CountyScore

Jefferson County

Oregon · OR

#10 in Oregon
69.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Oregon

Solid national performance

Jefferson County's composite score of 69.9 ranks it nearly 20 percentile points above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties for livability. The county demonstrates consistent strength across measured dimensions.

Above Oregon's state average

At 69.9, Jefferson exceeds Oregon's state average of 66.6 by about 3 points, ranking it in the top half of Oregon counties. The county stands out as a strong performer in central Oregon's rural landscape.

Affordability and tax advantages

Jefferson delivers a cost score of 72.5 with median home values at $339,200 and affordable rent at $957/month, supported by a tax score of 81.5. Income score of 31.1 and median household earnings of $73,051 provide reasonable purchasing power.

Health outcomes could be stronger

The health score of 67.7 is the county's lowest dimension, suggesting potential gaps in healthcare access or outcomes relative to other measured areas. This remains a secondary concern given overall profile strength.

Ideal for balanced rural families

Jefferson suits families and professionals seeking moderate affordability, reasonable incomes, low taxes, and small-town stability in a scenic central Oregon setting. It's a well-rounded choice for those balancing diverse livability priorities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.5Cost72.5SafetyComing SoonHealth67.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.1Risk70.2WaterComing Soon
🏛81.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70.2
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 Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cullman County
Alabama
69.9
Median income: $60,916
Union County
Arkansas
69.9
Median income: $50,221
Fannin County
Georgia
69.9
Median income: $58,073
Cheyenne County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $55,765
Jackson County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $72,703

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson taxes run slightly high nationally

At 0.739%, Jefferson County's effective tax rate sits just above the national median of 0.720%, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties. The median tax bill of $2,506 falls 7% below the national median of $2,690, despite the county's higher-than-average rate, thanks to its median home value of $339,200.

Just below Oregon's statewide rate

Jefferson ranks 17th among Oregon's 36 counties at an effective rate of 0.739%, just slightly below the state average of 0.775%. Its median property tax of $2,506 sits below Oregon's state median of $2,745.

Moderate taxes for central Oregon

Jefferson's 0.739% rate falls between Deschutes County (0.616%) and Grant County (0.761%), offering a middle ground in central Oregon. With a median home value of $339,200, Jefferson sits between the rural and more developed areas of the region.

What $339,200 homes cost to own

Jefferson County homeowners pay $2,506 annually on a median home valued at $339,200. Mortgage holders pay slightly more at $2,555, while those without mortgages pay $2,365.

Check your assessment accuracy

Jefferson County's moderate rate and values create an environment where assessment errors can easily be overlooked—yet still cost you hundreds annually. A free appeal to your county assessor takes little time and can catch mistakes that assessments offices sometimes make.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County's rare affordability advantage

Jefferson County renters spend just 15.7% of their income on housing, one of Oregon's best rates and well below the national average. With median household income of $73,051 and $957 monthly rent, residents enjoy strong affordability even while earning slightly below the national median.

Oregon's hidden affordability gem

Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% ranks it among Oregon's most affordable counties, beating the state average of 19.4% by more than 3 percentage points. Median rent of $957 runs $180 below the state average, making it a standout bargain in Oregon's housing landscape.

Better value than all nearby mountain counties

Jefferson's $957 rent undercuts Deschutes ($1,674), Hood River ($1,381), and Jackson ($1,310), while remaining cheaper than Gilliam ($1,084). For a county adjacent to Oregon's recreation heartland, Jefferson delivers exceptional rental affordability relative to its peers.

Renting far cheaper than owning here

Jefferson County households earning $73,051 annually spend $957 on rent (15.7% of income) but $1,222 on owner costs (20.0% of income). Renting holds a clear financial advantage, with homeownership costing significantly more despite the county's moderate home values of $339,200.

Mountain proximity with affordability advantage

Jefferson County offers a smart option for those seeking central Oregon access at Deschutes-light prices—rents run $717/month cheaper while you remain close to skiing and outdoor recreation. Compare this $957 rent to neighboring mountain counties if you value affordability alongside proximity to amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson's income slightly below U.S. median

Jefferson County's median household income of $73,051 trails the national median of $74,755 by just $1,704. This near-parity reflects a mixed rural economy of ranching, recreation, and limited service industries in central Oregon.

