countyscore
44.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.3Water Quality 86Soil Quality 70.6

County Report Card

About Gilliam County, Oregon

Approaching the National Median Score

Gilliam County earns a composite score of 44.9, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. It offers a profile that is highly competitive with many rural counties across the country.

Outperforming the Oregon Average

The county's score exceeds the Oregon state average of 42.5. This performance makes it a strong contender among Oregon's smaller, more rural jurisdictions.

Elite Environmental Safety and Water

The county excels with a risk score of 97.3, indicating very low vulnerability to natural hazards. Water quality is also a major asset, scoring a high 86.0.

Low Safety and Tax Burdens

A safety score of 10.6 and a tax score of 37.6 represent the county's primary drawbacks. Residents face a higher effective tax rate of 1.008% compared to many neighboring counties.

Ideal for Natural Hazard Avoidance

Gilliam County is a perfect match for those seeking clean resources and maximum protection from environmental risks. It serves residents looking for rural stability above all else.

2040608010037.649.610.664.547.551.297.38647.9Tax37.6Cost49.6Safety10.6Health64.5Schools47.5Income51.2Risk97.3Water86Weather47.944.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Gilliam County DNA

Foverall

How Gilliam County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gilliam County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (97.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (10.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
37.6-14.399999999999999
Cost
49.6
Safety
10.6-44.4
Health
64.5+14.5
Schools
47.5
Income
51.2
Risk
97.3+50.3
Water
86+28
Weather
47.9-8.100000000000001
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Think property taxes are too high in Gilliam County?

Many homeowners in Gilliam County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$158,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,084/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$158,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,219/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

50.0

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
Compare Gilliam County with Pope County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Sherman County
Oregon
55.3
Morrow County
Oregon
45.1
Klickitat County
Washington
52.7
Wheeler County
Oregon
55.3
Wasco County
Oregon
32.3
Benton County
Washington
36.8
Hood River County
Oregon
48.2
Jefferson County
Oregon
48.1

Deep Dives

Gilliam County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gilliam County

via TaxByCounty

Gilliam's taxes rank among nation's highest

Gilliam County's effective tax rate of 1.008% places it in the top 5% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. Despite a modest median home value of $158,400, homeowners pay $1,597 annually—well below the national median of $2,690 in absolute dollars, but at an unusually steep rate.

Oregon's fourth-highest tax rate

At 1.008%, Gilliam ranks 4th highest among Oregon's 36 counties, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.775%. Only three counties in Oregon levy higher rates, reflecting Gilliam's reliance on property tax revenue.

Steep taxes for eastern Oregon

Gilliam's 1.008% rate far exceeds nearby Grant County (0.761%) and Harney County (0.968%), making it the priciest county by rate in the central-eastern region. The rate more than offsets Gilliam's lower property values.

What $158,400 homes cost to own

The median Gilliam homeowner pays $1,597 annually on a home valued at $158,400, driven by the county's high 1.008% rate. Owners with mortgages pay $1,825, while those without pay $1,346.

Challenge high assessments

Gilliam County's steep tax rate makes accurate assessments especially important—overvaluation hits harder here than elsewhere. If you believe your home is assessed above its fair market value, filing an appeal could yield significant savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gilliam County

via CostByCounty

Gilliam holds the middle ground nationally

Renters in Gilliam County spend 20.3% of their income on housing, slightly above Oregon's state average of 19.4% but close to the national norm. Median household income of $64,219 trails the national average, yet $1,084 monthly rent remains well below what coastal and metro areas command.

Modest rents, moderate affordability stress

Gilliam County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% puts it slightly above Oregon's 19.4% state average, making it a moderately affordable county within the state. Rents run $53 below the state median, reflecting its small-town character in Oregon's agricultural heartland.

Cheaper than recreation hubs, pricier than ranching towns

Gilliam's $1,084 rent sits between Grant County's bargain $840 and Deschutes' steep $1,674, offering a middle option across Oregon's interior. Home values of $158,400 are among the region's lowest, appealing to buyers seeking rural living on modest budgets.

Rent takes slightly more than mortgage

A typical Gilliam household earning $64,219 pays $1,084 in rent (20.3% of income) or $646 in owner costs (12.1% of income). Homeownership here is significantly cheaper than renting, creating a strong financial incentive to buy if you can qualify for a mortgage.

Agricultural Oregon: affordable for intentional movers

Gilliam County appeals to those seeking rural living with reasonable housing costs—rents are lower than Deschutes and homes cost far less than the state's premium destinations. Compare its $1,084 rent to nearby counties if you're drawn to Oregon's farm country and small-town pace.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gilliam County

via IncomeByCounty

Gilliam's income 14% below U.S. average

Gilliam County's median household income of $64,219 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by approximately $10,500. This gap reflects the realities of rural agriculture and limited job diversity in north-central Oregon.

Slightly above Oregon's county baseline

Despite national shortfalls, Gilliam County's $64,219 median exceeds Oregon's county average of $69,965 by a narrow margin. Per capita income of $34,999 approaches the state average of $37,652.

