,965, ranking in the lower half of state counties. Per capita income of $40,421 slightly exceeds the state average, reflecting age and employment structure rather than high individual earnings.

Income gaps with regional counties

Curry County's $64,769 median trails Columbia County ($86,359) significantly and trails Coos County ($60,313) only slightly. Douglas County to the north also outearns Curry, reflecting limited economic diversification in the southern coast.

High rents pressure household budgets

Curry County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% is elevated, with renters dedicating over one-fifth of earnings to housing costs. Median home values of $366,700 strain lower-income households, creating affordability pressure despite lower absolute housing costs.

Develop skills and explore opportunities beyond tourism

Curry County residents should seek education in portable, high-wage fields to break free from seasonal tourism dependence. Consider remote work, entrepreneurship in tech or services, or relocation assistance programs that can boost household income without leaving the region.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Curry County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety First in Curry County

Curry County boasts a safety score of 97.4, well above the national norm. Its total crime rate of 1619.4 per 100K is much lower than the national 2,385.5.

Outperforming Oregon Average Safety

With a safety score of 97.4, Curry ranks higher than the Oregon average of 96.3. The county's total crime rate of 1619.4 per 100K is also lower than the state's average.

Leading Neighbors in Public Safety

Curry is significantly safer than neighboring Coos, showing much lower rates across all crime categories. Six reporting agencies coordinate safety efforts for the county's residents.

The Property and Violence Split

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1397.2 per 100K, while violent crime is just 222.2. These figures place Curry well below the state average for physical violence.

Security Awareness for Coastal Residents

Maintaining the county’s high safety score starts with simple home security like deadbolts and sensor lights. Consistent home awareness effectively prevents the occasional property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Curry County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Exceptionally Rainy Coast

Curry County averages 54.1°F annually, matching the national median temperature. It is one of the wettest counties in the U.S., receiving 81.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Oregon's Warmest Coastal Pocket

Curry's average temperature of 54.1°F is significantly higher than the state average of 50.5°F. Its 81.8 inches of rain is more than double the statewide average, fueled by its position on the southern coast.

The State's Banana Belt Climate

Known for its mildness, Curry sees 0.0 inches of annual snowfall, making it unique even among its coastal neighbors. While it feels warm, it only records 9 extreme heat days per year due to the ocean's cooling breeze.

Perpetual Mildness and Heavy Rain

Winter and summer temperatures are remarkably similar, with January averaging 47.6°F and July at 62.2°F. Most of the 81.8 inches of precipitation falls during the mild winter months.

Invest in Serious Rain Protection

Residents can skip the snow shovels but must invest in high-quality rain gear and home waterproofing. Strong wind and heavy rain are the primary weather concerns in this mild, maritime environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Curry County

via SoilByCounty

The Coast's Most Acidic Soil

Curry County has a very low average pH of 4.38, making it one of the most acidic regions in the state. This is much lower than the national median of 6.5 and requires specific plant selection for gardening success.

Sandy-Silt Maritime Mix

The soil contains 44.7% silt and 32.3% sand, with 15.4% clay. This relatively low clay percentage allows for excellent drainage, which is necessary given the high volume of rainfall this coastal region receives.

Extreme Organic Richness

At 55.49%, Curry County has the highest organic matter content among these Oregon counties, nearly doubling the state average. Its available water capacity of 0.357 in/in is also the highest, showing incredible potential for lush growth.

High-Capacity Hydrological Storage

While drainage classes are not officially recorded, the soil’s high organic content allows it to act like a sponge. It absorbs heavy coastal rains and stores that moisture efficiently, reducing the need for irrigation during dry spells.

Thriving in Mild Zone 9b

As a 9b hardiness zone, Curry County offers the warmest winter temperatures in Oregon. Embrace the acidity and moisture by growing azaleas, rhododendrons, and coastal evergreens in your home landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Curry County

via LawnByCounty

Subtropical Influence in Curry County

Curry County’s lawn difficulty score of 33.8 is lower than the state average due to extreme rainfall and very acidic soils. However, its Hardiness Zone 9b is one of the warmest in Oregon, offering a unique opportunity for specialized turf.

The Wettest Corner of the State

An incredible 81.8 inches of rain falls here annually, creating a constant challenge for soil aeration and disease control. Despite the rain, only 9 extreme heat days occur, keeping your lawn cool and hydrated through most of the year.

Extreme Soil Acidity Management

At 4.38, the soil pH in Curry County is among the most acidic in the nation, requiring heavy and frequent lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0 range. The 32.3% sand content helps with drainage, which is vital given the heavy annual rainfall.

Stable Moisture with Low Drought

Currently, only 26.1% of the county is abnormally dry, and there were only 25 weeks in drought last year. Your biggest water challenge isn't a lack of it, but managing the runoff and nutrient leaching that comes with heavy Pacific storms.

Winter-Ready for Early Growth

Because the last spring frost hits early on February 17, you can start your lawn prep before almost anyone else in Oregon. Fine Fescue and Seashore Paspalum are excellent choices for these wet, acidic coastal conditions.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Curry County's county score?
Curry County, Oregon has a composite county score of 42.7 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 Curry County rank among counties in Oregon?
Curry 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 Curry County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Curry County is $1,841, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Curry County a tax score of 85.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Curry County?
The median household income in Curry County, Oregon is $62,244 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Curry County earns an income score of 40.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Curry County, Oregon a good place to live?
Curry County scores 42.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Curry 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 Curry County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.