Douglas County's composite score of 66.2 stands 16 percentile points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties for livability. This score reflects consistent strength across multiple dimensions.
2 / 5
Right at Oregon's average level
Scoring 66.2 versus Oregon's state average of 66.6, Douglas County ranks squarely in the middle of Oregon's county landscape. This median positioning masks significant strengths in affordability that offset other challenges.
3 / 5
Affordability and tax advantages shine
Douglas leads with exceptional housing affordability: a cost score of 76.9 paired with a median home value of just $283,200 and rent under $1,000/month. A tax score of 83.7 adds to the fiscal advantage, making it one of Oregon's most economical counties.
4 / 5
Income levels remain well below state norms
The income score of 21.9 is the lowest strength in the county, reflecting a median household income of $58,983—well below state and national averages. Health outcomes at 69.0 also show room for improvement relative to other measured dimensions.
5 / 5
Perfect for budget-conscious rural seekers
Douglas County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low cost of living and manageable taxes over high incomes. It's an excellent choice for those seeking small-town stability without urban price tags.
Douglas County's composite score of 66.2 stands 16 percentile points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties for livability. This score reflects consistent strength across multiple dimensions.
Right at Oregon's average level
Scoring 66.2 versus Oregon's state average of 66.6, Douglas County ranks squarely in the middle of Oregon's county landscape. This median positioning masks significant strengths in affordability that offset other challenges.
Affordability and tax advantages shine
Douglas leads with exceptional housing affordability: a cost score of 76.9 paired with a median home value of just $283,200 and rent under $1,000/month. A tax score of 83.7 adds to the fiscal advantage, making it one of Oregon's most economical counties.
Income levels remain well below state norms
The income score of 21.9 is the lowest strength in the county, reflecting a median household income of $58,983—well below state and national averages. Health outcomes at 69.0 also show room for improvement relative to other measured dimensions.
Perfect for budget-conscious rural seekers
Douglas County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low cost of living and manageable taxes over high incomes. It's an excellent choice for those seeking small-town stability without urban price tags.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.660%, Douglas County's effective tax rate aligns closely with the national median of 0.720%, putting it squarely in the middle of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $1,869 runs 30% below the national median of $2,690, thanks to Douglas' more modest median home value of $283,200.
Mid-tier among Oregon counties
Douglas ranks 15th among Oregon's 36 counties by effective tax rate at 0.660%, just below the state average of 0.775%. Its median property tax of $1,869 is well below Oregon's state median of $2,745.
Cheaper than most eastern Oregon
Douglas' effective rate of 0.660% beats Gilliam County (1.008%) and Harney County (0.968%), making it one of the more affordable tax environments in Oregon's rural east. Only Grant County (0.761%) comes close in the region.
What $283,200 homes cost to own
A typical Douglas County homeowner pays $1,869 annually on a median-valued home of $283,200. Those with mortgages pay slightly more at $1,938, while owners without mortgages pay $1,725.
Appeal if assessed too high
Oregon allows property owners to challenge assessments they believe are inaccurate—a process that can save hundreds yearly if successful. Many Douglas County homeowners have never pursued appeals, leaving money on the table.
With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.2%, Douglas County sits slightly above Oregon's state average but remains more affordable than many American counties. Median household income of $58,983 is below the national average of $74,755, yet renters here spend just $995 monthly—well below the national median.
Middle-of-the-road affordability for Oregon
Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% places it in Oregon's middle range, slightly above the state average of 19.4%. Compared to higher-cost counties like Deschutes, Douglas offers breathing room for renters with a median rent $142 cheaper per month.
Most affordable in the southern corridor
Douglas County's $995 monthly rent undercuts all its regional peers, from Jackson County's $1,310 to Gilliam's $1,084. Both renters and homebuyers find the best value here compared to the mountain and valley counties that surround it.
Balanced housing costs across tenure types
Households in Douglas County earning $58,983 annually pay $995 in rent or $883 in owner costs—about 17–20% of gross income. This relatively balanced split between rent and mortgage costs offers flexibility for families deciding whether to buy or rent.
