countyscore
44.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.6Health 87Property Tax 72.6

County Report Card

About Deschutes County, Oregon

Deschutes County Trails National Median Scores

Deschutes County earns a composite score of 44.3, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of high-end amenities and significant affordability pressures.

Leading the Oregon State Average

The county outperforms the Oregon state average composite of 42.5. It remains one of the state's most sought-after regions despite a lower national percentile ranking.

Strong Incomes and Exceptional Health

The county boasts an elite income score of 90.6 with a median household income of $87,640. Health outcomes are equally impressive, reaching a score of 87.0.

High Costs and Low Safety

Housing affordability is a major struggle, evidenced by a cost score of 4.8 and home values averaging $596,000. Additionally, the safety score of 28.4 lags behind many national peers.

A Haven for Wellness-Focused Professionals

Deschutes County is best suited for high-earning individuals who prioritize health and lifestyle over a low cost of living. It offers a premier Oregon experience for those who can afford the entry price.

Score breakdown

Tax72.6Cost4.8Safety28.4Health87Schools36.8Income90.6Risk15.1Water60.1Weather41.9
🏛72.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡28.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤87
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.8
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

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Deep Dives

Deschutes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Deschutes County

via TaxByCounty

Deschutes taxes run low nationally

At 0.616%, Deschutes County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.720%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay $3,670 annually versus the national median of $2,690—a difference driven by Deschutes' higher median home values of $596,000 compared to the national $281,900.

Below Oregon's statewide average

Deschutes ranks 14th lowest among Oregon's 36 counties for effective tax rate, with its 0.616% rate falling below the state average of 0.775%. The median tax bill of $3,670 exceeds Oregon's state median of $2,745, reflecting the county's premium property values.

Cheaper than Hood River and Jackson

Deschutes homeowners enjoy a lower effective rate (0.616%) than nearby Jackson County (0.758%) and Hood River County (0.588%), making it a middle ground in the central Oregon region. With median home values of $596,000, Deschutes sits between the pricier Hood River market and the more affordable rural counties to the east.

What $596,000 homes cost to own

The typical Deschutes homeowner pays $3,670 in annual property taxes on a home valued at $596,000. Mortgage holders see slightly lower bills at $3,622, while outright owners pay $3,766 per year.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Oregon homeowners pay more than they should—assessments sometimes exceed actual market value, especially in fast-appreciating areas like Deschutes. If your home's assessed value feels high, you have the right to file a formal appeal with your county assessor at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Deschutes County

via CostByCounty

Deschutes rents outpace the nation

Renters in Deschutes County spend 22.9% of their income on housing, well above the national norm and pushing toward the danger zone where affordability suffers. The median rent of $1,674/month consumes a larger share of paychecks than in most American counties, despite median household incomes of $87,640—about 17% higher than the national median.

Higher costs in Oregon's recreation hub

Deschutes County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.9% ranks it among Oregon's least affordable, compared to the state average of 19.4%. Median rents here run $537 above Oregon's state average, reflecting the county's popularity as a recreation and outdoor lifestyle destination.

Mountain living comes with premium pricing

Deschutes rents ($1,674) far exceed nearby Jackson County ($1,310) and Hood River County ($1,381), making it Oregon's priciest rental market in this region. Both renters and homebuyers here face steeper costs than neighbors, with median home values of $596,000 reflecting strong regional demand.

Housing eats nearly a quarter of income

A typical Deschutes household earning $87,640 annually spends $1,674 on rent or $1,685 on owner costs—roughly 23% of gross income. Whether renting or buying, housing consumes nearly the same share of earnings, leaving less room in budgets for other necessities.

Bend and beyond: your affordability test

If you're considering Deschutes County's outdoor lifestyle, compare that $1,674 rent against what you'd pay in Jackson County ($1,310) or further afield in Grant County ($840). Your budget and income will determine whether Deschutes' premium is worth the trade-off for the region's recreational amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Deschutes County

via IncomeByCounty

Deschutes earns 17% above national average

Deschutes County's median household income of $87,640 significantly exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the top tier nationally. This 17% advantage reflects robust earning power in Oregon's fastest-growing metro area.

Among Oregon's wealthiest counties

At $87,640, Deschutes County ranks near the top statewide, well above Oregon's county average of $69,965. The county's per capita income of $50,150 also substantially exceeds the state average of $37,652.

Outpacing Hood River and Jackson

Deschutes households earn $5,545 more annually than Hood River County ($82,095) and $16,197 more than Jackson County ($71,443). The county's strong tech and outdoor recreation sectors drive higher wages across the region.

Income covers housing, but tightly

A 22.9% rent-to-income ratio means Deschutes residents spend nearly a quarter of earnings on housing—slightly above the recommended 20% threshold. With median home values at $596,000, long-term affordability requires strategic purchasing and down-payment planning.

