countyscore
41.9
County Score
Property Tax 82.8Weather & 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.

Score breakdown

Tax82.8Cost26.8Safety31.3Health45.2Schools35.6Income53.4Risk13.5Water13.9Weather71.2
🏛82.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓35.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡13.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤71.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨66.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.8
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

Josephine County
Oregon
35.7
Coos County
Oregon
29.2
Del Norte County
California
39.9
Douglas County
Oregon
36.8
Jackson County
Oregon
31.5
Siskiyou County
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37.9
Lane County
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30.8
Klamath County
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36.7

Deep Dives

Curry County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Curry County

via CostByCounty

Curry County: Expensive Despite Lower Income

Curry County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% ranks among Oregon's least affordable, even though median income of $64,769 is 13% below the national average. Renters here spend a larger share of earnings on housing than most Americans, despite earning less.

Curry County: Oregon's Affordability Challenge

At 21.4%, Curry County ties Benton County for the worst rent-to-income ratio among Oregon comparison counties, significantly above the state average of 19.4%. The south coast's scenic appeal and limited housing supply drive costs that outpace local incomes.

Curry's Rents High Despite Rural Location

Curry's $1,156 median rent exceeds nearby Coos ($992) by 16% and Baker ($814) by 42%, despite Curry having lower median income than both. Only Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, and Benton counties charge higher rents for housing in less developed areas.

Limited Income Against Rising Costs

Renters in Curry spend $1,156 monthly (21.4% of income), among Oregon's highest burdens, while homeowners pay only $947—an unusual inversion suggesting many own outright. The median home value of $366,700 reflects strong property values but limited affordability for renters.

Curry County: Only for Flexible Budgets

Curry County's scenic beauty and small-town character come at a premium price relative to local incomes—making it best suited for retirees, remote workers with outside income, or those relocating with significant savings. Budget-conscious renters should seriously consider inland alternatives like Coos or Baker counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Curry County

via HealthByCounty

Curry County has Oregon's lowest life expectancy

At 73.9 years, Curry County residents live nearly 5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 20.4% poor or fair health rate is among the highest in the nation, far exceeding the 13.5% national average.

Ranked last in Oregon for health outcomes

Curry County's 73.9-year life expectancy is the lowest in Oregon, trailing the state average of 77.0 years by 3.1 years. This southern coastal county faces the state's most severe health challenges.

Worst health outcomes in the region

Curry County's life expectancy of 73.9 years trails all measured neighbors, including Coos (74.8), Crook (78.0), and Clackamas (79.9). Its 8.1% uninsured rate ties the state average but compounds limited local resources.

Isolated, under-resourced healthcare landscape

Curry County has 68 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below national standards, with 588 mental health providers per 100,000 suggesting concentrated behavioral health needs. At 8.1% uninsured—tying the state average—access barriers are acute in this remote county.

Your health insurance is the first step

Curry County faces Oregon's most urgent health crisis, with life expectancy 4 years below the national average. If you're uninsured, visit healthcare.gov immediately; if covered, establish care with a primary provider and prioritize preventive screenings now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Curry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Coastal Schooling

Curry County's education landscape consists of just seven public schools across three districts, serving 2,062 students. The infrastructure is focused on three elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Competitive Spending and Performance

At $7,922 per student, Curry County's per-pupil spending slightly exceeds the Oregon state average. The county achieves a graduation rate of 79.5% and a school score of 50.0, aligning exactly with the national median.

Brookings-Harbor Dominates Enrollment

Brookings-Harbor SD 17C is the largest district by far, serving 1,404 of the county's 2,062 students. Unlike many neighboring counties, Curry County currently has no charter schools, relying entirely on traditional public districts.

Small Schools in a Town Setting

Five of the seven schools are located in town settings, while two serve rural populations. The average school size is 295 students, though Kalmiopsis Elementary is a notable outlier with 615 students.

Discover Homes Near Curry Schools

For families seeking a small-town atmosphere with solid academic spending, Curry County is a strong contender. Look for homes in the Brookings area to be near the county's largest and most central school campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Curry County

via RiskByCounty

Curry County: Moderate-High Risk

Curry County scores 86.55 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Moderate" rating and exceeding Oregon's 63.43 state average by 23 points. This southernmost coastal county faces significant multi-hazard exposure despite its small population.

Upper-Tier Risk Among Oregon

Curry County ranks in Oregon's higher-risk counties by composite score, placing it well above the statewide median. Only the most exposed coastal and metropolitan counties exceed Curry's overall disaster risk.

Comparable to Southern Peers

Curry County's 86.55 score is lower than Coos County (91.89) to the north but notably higher than inland Josephine and Jackson counties. Its position on Oregon's remote southern coast creates distinct hazard exposure compared to northern coastal counties.

Wildfires and Earthquakes Dominate

Wildfire risk peaks at 93.42, driven by Oregon's dry climate and wildland-urban interface expansion, making it the county's most persistent threat. Earthquake risk is nearly as concerning at 96.66, reflecting Cascadia Subduction Zone proximity, while flood risk (62.18) remains significant for coastal and river communities.

Wildfire and Earthquake Coverage Critical

Homeowners insurance must include wildfire coverage; review your policy's deductibles and replacement cost limits, especially if you live in the wildland-urban interface. Add earthquake insurance to protect against the county's substantial seismic exposure, and maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 41.9 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 #18 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 $1,948, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Curry County a tax score of 82.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Curry County?
The median household income in Curry County, Oregon is $64,769 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Curry County earns an income score of 53.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Curry County, Oregon a good place to live?
Curry County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 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.

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.