CountyScore

Hood River County

Oregon · OR

#13 in Oregon
69.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Hood River County, Oregon

Strong national standing

Hood River's composite score of 69.1 ranks it 19 percentile points above the national median of 50.0, placing the county in the top third of U.S. counties. This reflects a well-balanced livability profile with notable strengths.

Slightly above Oregon average

Scoring 69.1 versus Oregon's state average of 66.6, Hood River ranks in the upper half of Oregon counties, benefiting from its position as a scenic gateway community. The county balances recreational appeal with solid fundamentals.

Tax burden and income lead the way

Hood River boasts a tax score of 85.7, the lowest effective tax rate at 0.588%, paired with a respectable income score of 37.0 and median household income of $82,095. Health outcomes at 73.1 complete a strong overall profile.

Housing costs significantly limit access

The cost score of 62.0 reflects Hood River's expensive real estate market: a median home value of $571,200 and monthly rent of $1,381 make it one of Oregon's pricier counties. This affordability gap is the main livability constraint.

Best for affluent professionals seeking adventure

Hood River suits higher-income professionals and families who value outdoor recreation, low taxes, and good health services and can afford premium home prices. It's less accessible to middle-income families or first-time buyers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.7Cost62SafetyComing SoonHealth73.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome37Risk68WaterComing Soon
🏛85.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡68
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 Hood River County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Crawford County
Arkansas
69.1
Median income: $60,362
Johnson County
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69.1
Median income: $44,808
Routt County
Colorado
69.1
Median income: $104,803
Taylor County
Georgia
69.1
Median income: $41,743
Twin Falls County
Idaho
69.1
Median income: $65,338

Deep Dives

Hood River County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Hood River County

via CostByCounty

Hood River: scenic views, moderate affordability

Hood River renters spend 20.2% of their income on housing, slightly above Oregon's state average and keeping pace with national norms despite premium location. With median household income of $82,095—above the national average—residents earn enough to absorb the $1,381 monthly rent while maintaining reasonable affordability ratios.

Scenic county with manageable housing stress

Hood River's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% places it slightly above Oregon's state average of 19.4%, reflecting its reputation as an outdoor recreation destination. Rents of $1,381/month run $244 above the state median, yet the county's higher incomes keep affordability on the acceptable side.

Pricier than most, but less than Deschutes

Hood River's $1,381 rent falls below Deschutes County's steep $1,674 but exceeds Jackson ($1,310) and far outpaces Grant ($840). Home values of $571,200 rival Deschutes, positioning Hood River as one of Oregon's priciest real estate markets for both renters and buyers.

Rent and mortgages cost nearly the same

Hood River households earning $82,095 annually pay $1,381 in rent or $1,385 in owner costs—remarkably similar splits consuming about 20% of gross income. This balance reflects a mature, stable housing market where buying and renting remain economically comparable.

Premium pricing for river access and views

Hood River's scenic location and outdoor recreation come at a price: $1,381/month rent is steep but justified for many by proximity to skiing, windsurfing, and Columbia River Gorge hiking. Compare it to neighboring Deschutes ($1,674) if you're seeking similar amenities at slightly lower cost.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Hood River County

via HealthByCounty

Hood River leads in longevity

Hood River County's life expectancy of 80.8 years exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.4 years, placing it among America's healthiest counties. Only 16.7% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 16.1%, reflecting a community with strong health outcomes.

Second-healthiest in Oregon

Hood River's 80.8-year life expectancy ranks second in Oregon, just 0.1 years behind Deschutes County (80.9 years), and beats the state average of 77.0 years by 3.8 years. However, its 11.5% uninsured rate is the highest among examined counties, nearly 1.4 times Oregon's 8.1% average.

Unequaled provider access

Hood River's 220 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than double any other examined county—creates extraordinary healthcare access despite the high uninsured rate. With 497 mental health providers per 100K, Hood River combines top-tier infrastructure with longevity outcomes matched only by Deschutes.

Excellent access, high uninsured rate

Hood River County's 220 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provide exceptional access, yet 11.5% of residents lack insurance—suggesting this county's strong health outcomes depend on robust provider capacity offsetting coverage gaps. The 497 mental health providers per 100K ensure residents can access behavioral health services.

Close the coverage gap

Hood River's high uninsured rate of 11.5%—significantly above the state average—means 1 in 9 residents lacks protection against healthcare costs despite excellent local providers. Visit healthcare.gov or Hood River County Health & Human Services to explore Oregon Health Plan eligibility and marketplace subsidies before enrollment closes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hood River County

via RiskByCounty

Hood River: Low Risk Challenged by Seismic Activity

Hood River County's composite score of 32.06 places it well below the national average, indicating very low overall disaster exposure. However, earthquake risk of 75.57 significantly exceeds most U.S. counties, reflecting the county's position near major tectonic zones. The very low rating masks this substantial seismic vulnerability.

Low-Risk County with Notable Earthquake Threat

Hood River's 32.06 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the state's safer communities. Yet its 75.57 earthquake risk substantially exceeds most Oregon counties, creating unique vulnerability to ground shaking. Wildfire (94.78), flood (30.44), and tornado (6.55) risks complete a diverse hazard profile.

Safer Than Deschutes, Riskier Than Gilliam

Hood River faces slightly higher overall risk than Grant (32.12) but substantially less than Deschutes (84.92) and Jackson (92.53). Its earthquake risk of 75.57 significantly exceeds all neighbors including Deschutes (83.05), reflecting unique geological exposure. Wildfire vulnerability aligns with eastern Oregon patterns, while flood and tornado risks remain minimal.

Earthquake and Wildfire: Dual Primary Threats

Earthquake risk of 75.57 represents Hood River's most distinctive hazard, while wildfire at 94.78 creates a secondary but substantial concern. Flood risk of 30.44 adds moderate exposure, particularly in river valleys and drainage areas. Tornado activity remains negligible at 6.55, providing minimal threat.

Earthquake Insurance Critical for Hood River

Hood River residents should prioritize earthquake insurance given the county's distinctive seismic vulnerability of 75.57. Wildfire coverage is equally essential, as standard homeowners policies typically exclude fire damage from natural wildfires. Verify flood insurance if your property sits in designated zones along the Hood River or other waterways.

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.