Slightly above Oregon's county average

At $73,051, Jefferson County exceeds Oregon's county average of $69,965 by roughly $3,000. However, per capita income of $32,299 lags the state average of $37,652, suggesting wealth concentration in fewer households.

Middle-income anchor in rural cluster

Jefferson households earn $1,608 more than Jackson County ($71,443) but $14,589 less than Hood River County ($82,095). The county positions itself between Deschutes's prosperity and Grant's economic struggles.

Lowest housing burden statewide

Jefferson County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among these eight counties, meaning housing costs remain very manageable. Median home values of $339,200 are accessible for median-earning households.

Capitalize on minimal housing drag

With housing costs at just 15.7% of income, Jefferson residents enjoy rare space to build wealth outside real estate. Direct savings into retirement accounts and diversified investments to compound growth over decades and achieve long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson faces Oregon's greatest health gap

Jefferson County's life expectancy of 73.6 years trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.8 years—the lowest in the examined sample—and 19.7% report poor or fair health, above the national rate of 16.1%. This rural county faces the most severe population health challenges in the region.

Worst health outcomes in Oregon

Jefferson County's 73.6-year life expectancy falls 3.4 years below Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, ranking it the unhealthiest county in the examined eastern Oregon sample. The 8.1% uninsured rate matches the state average, yet health outcomes remain dire, indicating systemic barriers beyond insurance coverage.

Severe disparity in eastern Oregon

Jefferson's 73.6-year life expectancy lags Deschutes County (80.9 years) by 7.3 years and Grant County (79.7 years) by 6.1 years, representing a devastating health gap within the region. With just 64 primary care providers per 100K and 322 mental health providers per 100K, Jefferson has the fewest psychiatric resources of any examined county.

Acute provider and mental health shortage

Jefferson County has only 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the region—and a severe mental health shortage with 322 providers per 100K, the sparsest in Oregon's examined counties. These combined shortfalls create barriers to both routine care and behavioral health treatment that likely contribute to Jefferson's grim longevity statistics.

Start with coverage to access care

Jefferson County's alarming health outcomes demand action: 8.1% of residents remain uninsured despite state average coverage rates. Visit Jefferson County Health Services or call healthcare.org to enroll in Oregon Health Plan—coverage is the first step toward accessing the primary and mental health care this county urgently needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson: Very Low Risk Despite Earthquake Exposure

Jefferson County's composite score of 29.87 places it well below the national average, indicating very low overall disaster exposure. However, earthquake risk of 64.44 represents notable seismic vulnerability, creating a pocket of concentrated geologic hazard. The very low rating reflects minimal wildfire, flood, and tornado threats despite this singular concern.

A Safe County with Moderate Earthquake Risk

Jefferson's 29.87 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the state's low-risk communities. Yet its 64.44 earthquake risk moderately exceeds many Oregon counties, reflecting tectonic proximity despite overall safety. Wildfire (94.91), flood (36.64), and tornado (2.96) risks create a diverse but generally low-exposure profile.

Similarly Safe to Grant, Less Risky Than Hood River

Jefferson's overall risk closely mirrors Grant County (32.12) and trails Gilliam (2.74), but exceeds Harney (23.66) slightly. Its 64.44 earthquake risk ranks below Hood River (75.57) but substantially exceeds Gilliam and Harney, reflecting variable tectonic exposure. All neighbors face higher wildfire risk, creating Jefferson's distinctive seismic vulnerability.

Earthquake and Wildfire: Moderate Dual Concerns

Earthquake risk of 64.44 represents Jefferson's primary hazard, while wildfire at 94.91 creates substantial secondary exposure typical of eastern Oregon. Flood risk of 36.64 adds moderate concern in riparian zones, while tornado activity remains negligible at 2.96. The combination of moderate earthquake and significant wildfire sets Jefferson apart from purely low-risk neighbors.

Earthquake and Wildfire Coverage Recommended

Jefferson residents should consider earthquake insurance given the moderate risk of 64.44, particularly for older or unreinforced structures. Wildfire coverage is essential, as standard homeowners policies exclude it and the county's 94.91 risk remains substantial. Flood insurance is optional for most properties, though verify coverage if your home sits in designated zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.