CountyScore

Deschutes County

Oregon · OR

#28 in Oregon
63.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Deschutes County, Oregon

Well above the national average

Deschutes County scores 63.2 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, placing it 26 percentile points above the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the top third of all U.S. counties for overall livability.

Just below Oregon's middle ground

With a score of 63.2, Deschutes ranks slightly below Oregon's state average of 66.6, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 36 counties. Despite this ranking, the county maintains strong absolute performance in several key areas.

Tax efficiency and health stand out

Deschutes excels in tax burden (84.9/100) with an effective tax rate of just 0.616%, among Oregon's lowest. Health outcomes also rank high at 80.1, reflecting strong medical infrastructure and wellness outcomes in the region.

Income and affordability lag behind

The county's income score of 40.6 reflects a median household income of $87,640—solid but not exceptional for Oregon. Housing affordability poses a bigger concern, with a cost score of just 51.9 and median home values reaching $596,000, limiting options for budget-conscious buyers.

Ideal for tax-conscious, health-focused families

Deschutes suits established professionals and families prioritizing low taxes and strong healthcare access, willing to pay premium prices for homes and quality of life. It's less ideal for first-time homebuyers or those seeking affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.9Cost51.9SafetyComing SoonHealth80.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.6Risk15.1WaterComing Soon
🏛84.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤80.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Deschutes County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Floyd County
Georgia
63.2
Median income: $62,540
Henry County
Illinois
63.2
Median income: $69,912
Barton County
Kansas
63.2
Median income: $56,733
Fayette County
Kentucky
63.2
Median income: $67,631
Nantucket County
Massachusetts
63.2
Median income: $119,750

Deep Dives

Deschutes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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