countyscore
36.7
County Score
Property Tax 65.7Water Quality 50.1Lawn Care 45.9

County Report Card

About Klamath County, Oregon

Trailing the National Quality Index

Klamath County holds a composite score of 36.7, sitting roughly 13 points below the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life profile that faces more hurdles than the typical U.S. county.

Ranking Below the Oregon Average

The county's 36.7 score remains below Oregon's state average of 42.5. Klamath represents the more affordable but lower-performing tier of Oregon's regional rankings.

Tax Friendliness and Water Access

A strong tax score of 65.7 and a mid-range water score of 50.1 highlight the county's primary assets. Residents benefit from an effective tax rate of 0.678%, which is relatively taxpayer-friendly.

Struggles in Safety and Schools

Public safety and educational scores are notable weak points, scoring 20.4 and 31.6 respectively. These figures, combined with a modest median income of $59,353, present ongoing hurdles for growth.

Suited for Budget-Minded Nature Lovers

Klamath County is an attractive option for individuals who prioritize low taxes and access to nature. It fits families looking for lower entry-level home prices compared to the state's urban centers.

Score breakdown

Tax65.7Cost31.8Safety20.4Health41.3Schools31.6Income37Risk22.1Water50.1Weather41.2
🏛65.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓31.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡22.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.9
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

Jackson County
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31.5
Lake County
Oregon
65.3
Modoc County
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49.7
Douglas County
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Siskiyou County
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Deschutes County
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Josephine County
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Lane County
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Deep Dives

Klamath County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Klamath County

via TaxByCounty

Klamath tax rate underperforms national average

Klamath County's 0.678% effective tax rate falls below the national median of 0.75%, placing it in the bottom 35% nationwide. With a median tax bill of $1,734, Klamath residents pay about $956 less than typical American homeowners.

Klamath ranks seventh-lowest in Oregon tax burden

At 0.678%, Klamath's effective rate sits 12% below Oregon's 0.775% state average, making it one of the state's more affordable tax jurisdictions. Its median tax of $1,734 is just 63% of Oregon's state median of $2,745.

Klamath offers moderate relief versus southern peers

Klamath's 0.678% rate exceeds Josephine County's 0.528% but undercuts Lake County's 0.641% by a small margin. The region as a whole enjoys consistently lower tax rates than most of Oregon's population centers.

Median Klamath home costs $1,734 annually in taxes

Klamath's median home value of $255,700 combined with its 0.678% rate yields an annual tax bill of approximately $1,734. With a mortgage attached, expect to owe closer to $2,022.

Klamath homeowners can challenge overassessments easily

Many Klamath County property owners are assessed above fair market value, leaving money on the table each year. Filing a property tax appeal with the county assessor is free and can result in meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Klamath County

via CostByCounty

Klamath Holds Its Own Nationally

Klamath County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% sits just slightly above the Oregon state average of 19.4%, putting it in solid standing compared to national affordability pressures. With a median household income of $59,353 and monthly rent of $973, residents here earn about $15,400 less than the national median but pay considerably less in housing costs.

Middle-of-the-Pack Affordability

Klamath's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks near Oregon's state average of 19.4%, positioning it as one of the state's more affordable mid-sized counties. Renters face manageable housing burdens compared to coastal and urban Oregon counties experiencing sharper affordability crunches.

Southern Oregon's Most Affordable

Klamath's median rent of $973 undercuts Josephine County ($1,157) by nearly $200 monthly while matching similar income levels. Only Lake County to the north offers lower rents, making Klamath an attractive middle ground for renters seeking reasonable costs without sacrificing regional amenities.

Balanced Renting and Homeownership

Monthly rent averages $973 while homeownership costs run $985, with the median home valued at $255,700—notably lower than coastal counties. Housing payments consume about 19.7% of median income for renters, leaving reasonable room in household budgets for other expenses.

Affordability-Focused Relocators Take Note

Klamath offers one of southern Oregon's lowest rents combined with manageable home prices, making it ideal for budget-conscious movers. Compared to Lane County's steeper costs or Josephine's coastal premium, Klamath delivers solid affordability without remote-area isolation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Klamath County

via IncomeByCounty

Klamath income lags national average

Klamath County's median household income of $59,353 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 21%, marking the county below most American households. The $15,402 gap reflects the economy's dependence on agriculture, timber, and outdoor recreation—sectors often offering lower average wages. Nationally, Klamath ranks in the lower quartile of U.S. county earnings.

Middle-lower ranking within Oregon

Klamath's $59,353 median sits below Oregon's state average of $69,965 by $10,612, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Oregon's 36 counties. The gap reflects both workforce demographics and limited access to high-wage industries concentrated in Portland and Salem metros. This positioning suggests economic vulnerability during regional downturns.

Part of rural Oregon's income belt

Klamath's $59,353 income clusters closely with Josephine County ($59,097), forming a peer group of rural southwestern Oregon counties. Lake County ($61,222) slightly outpaces both neighbors, though all three hover well below state averages. Per capita income here ($32,939) reflects a younger population and fewer high-earning professionals.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Klamath's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% is among the state's most favorable, suggesting housing affordability compared to Oregon peers. With a median home value of $255,700—lower than most Oregon counties—homeownership remains accessible for many households. This relative affordability provides breathing room for other essential expenses.

