countyscore
35.7
County Score
Property Tax 83Soil Quality 73Lawn Care 50.9

County Report Card

About Josephine County, Oregon

Falling Below the National Median

Josephine County earns a composite score of 35.7, trailing the national median of 50.0. This score places the county significantly below the average for the United States.

Lagging Behind Oregon's State Average

With a composite score of 35.7, Josephine falls behind the Oregon state average of 42.5. It ranks among the lower-scoring counties within the state's diverse geography.

A Very Low Tax Burden

The county's biggest advantage is its 83.0 tax score, driven by a low effective tax rate of 0.528%. Moderate health outcomes also provide a stable foundation compared to other dimensions.

Significant Safety and Environmental Risks

Low scores in environmental risk (9.8) and safety (11.1) suggest significant room for improvement in community resilience. High housing costs also strain residents, with a median home value of $383,100.

Best for Tax-Conscious Residents

This county suits retirees or remote workers who value a low tax burden over urban safety metrics. It is best for those with established savings who can navigate the higher cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax83Cost19.4Safety11.1Health50.2Schools37.1Income36.2Risk9.8Water16.9Weather45.4
🏛83
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤45.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Josephine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Josephine County

via TaxByCounty

Josephine taxes run well below national average

At 0.528%, Josephine County's effective tax rate sits significantly below the national median of 0.75%, placing it in the bottom 25% nationally. The typical Josephine homeowner pays $2,023 annually in property taxes—$667 less than the national median of $2,690.

Josephine ranks lowest in Oregon for tax burden

Josephine County has the lowest effective tax rate among all Oregon counties at 0.528%, well below Oregon's 0.775% state average. Residents pay just 74% of the state median tax bill, making it the most tax-favorable county in Oregon.

Josephine undercuts neighboring southern Oregon counties

Josephine's 0.528% rate beats Klamath County (0.678%) and Lake County (0.641%) by a clear margin. Despite having a higher median home value than these neighbors, Josephine residents still pay the lowest taxes in the region.

Median Josephine home costs $2,023 annually to tax

With a median home value of $383,100 and an effective rate of 0.528%, a typical homeowner pays roughly $2,023 per year in property taxes. Adding a mortgage increases the combined burden to approximately $2,172.

Josephine homeowners should verify their assessments

Even in Oregon's lowest-taxing county, many homeowners are overassessed relative to their home's actual market value. You can file a free property tax appeal through your county assessor if you believe your valuation is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Josephine County

via CostByCounty

Josephine's Rent Burden Exceeds National Norms

Josephine County renters spend 23.5% of their income on rent, outpacing the nation's typical burden and signaling tighter affordability than most American counties. The median household income here is $59,097—about $15,650 below the national average of $74,755—making housing costs feel steeper relative to earnings.

Above Average Strain in Oregon

At 23.5%, Josephine's rent-to-income ratio ranks above Oregon's state average of 19.4%, placing it among the state's more cost-burdened counties. This gap suggests renters here face measurably tighter housing markets than many of their neighbors across Oregon.

More Expensive Than Southern Peers

Josephine's median rent of $1,157 exceeds neighboring Klamath County ($973) and Lake County ($861), reflecting higher coastal housing demand. Despite lower incomes than Lane County residents, Josephine renters pay nearly as much in monthly rent, creating a sharper affordability squeeze.

Rent vs. Ownership: Both Stretch Budgets

Renters pay a median $1,157 monthly while homeowners carry $1,135 in monthly costs, with the median home valued at $383,100. Together, these figures mean over 23% of median household income flows to rent alone—well above the 30% affordability threshold financial advisors recommend.

Weighing Josephine Against Alternatives

If affordability is your priority, Lake County and Klamath County offer notably lower rents and rent-to-income ratios in the same region. For renters comfortable with higher costs, Josephine's coastal lifestyle and home values come at a premium compared to interior Oregon counties with similar incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Josephine County

via IncomeByCounty

Josephine trails national income benchmark

Josephine County's median household income of $59,097 falls 21% below the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lower tier of U.S. earnings. This gap reflects regional economic patterns shaped by timber, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Households here earn notably less than the typical American family, requiring careful budgeting.

Below Oregon's state average

At $59,097, Josephine ranks below Oregon's state median of $69,965, positioning it in the lower half of the state's 36 counties. The $10,868 gap underscores disparities between rural southwestern Oregon and more prosperous urban centers. This income lag reflects both workforce composition and limited high-wage job availability in the region.

Similar struggles across Southwest Oregon

Josephine's $59,097 income sits closest to Klamath County ($59,353) and Lincoln County ($61,314), reflecting a shared economic belt in rural Oregon. All three counties lag the state average, though Josephine's per capita income of $34,176 edges slightly behind peers. This clustering suggests regional economic challenges extend across multiple counties.