Build on Deschutes' income strength

With median income above national levels, Deschutes residents have real opportunity to invest beyond housing. Starting or expanding a retirement account, diversifying into stocks and bonds, or building an emergency fund can accelerate wealth creation while managing rising home costs.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Deschutes County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Haven in Central Oregon

Deschutes County maintains an impressive safety score of 97.3, well above the national average. The total crime rate of 1,728.1 per 100K residents remains significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the State Average

With a safety score of 97.3, Deschutes ranks among the more secure regions in Oregon, beating the state average of 96.3. Seven reporting agencies coordinate to keep the crime rate below the state average of 2,366.2.

Regional Leader in Public Safety

Deschutes County’s crime rate of 1,728.1 per 100K is higher than neighboring Jefferson County but remains much lower than Oregon's urban centers. It provides a safer environment than many similar-sized counties in the West.

Property Crime Takes the Lead

Property crime accounts for 1,571.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crime is exceptionally low at 156.5. This means residents face less than half the national violent crime risk of 369.8.

Lock Down Your Property

Since property theft is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing homes and vehicles. Installing smart cameras and motion-sensor lighting helps maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Deschutes County

via HealthByCounty

Deschutes leads Oregon in longevity

With a life expectancy of 80.9 years, Deschutes County residents live nearly 4 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 13.6% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 16.1%, signaling a county where most people experience good health into their 80s.

Tops state rankings for health outcomes

Deschutes County outperforms Oregon's state average life expectancy of 77.0 years by 3.9 years, placing it among the healthiest counties in the state. The county's uninsured rate of 7.1% beats the state average of 8.1%, meaning more residents have healthcare coverage.

Outpaces eastern Oregon peers

Deschutes' 80.9-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Jefferson County (73.6 years) and the rural eastern Oregon average. With 99 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Deschutes has triple the access of Gilliam or Harney counties, creating stark health disparities within the region.

Strong provider network supports residents

Deschutes County boasts 691 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Oregon's highest densities—and maintains robust primary care access. The 7.1% uninsured rate means nearly all residents can access preventive care and treatment, supporting the county's strong health outcomes.

Check your coverage this year

Even in Deschutes County's healthy market, 1 in 14 residents lacks insurance coverage. Visit your local health department or healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid, subsidized marketplace plans, or employer coverage options before enrollment deadlines.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Deschutes County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network of 53 Public Schools

Deschutes County supports a robust educational infrastructure consisting of 53 public schools across three districts. This network serves 25,834 students through 31 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, and 10 high schools.

High Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

The county's 86.9% graduation rate beats the Oregon state average of 82.3% and aligns closely with the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $7,137 is lower than the state's $7,886, the county maintains a competitive school score of 52.2.

Bend-LaPine Leads Regional Education

Bend-LaPine Administrative SD 1 is the largest district by far, educating 17,007 students across 35 schools. The county also offers educational choice through four charter schools, which make up 7.5% of the total school count.

From Urban Hubs to Rural Outposts

The county features a diverse locale mix with 24 schools in city settings and 18 in rural areas. While the average school size is 487 students, Summit High School serves as the largest campus with 1,444 students.

Relocate Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates exceeding state averages, Deschutes County remains a primary target for families seeking quality education. Prospective homebuyers often find that property values correlate closely with proximity to the county’s highly-rated high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Deschutes County

via RiskByCounty

Deschutes: Moderate Risk Above U.S. Average

Deschutes County scores 84.92 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national average and marking it as relatively moderate risk. This score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly wildfire and earthquake activity. Most U.S. counties score considerably lower, making Deschutes' risk profile more active than typical.

A Risky Middle Ground in Oregon

Deschutes ranks above Oregon's state average composite risk of 63.43, putting it among the higher-risk counties statewide. While not the state's most hazardous county, Deschutes faces notably more disaster exposure than most Oregon communities. Its 84.92 score signals consistent multi-hazard vulnerability across the region.

Riskier Than Eastern Oregon Peers

Deschutes faces significantly higher overall risk than neighboring Gilliam County (2.74), Grant County (32.12), and Jefferson County (29.87). Its risk profile more closely resembles other high-exposure Oregon counties like Jackson and Douglas, which also score in the 90s. The sharp contrast with surrounding eastern Oregon counties reflects Deschutes' unique geography and seismic activity.

Wildfire and Earthquake Top the Threat List

Wildfire risk dominates Deschutes at 97.77, placing it among Oregon's most fire-prone areas, while earthquake risk of 83.05 reflects its position near tectonic zones. Flood risk at 88.90 adds a third significant concern, particularly in riparian zones and flood-prone communities. Tornado activity remains low at 8.75, offering one area of reduced exposure.

