countyscore
37.1
County Score
Property Tax 70.9Weather & Climate 56.8Health 52.1

County Report Card

About Douglas County, Oregon

Douglas County Falls Behind National Benchmarks

Douglas County posts a composite score of 36.8, trailing the national median of 50.0 by a significant margin. This suggests a more challenging environment for residents compared to the typical U.S. county.

Ranking Below the Oregon Average

Its overall score sits well below the Oregon state average of 42.5. The county faces unique local hurdles that distinguish it from the state's top-performing regions.

Favorable Taxes and Steady Health

A tax score of 67.6 highlights a low effective tax rate of 0.660%. The county also maintains a mid-range health score of 52.1, supporting basic resident wellness.

Significant Risk and Safety Gaps

Environmental vulnerability is a primary concern, with a risk score of only 7.1. Personal safety also ranks low at 12.3, suggesting room for infrastructure and community improvements.

Choice for Resilient, Budget-Minded Residents

This county suits residents who value lower taxes and can navigate environmental risks. It is a location for those who prioritize fiscal savings over high safety rankings.

2040608010070.934.412.352.130.8387.128.556.8Tax70.9Cost34.4Safety12.3Health52.1Schools30.8Income38Risk7.1Water28.5Weather56.837.1/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Douglas County DNA

Foverall

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

Douglas County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (12.3/100), though Property Tax (70.9/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
70.9+18.900000000000006
Cost
34.4-13.600000000000001
Safety
12.3-42.7
Health
52.1
Schools
30.8-23.2
Income
38-13
Risk
7.1-39.9
Water
28.5-29.5
Weather
56.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Douglas County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$310,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,055/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$310,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,310/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.1

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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Douglas County
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37

Nearby counties

Coos County
Oregon
29.8
Lane County
Oregon
31
Jackson County
Oregon
31.4
Josephine County
Oregon
36
Curry County
Oregon
42.7
Benton County
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35.8
Klamath County
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Linn County
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Deep Dives

Douglas County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Douglas County

via TaxByCounty

Douglas taxes track with the nation

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Douglas County

via IncomeByCounty

Douglas earns 21% below national median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Douglas County

via CrimeByCounty

Security Challenges in Douglas County

Douglas County reports a total crime rate of 2,578.1 per 100K, which is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, it maintains a strong safety score of 95.9.

Meeting State Safety Standards

The county’s safety score of 95.9 is just under the Oregon state average of 96.3. Eight local reporting agencies work across the region's expansive terrain to manage public safety.

Safer than its Southern Neighbors

Douglas County remains a safer alternative to neighboring Jackson County, which has a higher crime rate of 3,202.1. It offers a more secure environment for families compared to the more urbanized areas to the south.

Violent Crime Below National Benchmarks

The violent crime rate stands at 263.2 per 100K, notably lower than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is more prevalent at 2,314.9, indicating theft is the primary safety concern.

Focus on Theft Prevention

With property crime as the main issue, securing outbuildings and garages is essential for rural residents. Simple measures like door sensors and visible security signs can deter opportunistic thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Douglas County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate and Exceptionally Green

Douglas County's annual average temperature of 53.6°F aligns closely with the national median. However, its 42.8 inches of annual precipitation makes it much wetter than the average U.S. county.

Warm and Moist by Oregon Standards

At 53.6°F, Douglas County is warmer than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. Its 42.8 inches of annual rainfall also exceeds the state benchmark of 37.4 inches.

Warmer and Wetter than Southern Neighbors

The county is slightly warmer than Jackson County to the south, which averages 52.1°F. Douglas also receives significantly more moisture, totaling 42.8 inches compared to Jackson's 27.1 inches.

Mild Winters with Significant Rainfall

Winters are mild with an average of 42.2°F and a modest 18.3 inches of annual snowfall. Summers bring 25 days of extreme heat above 90°F, though the overall July average is a pleasant 68.4°F.

Gear Up for Rain and Sun

Quality rain gear is essential for navigating the 42.8 inches of annual precipitation. Additionally, homeowners should ensure HVAC systems are ready for the 25 days of extreme heat that typically arrive each summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Douglas County

via SoilByCounty

Mild Climate, Unknown Soils

While specific pH data for Douglas County is missing, it sits in a state where the average pH is a low 5.26. The national median of 6.5 serves as a target for many vegetable gardeners. Local soil testing is the only way to know your specific acidity profile.

Varied Coastal Composition

Specific sand, silt, and clay ratios are not currently documented for this county. Given the diverse topography, your soil could range from heavy clay to sandy loam. Observing how easily you can crumble a handful of moist soil reveals much about its workability.

Nurturing Growth in the Valley

Local organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable. Oregon’s state average organic matter is an impressive 29.41%, suggesting a high potential for rich soils in this region. Focus on maintaining local fertility through consistent mulching and organic additions.

Observing the Water Cycle

No specific drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded in the current data set. This makes it vital for homeowners to watch for standing water during the wet winter months. Good drainage is key for both healthy plant roots and stable building foundations.

A Gardener's Paradise

The mild 8b hardiness zone offers one of the longest growing seasons in the state. You can grow everything from tender berries to robust winter greens with ease. Take advantage of the long season and start your backyard farm today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Douglas County

via LawnByCounty

Ideal Growing Conditions in Douglas

Douglas County earns a lawn difficulty score of 51.6, making it easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. This 8b hardiness zone offers a much gentler environment than the Oregon state average of 38.9. Most homeowners will find that the mild climate does much of the heavy lifting for them.

Ample Rainfall Meets Mild Temperatures

The county receives 42.8 inches of annual precipitation, which sits perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for healthy lawns. With 2,488 growing degree days, you can expect a long, productive mowing season. While there are 25 extreme heat days annually, the consistent rain helps prevent the turf from scorching.

Preparing Your Foundation for Success

While specific county-wide soil testing data is limited, the high annual rainfall often leads to heavy clay or acidic conditions. You should test your soil pH to ensure it falls within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for nutrient uptake. Proper aeration is often required to improve drainage in areas where water tends to pool.

Conserving Water During Dry Spells

Despite high rainfall, Douglas County spent 41 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a taller grass height during these periods can help shade the soil and reduce evaporation. Focus on efficient irrigation during the dry summer months to protect your investment.

Leverage a Long Growing Season

Perennial Ryegrass and Tall Fescue thrive in this 8b hardiness zone and benefit from the long frost-free window. Your last spring frost typically occurs around March 31, allowing for an early start to the seeding season. Aim to get your grass established well before the first fall frost hits in early November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Douglas County's county score?
Douglas County, Oregon has a composite county score of 37.1 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 Douglas County rank among counties in Oregon?
Douglas County ranks #24 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 Douglas County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Douglas County is $1,895, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Douglas County a tax score of 70.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Douglas County?
The median household income in Douglas County, Oregon is $61,310 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Douglas County earns an income score of 38/100 on CountyScore.
Is Douglas County, Oregon a good place to live?
Douglas County scores 37.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Douglas 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 Douglas 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.