Middle ground in rural Oregon cluster

Gilliam's income sits between Grant County ($59,800) and Jefferson County ($73,051), reflecting mixed agricultural and service economies. The county earns less than Deschutes and Hood River but more than Harney County ($48,338).

Housing highly affordable here

A 20.3% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable, and median home values of just $158,400 make homeownership accessible. Gilliam offers genuine affordability for working families seeking rural stability.

Leverage Gilliam's low cost of living

Lower housing costs create space to build savings and invest—a rare advantage in today's market. Redirect housing savings into retirement accounts, education funds, or a diversified portfolio to compound wealth over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gilliam County

via CrimeByCounty

Higher Activity in a Small County

Gilliam County faces a total crime rate of 2,723.2 per 100K, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This leads to a local safety score of 95.7.

Below the Oregon Safety Average

Gilliam's safety score of 95.7 sits below the state average of 96.3, reflecting a higher frequency of incidents per capita. Three local agencies manage the safety needs of this rural community.

A Shift from Rural Norms

The crime rate here is significantly higher than neighbor Grant County's exceptionally low rate of 96.7. While the population is small, the per-capita data suggests more law enforcement activity than nearby rural areas.

Property Concerns Dominate Data

Property crime accounts for 2,420.6 incidents per 100K, while violent crime stays below national levels at 302.6. Most recorded incidents involve theft rather than physical danger to residents.

Secure Your Remote Property

Rural properties can be vulnerable to trespassing and equipment theft. Installing perimeter lighting and robust gate locks is a smart way to protect your assets in Gilliam County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gilliam County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with High Focus

Gilliam County operates just three public schools across two districts, serving a total of 272 students. This intimate infrastructure includes one elementary school, one high school, and one multi-level charter school.

High Investment in Rural Students

The county invests a significant $10,676 per pupil, far exceeding the state average of $7,886. This high level of funding supports a school score of 53.6, even as graduation rates currently sit at 75%.

Charter Options in Small Districts

Arlington SD 3 and Condon SD 25J are the two primary providers, with Arlington hosting a charter school that serves 150 students. This charter school accounts for one-third of all educational facilities in the county.

The Ultimate Rural School Experience

Every school in Gilliam County is classified as rural, offering a specialized and quiet learning environment. With an average school size of only 91 students, the smallest campus at Condon High School enrolls just 41 pupils.

Quiet Living and Small Classes

If you are looking for a home where the school is the heart of the community, Gilliam County offers unparalleled access. The high per-pupil spending makes this an attractive area for those valuing dedicated rural educational resources.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gilliam County

via RiskByCounty

Gilliam: Exceptionally Safe by National Standards

Gilliam County's composite risk score of 2.74 places it among America's safest counties, far below the national average. Despite Oregon's overall higher hazard exposure, Gilliam stands as one of the state's lowest-risk communities. This very low rating reflects minimal flood, tornado, and earthquake threats.

Oregon's Safest County by Far

Gilliam's 2.74 score sits well below Oregon's state average of 63.43, making it the state's least hazardous county. Earthquake risk of 27.89, flood risk of 6.97, and tornado risk of 1.37 all remain minimal. While wildfire poses some concern at 88.30, the overall risk profile remains remarkably low.

The Low-Risk Anchor of Eastern Oregon

Gilliam's minimal exposure contrasts sharply with even its closest neighbors—Grant County (32.12) and Jefferson County (29.87) both carry ten times higher composite risk. Hood River County (32.06) similarly faces elevated exposure compared to Gilliam's exceptional safety. The county occupies a unique position of very low disaster vulnerability in Oregon's generally hazard-prone eastern region.

Wildfire: Gilliam's Only Significant Concern

Wildfire represents the sole substantial hazard facing Gilliam County at 88.30, though this remains manageable with standard fire prevention. All other major natural disasters—floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes—score below 28, creating minimal exposure. The county's semi-arid landscape and minimal seismic activity provide exceptional safety advantages.

Standard Coverage Typically Sufficient

Gilliam residents can rely on standard homeowners insurance without the specialized earthquake or flood coverage required elsewhere. Focus on wildfire preparedness through defensible space maintenance and vegetation management around structures. A basic insurance review every few years should suffice given the county's very low overall disaster risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gilliam County

via WaterByCounty

Exemplary Drinking Water Safety Records

Gilliam County maintains a perfect A grade with zero health violations over the past five years. Its 0.0 violation rate far outperforms the Oregon state average of 65.5 per 100,000 residents. This indicates highly effective management of local public water systems.

Watershed Assessments Not Yet Available

No water bodies in the county are currently covered by the federal EPA §303(d) assessment for impairments. While the drinking water signal is strong, the broader health of local streams remains unclassified by federal standards. Monitoring efforts continue outside of this specific federal framework.