Housing costs stretch household budgets

Josephine's rent-to-income ratio of 23.5% indicates housing consumes nearly a quarter of median income, pushing affordability limits. Combined with a median home value of $383,100—well above what median income typically supports—many households face tight finances after covering shelter. This squeeze leaves limited room for savings, healthcare, and education investments.

Build financial resilience today

Even with modest median income, Josephine households can grow wealth through consistent savings and low-cost investment vehicles like employer 401(k) plans and IRAs. Starting early with automatic contributions—even $50 monthly—compounds significantly over decades. Local nonprofits and library systems often offer free financial literacy workshops to help residents build pathways to stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Josephine County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime levels exceed national averages

Josephine County reports a total crime rate of 2,682.0 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a high safety score of 95.8.

Safety score trails the Oregon average

The county's safety score of 95.8 sits slightly below the Oregon average of 96.3. Four local agencies coordinate law enforcement efforts across the region to manage public safety.

Crime rates higher than eastern neighbors

The total crime rate here is notably higher than in nearby Klamath County, which sees 2,068.8 incidents per 100K. Residents face more frequent crime reports than those in several adjacent rural areas.

Property crime drives local safety concerns

Property crime is the primary issue at 2,279.7 per 100K residents. The violent crime rate of 402.3 also exceeds both the state and national averages.

Securing your property remains essential

Installing motion-sensor lighting and high-quality locks helps deter property-related incidents. Staying connected with neighborhood watch programs adds an important layer of community protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Josephine County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy gap widens here

Josephine County residents live to 74.6 years on average, about 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.8%) report poor or fair health, slightly better than the national rate of 21%. This health gap reflects broader economic and healthcare access challenges across Southern Oregon.

Below Oregon's health performance

At 74.6 years, Josephine County trails Oregon's state average life expectancy of 77.0 years by 2.4 years. The county ranks among Oregon's lower-performing counties on health outcomes, though its 19.8% poor/fair health rate is close to the state average of 19%. Josephine residents face steeper health headwinds than most of their Oregon neighbors.

Healthier than Klamath, below Lane

Josephine County's 74.6-year life expectancy exceeds Klamath County (73.3 years) but lags Lane County (77.1 years) and Marion County (77.5 years) to the north. Its uninsured rate of 7.8% is among Oregon's lowest, beating the state average of 8.1%. Primary care access is moderate at 74 providers per 100,000, but mental health services are robust at 958 per 100,000.

Insurance is strong, access varies

Just 7.8% of Josephine County residents lack health insurance, better than the state average of 8.1%, but finding a primary care provider can mean a wait—the county has 74 per 100,000 residents. Mental health care is more readily available with 958 providers per 100,000, suggesting residents have better access to behavioral health than traditional medical services.

Check your coverage today

With 7.8% of Josephine County uninsured, most residents have access to care, but enrollment gaps persist. Visit healthcare.gov or Oregon's health plan marketplace to confirm your coverage and explore financial assistance options. Even short-term gaps in insurance can delay preventive care and worsen health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Josephine County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Snapshot of Josephine County Schools

The county operates a total of 27 public schools, including 14 elementary, 5 middle, and 7 high schools. These facilities serve a total enrollment of 10,182 students across the region.

Evaluating Academic Outcomes and Investment

The county's graduation rate of 80.7% slightly trails the state average of 82.3% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,979 exceeds the state average of $7,886, it remains significantly below the national average of $13,000.

Spotlight on Grants Pass School District 7

Grants Pass SD 7 is the county's dominant provider, managing 11 schools and 5,719 students. Families also have specialized options, as 3 charter schools account for 11.1% of the total educational landscape.

Classroom Environments from City to Rural

Josephine County features a mix of 13 city schools and 12 rural locations, with an average school size of 377 students. Grants Pass High School is the largest with 1,722 students, while smaller elementary schools like Redwood serve 440 students.

Finding Your Home Near Josephine Schools

With school quality acting as a primary driver of property value, exploring homes in the Grants Pass area offers proximity to the county's largest educational hubs. Researching local school performance is a vital step for any family buying in Southern Oregon.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Josephine County

via RiskByCounty

Josephine ranks above average nationally

With a composite risk score of 90.24, Josephine County faces above-average natural disaster risk compared to U.S. counties overall. The county earns a Relatively Moderate rating, driven by significant earthquake and wildfire exposure. This places Josephine in the riskier half of American counties, requiring serious hazard preparedness.

Oregon's fourth most at-risk county

Josephine's 90.24 score ranks it fourth among Oregon's 36 counties—well above the state average of 63.43. Only Lane, Marion, and one other county face higher composite risk in Oregon. This elevated standing reflects Josephine's location in a seismically active and fire-prone region.

Far riskier than southern Oregon peers

Josephine (90.24) dwarfs nearby Klamath County (77.93) and Lake County (19.08) on composite risk. Josephine's wildfire risk of 99.24 is among the state's highest, while neighboring counties show dramatically lower overall exposure. This difference underscores Josephine's unique vulnerability to cascading disaster scenarios.

