countyscore
49
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.5Property Tax 80.6Schools 76.8

County Report Card

About Hood River County, Oregon

Competing Near the National Median

Hood River County earns a 48.2 composite score, positioning it just below the national median of 50.0. It balances elite economic performance with significant cost-of-living challenges.

Exceeding the Oregon State Average

The county comfortably outperforms the Oregon average of 42.5. It is recognized as one of the state's most affluent and well-educated regions.

High Incomes and Elite Schools

Strong earners drive an income score of 85.9, supported by a median household income of $82,095. The school score of 76.8 is among the best in the region.

Extreme Housing Costs and Low Safety

A low cost score of 10.6 reflects a median home value of $571,200, which strains many budgets. Safety also ranks low at 16.1, signaling a area for community improvement.

Perfect for Families Prioritizing Education

This county is a premier choice for high-earning families who value top-tier schools. It is a location for those who view expensive housing as a trade-off for professional opportunity.

2040608010080.61016.166.576.889.56849.350.5Tax80.6Cost10Safety16.1Health66.5Schools76.8Income89.5Risk68Water49.3Weather50.549/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Hood River County DNA

Foverall

How Hood River County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Hood River County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (89.5/100) but notably weak in Safety (16.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
80.6+28.599999999999994
Cost
10-38
Safety
16.1-38.9
Health
66.5+16.5
Schools
76.8+22.799999999999997
Income
89.5+38.5
Risk
68+21
Water
49.3-8.700000000000003
Weather
50.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Hood River County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$660,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,417/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$660,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum7.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $88,947/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.6

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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Nearby counties

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58
Wasco County
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Multnomah County
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Clackamas County
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Clark County
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Deep Dives

Hood River County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hood River County

via TaxByCounty

Hood River taxes stay low despite high values

Hood River County's effective tax rate of 0.588% ranks in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties, offering a tax-friendly environment for its wealthy residents. The median home value of $571,200 generates $3,359 in annual taxes—above the national median of $2,690 in absolute dollars, but at a notably lower rate.

Oregon's lowest county tax rate

At 0.588%, Hood River boasts the lowest effective tax rate among all 36 Oregon counties, well below the state average of 0.775%. This favorable rate applies across the county's premium real estate market.

Lowest rate in Oregon's north

Hood River's 0.588% effective rate handily beats nearby Deschutes County (0.616%) and Jackson County (0.758%), making it the tax-friendliest county in north-central Oregon. The advantage compounds for affluent homeowners in this high-value market.

What $571,200 homes cost to own

Hood River homeowners pay $3,359 annually on a median home valued at $571,200. Mortgage holders and outright owners pay nearly identical amounts at $3,367 and $3,345 respectively.

Even low rates deserve verification

Hood River's favorable tax rate is an advantage, but assessments can still be wrong—especially in appreciating markets where recent comps may not reflect true market value. A simple appeal review costs nothing and could protect your bottom line.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hood River County

via IncomeByCounty

Hood River earns 10% above national median

Hood River County's median household income of $82,095 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by approximately $7,300. This advantage reflects strong tourism, agriculture, and outdoor recreation economies in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge.

Among Oregon's top earners

At $82,095, Hood River County ranks among the state's highest-income counties, well above Oregon's average of $69,965. Per capita income of $46,105 significantly surpasses the state average of $37,652.

Strong showing in north-central Oregon

Hood River households earn $5,545 less than Deschutes County ($87,640) but substantially more than Jackson County ($71,443) and Jefferson County ($73,051). The county's scenic appeal and outdoor recreation draw both visitors and well-paid workers.

Housing costs squeeze tight margins

At 20.2% of income, Hood River's rent-to-income ratio sits precisely at the affordability threshold, and median home values of $571,200 test household budgets. Even high incomes feel stretched when housing dominates the balance sheet.

Invest beyond your Gorge home

With strong incomes but high housing costs, Hood River residents should aggressively fund retirement accounts and diversified investments outside real estate. Consider maxing out 401(k) contributions and exploring low-cost index funds to build wealth independent of local property values.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hood River County

via CrimeByCounty

Balanced Safety in the Gorge

Hood River County’s total crime rate of 2,315.9 per 100K sits just below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance gives the county a solid safety score of 96.3.

Exactly at State Average

The county’s safety score of 96.3 matches the Oregon state average exactly. Four reporting agencies effectively manage safety in this popular tourist and agricultural hub.