Prioritize Fire and Earthquake Coverage

Deschutes residents should ensure robust homeowners insurance that specifically covers wildfire damage, as standard policies often exclude it. Consider earthquake insurance given the county's substantial seismic risk of 83.05, and verify that flood insurance is adequate if your property sits in or near designated flood zones. A comprehensive risk assessment with a local insurance agent is essential given the county's multiple significant hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Deschutes County

via WeatherByCounty

A High Desert Climate Below National Averages

Deschutes County maintains an annual average temperature of 46.0°F, placing it well below the national median for warmth. With only 13.2 inches of annual precipitation, the region is significantly drier than the typical American county.

Cooler and Drier than the Oregon Average

The county's 46.0°F average temperature is notably cooler than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. Furthermore, its 13.2 inches of annual rainfall is less than half of the 37.4 inches seen across the state as a whole.

Consistency Across the High Desert

Deschutes shares a similar climate profile with neighboring Harney County, which averages 46.4°F. It remains slightly cooler than Jefferson County to the north, which sees an annual average of 48.5°F.

Snowy Winters and Temperate Summers

The region experiences 35.6 inches of snow annually, with winter averages hovering around 31.7°F. While the county sees 19 extreme heat days over 90°F, July averages remain a comfortable 65.0°F.

Prepare for Snow and Arid Conditions

Residents should invest in robust snow removal equipment to handle over 35 inches of annual accumulation. The dry 13.2-inch precipitation levels also necessitate efficient irrigation for any local landscaping or gardening.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Deschutes County

via SoilByCounty

A Volcanic Foundation

Deschutes County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in current records, but its volcanic history typically defines the landscape. While the national median pH sits at 6.5, local gardeners often encounter younger, more porous materials. Testing your specific plot is essential before planting.

Analyzing the Texture

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this region. This absence of data means growers should perform a simple ribbon test to assess workability and drainage. High-porosity materials are common here, often requiring more frequent watering.

Building Organic Wealth

Local organic matter levels are not yet recorded, leaving the high state average of 29.41% as a distant benchmark. The available water capacity also remains unmeasured against the 0.275 in/in state average. Adding compost helps ensure your soil can hold onto vital nutrients.

Managing High Desert Water

With no dominant drainage class recorded, residents must observe how water moves after a rare heavy rain. Assessing your site's hydrologic group is a critical first step for any building or irrigation project. Proper drainage prevents the root rot common in over-irrigated desert landscapes.

Hardy High Desert Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone 6b means you should focus on frost-tolerant perennials and short-season crops. Native sagebrush and hardy root vegetables thrive in this climate. Start your garden today by selecting varieties that can handle the dramatic temperature swings.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Deschutes County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Desert Challenge in Deschutes

Maintaining a lawn here is tough, with a lawn difficulty score of 34.8 compared to the national average of 50.0. This USDA Hardiness Zone 6b region presents more obstacles for turf than the Oregon state average of 38.9. Success requires selecting grasses that can withstand harsh winters and low moisture.

Arid Climate Demands Precise Irrigation

Deschutes County receives only 13.2 inches of annual precipitation, far below the 30-50 inches lawns ideally require. With 1,561 growing degree days and 19 extreme heat days, turf growth is concentrated in a short window. You must supplement heavily with irrigation to keep grass from entering dormancy during the dry summer months.

Navigating High-Desert Soil Needs

Specific county-wide soil metrics are limited for this area, but high-desert landscapes often feature volcanic influences. You should prioritize testing for drainage capacity and organic matter before establishing new turf. Adding compost or topsoil is usually necessary to overcome the naturally lean soil profiles in this region.

Managing 25 Weeks of Annual Drought

Over the past year, the county spent 25 weeks in drought conditions, with 70.5% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. To conserve water, homeowners should consider deep, infrequent watering cycles to encourage deep root growth. Mulching around lawn edges can also help retain the precious 13.2 inches of rain the area receives.

Start Your Lawn with Hardy Grasses

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best bets for the 6b hardiness zone, as they handle the cold winters well. While specific frost dates vary in this high-elevation climate, late spring is the ideal time to seed once the ground warms. Proper site preparation now will pay off with a more resilient lawn later.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deschutes County's county score?
Deschutes County, Oregon has a composite county score of 44.3 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 Deschutes County rank among counties in Oregon?
Deschutes County ranks #13 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 Deschutes County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Deschutes County is $3,670, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Deschutes County a tax score of 72.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Deschutes County?
The median household income in Deschutes County, Oregon is $87,640 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Deschutes County earns an income score of 90.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Deschutes County, Oregon a good place to live?
Deschutes County scores 44.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Deschutes 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 Deschutes County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.