Wildfire and earthquakes dominate here

Josephine faces an extreme wildfire risk of 99.24—among Oregon's most dangerous—alongside a critical earthquake risk of 95.20. The county's 90.20 flood risk rounds out a trio of serious hazards. Together, these three threats create compounding vulnerabilities that demand tailored emergency planning and home hardening.

Prioritize earthquake and wildfire insurance

Homeowners in Josephine must secure comprehensive earthquake insurance alongside standard homeowners coverage, given the 95.20 earthquake risk. Wildfire coverage gaps are common in high-risk zones; verify your policy covers wildfire damage and consider additional riders. Working with a local agent familiar with Josephine's specific hazards ensures you're not underinsured.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Josephine County

via WeatherByCounty

Josephine County Matches the National Median Temperature

With an average annual temperature of 53.1°F, Josephine County sits right at the national median. This mediterranean climate remains mild compared to the broader United States.

Warmer and Wetter Than the Oregon Average

The county's 53.1°F average temperature makes it significantly warmer than the state average of 50.5°F. It also receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, outpacing the Oregon average of 37.4 inches.

Southern Oregon's Warm Interior Basin

Josephine is warmer than neighboring Klamath County, which averages just 43.8°F. While Lane County to the north shares a similar 52.6°F average, Josephine experiences more intense summer peaks.

Hot Summers and Mild Snowfall

Summer temperatures average 67.6°F, but the county faces 44 extreme heat days above 90°F annually. Winters remain manageable with an average temperature of 40.5°F and only 4.8 inches of snow.

Prepare for Extended Summer Heat Waves

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to handle the 44 days of extreme heat each year. While heavy snow gear isn't vital, reliable rain protection is necessary for the 41.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Josephine County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define Josephine County

The soil here is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.22, which is lower than the national median of 6.5. This measurement sits slightly below the Oregon state average of 5.26. While specific taxonomic data is limited, these acidic conditions strongly influence local plant selection and soil management.

A balanced mix of earth

The soil composition features 37.4% sand, 41.1% silt, and 17.7% clay. This balanced distribution provides a versatile texture that supports reasonable workability for farmers and gardeners. The silt and clay components help the soil maintain its structure while the sand prevents excessive compaction.

Exceptional organic matter levels

Josephine County boasts a massive 39.68% organic matter content, dwarfing the state average of 29.41% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.285 in/in also exceeds the state benchmark of 0.275 in/in. These high levels indicate an extremely nutrient-dense environment for growing.

Understanding high runoff potential

The soil falls into Hydrologic Group D, which is characterized by high runoff potential and low infiltration rates when wet. While specific drainage classes are not recorded, this group suggests that water moves slowly through the profile. Proper site grading is essential for any building or large-scale agricultural projects.

Thriving in Zone 8b

In USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, the acidic, organic-rich soil is perfect for blueberries, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The mild climate and fertile earth provide a long growing season for a wide variety of crops. Now is the perfect time to start your garden and take advantage of these superior soil scores.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Josephine County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Lawn Ease in Josephine County

Josephine County scores a 50.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, slightly outperforming the national median of 50.0. Homeowners find it much easier to maintain green space here than the state average of 38.9. The local climate within hardiness zone 8b provides a relatively stable foundation for turf growth.

Sunny Days and Wet Winters

The county receives 41.3 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably within the ideal range for healthy lawns. However, 44 extreme heat days per year and 2631 growing degree days mean summer irrigation is essential to prevent dormancy. Mowing schedules peak during the warm spring months before the July heat intensifies.

Managing Acidic Soil for Better Turf

With a soil pH of 5.22, local lawns are significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The soil composition is 37.4% sand and 17.7% clay, which generally facilitates decent drainage but requires lime applications to balance the acidity. Regular soil testing helps ensure nutrients remain available to grass roots.

Navigating 25 Weeks of Drought

Over the past year, the county spent 25 weeks in drought conditions, with 76% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. To conserve water, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering during the early morning hours. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn helps retain soil moisture during these dry spells.

Start Seeding After the May Frost

Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass are excellent choices for the zone 8b climate in Josephine County. The best window for seeding or sodding opens after the last spring frost on May 1st to ensure healthy establishment before the summer heat. Plan your final major fertilization before the first fall frost arrives around October 28th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Josephine County's county score?
Josephine County, Oregon has a composite county score of 35.7 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 Josephine County rank among counties in Oregon?
Josephine County ranks #28 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 Josephine County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Josephine County is $2,023, with an effective tax rate of 0.53%. This earns Josephine County a tax score of 83/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Josephine County?
The median household income in Josephine County, Oregon is $59,097 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Josephine County earns an income score of 36.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Josephine County, Oregon a good place to live?
Josephine County scores 35.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Josephine 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 Josephine County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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