Competitive Regional Security

Hood River is safer than neighboring Gilliam County but faces more property crime than rural Grant. It maintains a secure profile despite high seasonal visitor traffic.

Property Crime is Main Focus

Property crime sits at 2,165.7 per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 150.2. This suggests that theft and burglary are the primary concerns for local law enforcement.

Guard Your Outdoor Gear

With high property crime rates, residents should ensure that expensive recreation equipment is locked away. Installing motion lights and smart locks can significantly reduce your risk of theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hood River County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Temperatures and Moderate Moisture

Hood River County's 49.5°F average temperature is slightly cooler than the national median. Its 33.2 inches of annual precipitation is closer to the national average than many of its eastern neighbors.

Mirroring the Oregon State Average

The county's 49.5°F average is just below the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. Similarly, its 33.2 inches of annual precipitation is nearly in line with the state average of 37.4 inches.

Wetter and Cooler than Gilliam

Hood River is much wetter than Gilliam County to the east, receiving 33.2 inches of rain compared to Gilliam's 11.7 inches. It is also slightly cooler, averaging 49.5°F versus Gilliam's 51.7°F.

Significant Snow with Mild Summers

The county sees a substantial 35.5 inches of snow each year, with winter temperatures averaging 35.4°F. Summers are mild, featuring only 17 days over 90°F and a July average of 66.4°F.

Winter Sports and Rain Prep

With 35.5 inches of snow, residents should be prepared for winter road conditions and frequent shoveling. A versatile wardrobe including rain shells and winter coats is necessary for the variable precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hood River County

via SoilByCounty

Famous Orchard Soils

Despite its agricultural fame, specific pH and taxonomic data for Hood River are missing from this report. Nationally, a pH of 6.5 is preferred, while Oregon's state average is 5.26. Understanding your specific acidity is the first step to a healthy harvest.

The Foundation of the Valley

Texture data including sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable. This region is known for volcanic influences that typically provide good structure for deep-rooted trees. Perform a jar test to see your own soil's unique layers of sediment.

High Potential for Growth

Local organic matter and water capacity data are unlisted, but the state's 29.41% average highlights Oregon's fertility. Orchardists here have long relied on rich soils to produce world-class fruit. Consistent organic additions will keep your backyard soil as productive as the local farms.

Drainage for Healthy Roots

No dominant drainage class is recorded, which is critical for the fruit trees that define the area. Excess water can lead to root diseases, so checking your site's porosity is essential. Ensure your garden has the right slope to handle the region's rainfall.

Apples, Pears, and More

Zone 7b is world-renowned for pome fruits and berries. The climate and soil combination is ideal for a productive home orchard or a lush perennial garden. Plant your first fruit tree this season and join the county's long agricultural tradition.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hood River County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions in Hood River

Hood River County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 51.4, indicating it is easier to grow turf here than in most of the nation. This score far exceeds the Oregon state average of 38.9, thanks to a balanced 7b hardiness zone. Most turf varieties will flourish here with standard maintenance practices.

Ideal Rainfall and Moderate Heat

The county receives 33.2 inches of annual precipitation, placing it perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for lawns. With only 17 extreme heat days—fewer than the state average of 23—your grass is less likely to suffer from summer scorch. The 1,931 growing degree days support a healthy, manageable growing pace.

Checking Your Local Soil Health

While specific county-wide soil metrics are unavailable, the region's lush landscape suggests generally productive soil. You should still test for pH to ensure it falls within the 6.0 to 7.0 range for optimal grass health. Proper drainage is key, especially given the healthy 33.2 inches of annual rainfall.

Smart Water Use Despite Good Rain

The county spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Even with good annual rainfall, summer dry spells require efficient irrigation to keep lawns vibrant. Using rain barrels or smart timers can help you manage these seasonal shifts effectively.

A Reliable Growing Window

Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue are excellent choices for the 7b hardiness zone in Hood River. Your typical growing season begins after the last spring frost on May 13 and lasts until mid-October. Planting in late spring allows for quick establishment during the most temperate part of the year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hood River County's county score?
Hood River County, Oregon has a composite county score of 49 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 Hood River County rank among counties in Oregon?
Hood River County ranks #8 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 Hood River County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Hood River County is $3,515, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Hood River County a tax score of 80.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hood River County?
The median household income in Hood River County, Oregon is $88,947 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hood River County earns an income score of 89.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hood River County, Oregon a good place to live?
Hood River County scores 49/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Hood River 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 Hood River 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.