Targeted Monitoring of Organic Compounds

There are 25 active monitoring sites in the county, which have recorded 9,652 measurements recently. The most-measured groups include physical properties and organics. Though the footprint is smaller than neighboring counties, it provides essential data on chemical presence.

Limited Representative Streamflow Data Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage for Gilliam County listed in the national database. Without a primary gauge, flow conditions must be inferred from nearby regional basins or state-level reports. The lack of live data makes drinking water compliance the most reliable safety signal.

Preserve the Record of Water Excellence

Since drinking water compliance is excellent, residents should focus on maintaining source water protection. Be mindful of organic contaminants mentioned in monitoring records to keep the A-grade status secure. Advocacy for local streamgages could improve future hydrological awareness.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gilliam County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Very Arid Landscape

Gilliam County averages 51.7°F annually, placing it near the national median for temperature. Its 11.7 inches of annual precipitation, however, makes it one of the drier regions in the country.

Warmer but Much Drier than Oregon

The county is slightly warmer than the state average of 50.5°F. Conversely, it receives only a fraction of the state's average rainfall, seeing just 11.7 inches compared to 37.4 inches statewide.

A Warmer Pocket in Northern Oregon

Gilliam's average temperature of 51.7°F is higher than neighboring Jefferson County at 48.5°F. It shares a similar arid profile with other regional neighbors, maintaining very low annual precipitation.

Hot Summers and Light Snowfall

July is hot with an average of 72.3°F and 31 days of extreme heat exceeding 90°F. Winters are manageable, featuring a January average of 34.1°F and 15.4 inches of total annual snowfall.

Prioritize Cooling and Water Management

With 31 extreme heat days, efficient air conditioning is a necessity for residents. The extremely low rainfall of 11.7 inches suggests that xeriscaping is the most practical choice for outdoor spaces.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gilliam County

via SoilByCounty

Perfectly Balanced pH Levels

Gilliam County boasts a near-perfect average pH of 6.63, sitting right at the national median of 6.5. This neutral profile is significantly more balanced than the state average of 5.26. Most plants will find the chemical environment here very welcoming.

Silty Soils and Smooth Workability

The soil is a mix of 46.9% silt, 30.7% sand, and 13.9% clay. This silty composition offers excellent workability and a smooth texture for root development. It balances the fast drainage of sand with the nutrient-holding capacity of silt.

Rich in Organic Potential

Organic matter reaches 5.58%, which is more than double the national average of 2.0%. While it trails the high state average of 29.41%, it provides a solid foundation for crops. The available water capacity is 0.170 in/in, suggesting a need for efficient irrigation.

Reliable Natural Drainage

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the low clay content suggests water moves through the profile relatively well. This helps prevent the waterlogging that can damage sensitive crop roots. Understanding your specific slope will help manage runoff during heavy storms.

Wheat and Wine Potential

In Hardiness Zone 7b, you can successfully grow wheat, grapes, and a wide variety of orchard fruits. The neutral soil pH gives you a head start on almost any gardening project. Grab your shovel and take advantage of these balanced growing conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gilliam County

via LawnByCounty

A Steady Challenge in Gilliam

Gilliam County has a lawn difficulty score of 44.9, which is slightly better than the Oregon average of 38.9 but trails the national median. This 7b hardiness zone requires a balance between heat tolerance and winter protection. Success depends heavily on managing the significant gap between natural rainfall and turf needs.

High Heat and Low Precipitation

With only 11.7 inches of annual rain, lawns here face a significant moisture deficit compared to the 30-50 inches they prefer. The county sees 31 extreme heat days and 2,695 growing degree days, indicating a very active and warm growing season. You must use supplemental irrigation diligently to keep grass alive through the hot, dry summer.

Near-Perfect pH for Turf Growth

The soil in Gilliam County is highly favorable, featuring a pH of 6.63 which falls right in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The texture is roughly 30.7% sand and 13.9% clay, providing a decent balance for root penetration and drainage. Minimal pH amendments are likely needed, though organic matter can help improve moisture retention.

Resisting Constant Drought Conditions

The county spent 38 weeks in drought last year, and 100.0% of the area remains abnormally dry today. Because rainfall is so sparse, installing a smart irrigation controller can help you manage water more effectively. Efficient watering is the only way to sustain a lawn given the persistent moisture deficit in this region.

Planting Around Frost-Free Windows

Tall Fescue is a great choice for this 7b zone because it handles the 31 annual heat days better than many cool-season grasses. Wait until after the last spring frost on May 10 to begin seeding or sodding for the best results. You should have your lawn established before the first fall frost arrives around October 21.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gilliam County's county score?
Gilliam County, Oregon has a composite county score of 44.9 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 Gilliam County rank among counties in Oregon?
Gilliam County ranks #11 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 Gilliam County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Gilliam County is $1,597, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Gilliam County a tax score of 37.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gilliam County?
The median household income in Gilliam County, Oregon is $64,219 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gilliam County earns an income score of 51.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gilliam County, Oregon a good place to live?
Gilliam County scores 44.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Gilliam 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 Gilliam County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.