Southern Oregon's affordability sweet spot
If you're relocating to southern Oregon, Douglas County delivers better affordability than Jackson County ($1,310 rent) while maintaining a decent income base. The county's moderate housing costs make it worth comparing if you're seeking small-town living without premium pricing.
Douglas County's median household income of $58,983 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by more than $15,000 annually. This gap underscores economic challenges in Oregon's southwest timber region.
Below average across Oregon
At $58,983, Douglas County falls significantly below Oregon's county average of $69,965. Per capita income of $33,510 also lags the state average of $37,652 by over $4,000.
Lowest income in south-central Oregon
Douglas households earn $6,806 less than Grant County ($59,800) and $12,460 less than Jackson County ($71,443). Timber-dependent economies and limited diversification contribute to lower regional wage levels.
Housing remains manageable here
At 20.2% of income, Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio sits at the recommended threshold, suggesting housing affordability is reasonable. With median home values at $283,200, homeownership is achievable for median-earning households.
Strategic savings unlock future security
Lower incomes require disciplined wealth-building: prioritize an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses, then explore employer retirement plans or low-cost index funds. Even modest monthly contributions compound significantly over time.
At 74.5 years, Douglas County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and 20.3% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national rate of 16.1%. These numbers suggest the county faces significant population health burdens compared to the rest of America.
Lags Oregon's health averages
Douglas County's life expectancy of 74.5 years falls 2.5 years below Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, marking it as one of the state's least healthy counties. The county's 6.9% uninsured rate is better than the state average of 8.1%, but higher mortality suggests access alone isn't solving health outcomes.
Shares struggles with Jackson County
Douglas and Jackson counties show similar health challenges, with Douglas's 20.3% poor/fair health rate matching Jackson's 20.1%. However, Douglas has notably fewer primary care providers (64 per 100K) than Jackson (96 per 100K), limiting residents' access to preventive care.
Primary care access needs improvement
With only 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Douglas County faces significant provider shortages that may delay early treatment and routine care. The mental health provider ratio of 424 per 100K is adequate, but the mismatch between primary and mental health capacity suggests gaps in integrated care.
Explore coverage to boost health
Douglas County's 6.9% uninsured rate leaves thousands without preventive care access—a critical gap in a county facing health challenges. Contact your doctor's office, Douglas County Health Department, or call 2-1-1 to learn about Oregon Health Plan and marketplace coverage options.
Douglas County scores 92.94, among the highest composite risk scores in the nation and significantly above the U.S. average. This relatively moderate risk rating reflects severe exposure across multiple hazard categories—nearly all of Douglas's risk dimensions score in the 90s. The county faces one of America's most complex natural disaster environments.
The State's Most Hazardous County
Douglas County's 92.94 composite score places it as Oregon's riskiest county, far exceeding the state average of 63.43. Every major hazard category—wildfire, earthquake, and flood—scores above 95, creating compounded exposure. Douglas stands alone as the state's highest-risk community across nearly all natural disaster types.
Dramatically Riskier Than Surrounding Areas
Douglas faces exponentially higher risk than nearby Coos County and Lane County communities, and dwarfs the minimal exposure of neighboring Gilliam and Grant counties. Only Jackson County approaches Douglas's risk level at 92.53, with similar wildfire and earthquake threats. The county's convergence of geological vulnerability and fire-prone terrain creates uniquely severe conditions.
Triple Threat: Fire, Earthquake, Flood
Wildfire risk of 97.84 and earthquake risk of 97.30 represent equally severe threats, while flood risk at 95.20 adds substantial water-related danger. This convergence of three major hazards at near-maximum levels makes Douglas uniquely vulnerable to cascading disasters. Tornado risk remains negligible at 6.42, providing minimal relief in the overall risk picture.
Comprehensive Coverage Essential for Douglas
Douglas residents must secure earthquake insurance and wildfire coverage immediately, as standard homeowners policies exclude both hazards. Flood insurance is equally critical given the county's 95.20 flood risk score, especially for properties in designated zones. Consult a disaster-preparedness specialist to create a multi-hazard insurance strategy tailored to Douglas's exceptional risk profile.