Lower costs enable greater savings potential

Klamath's affordable housing market creates an opportunity: households can redirect savings toward retirement accounts and investments rather than excessive rent. Even modest $100 monthly contributions to a Roth IRA grow substantially over 30 years. Local credit unions and community banks often offer financial planning resources tailored to rural economies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Klamath County

via CrimeByCounty

Klamath maintains strong national safety standing

With a safety score of 96.7, Klamath County is safer than many regions across the country. Its total crime rate of 2,068.8 per 100K remains well below the national baseline of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Oregon safety average

Klamath's safety score of 96.7 exceeds the statewide average of 96.3. Six reporting agencies work to maintain order across this expansive Southern Oregon landscape.

More secure than neighboring Josephine County

Klamath is significantly safer than Josephine County, which reports a much higher crime rate of 2,682.0. This makes it one of the more secure regions in the southern part of the state.

Property crime remains the primary factor

Property crime accounts for 1,691.9 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at 376.9. These numbers indicate that most local incidents involve theft or property damage rather than physical harm.

Proactive security helps deter local theft

Locking all entry points and using smart security cameras can significantly reduce the risk of property crime. Consistent home maintenance and visible security measures discourage opportunistic burglars.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Klamath County

via HealthByCounty

Oregon's shortest life expectancy

Klamath County residents live to just 73.3 years, nearly 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years and among Oregon's worst. Over 1 in 5 residents (20.2%) report poor or fair health, compared to 21% nationally. The county faces significant health challenges that demand urgent attention and resources.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Klamath County's 73.3-year life expectancy ranks last among Oregon counties, 3.7 years below the state average of 77.0 years. Its 20.2% poor/fair health rate slightly exceeds Oregon's average, indicating persistent chronic disease and preventable health problems. These trends place Klamath County in a health crisis relative to its state peers.

Struggles despite good primary care

Klamath County's 73.3-year life expectancy falls well below Josephine County (74.6 years), Lake County (75.7 years), and Lane County (77.1 years). The county has strong primary care infrastructure at 104 providers per 100,000—above most Oregon peers—but only 581 mental health providers per 100,000. High uninsured rates (8.9%) may undermine residents' ability to use available care.

Uninsured rate is state's highest

Klamath County's 8.9% uninsured rate exceeds Oregon's 8.1% average, meaning nearly 1 in 11 residents lack coverage. Despite 104 primary care providers per 100,000—among Oregon's best—patients may struggle to afford or access appointments. The gap between supply and actual utilization suggests affordability, not availability, is the main barrier.

Get insured, get healthier

Klamath County's high uninsured rate and shortest life expectancy are interconnected—coverage unlocks preventive care that saves lives. Visit healthcare.gov or Oregon's marketplace immediately to explore plans, subsidies, and Medicaid eligibility. Even one year of continuous coverage can establish relationships with providers that improve long-term outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Klamath County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Infrastructure in Klamath County

Klamath County manages 30 public schools, including 17 elementary and 9 high schools, serving a total of 9,598 students. These schools are organized into two distinct districts covering both urban and remote areas.

Performance Metrics and Educational Funding

The graduation rate stands at 80.3%, trailing both the state average of 82.3% and the national 87.0% benchmark. Local investment sits at $7,524 per pupil, which is lower than the Oregon state average of $7,886.

Large Districts Serving Klamath Families

Klamath County SD is the largest district with 21 schools and 6,877 students, while Klamath Falls City Schools serves another 2,721 students. Only one charter school currently operates in the county, representing 3.3% of total schools.

A Rural and Small-Town School Feel

The educational landscape is split evenly between 15 rural and 15 town locales, maintaining an intimate average school size of 320 students. Henley High School leads the county in enrollment with 693 students, followed closely by Mazama High School at 690.

Investing in Klamath County Communities

Families looking for a small-town atmosphere will find diverse housing options near established campuses like Henley or Peterson Elementary. Evaluating local school district boundaries is essential when selecting the right home for your family's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Klamath County

via RiskByCounty

Klamath faces moderate national risk

Klamath County's composite risk score of 77.93 puts it above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The Relatively Low state rating masks significant underlying hazards, particularly wildfire and earthquake risks. While not in the highest national tier, Klamath residents should maintain active hazard awareness.

Mid-range risk within Oregon

At 77.93, Klamath ranks in the middle tier of Oregon's 36 counties—notably above the state average of 63.43. The county sits between low-risk Lake (19.08) and high-risk Josephine (90.24), reflecting a balanced but still-concerning hazard profile. Klamath's position underscores that even mid-tier Oregon counties face substantial disaster risk.

Riskier than Lake, safer than Josephine

Klamath (77.93) sits between its rural neighbors: Lake County's very low 19.08 score and Josephine's elevated 90.24. Klamath's wildfire risk of 94.40 rivals Josephine's, though Klamath's earthquake risk (94.50) and flood risk (78.50) are somewhat lower. This positions Klamath as a moderate-to-elevated threat zone in south-central Oregon.

Wildfire and earthquakes top the list

Klamath's wildfire risk of 94.40 and earthquake risk of 94.50 are nearly identical and equally severe. The county's flood risk of 78.50 adds a third significant exposure, particularly relevant given Oregon's precipitation patterns. Tornado risk remains very low at 4.33, allowing residents to focus preparedness efforts elsewhere.

Bundle earthquake and wildfire coverage

Klamath homeowners must add earthquake insurance to standard policies, given the 94.50 seismic risk and proximity to fault zones. Review wildfire exclusions carefully; many insurers tighten coverage in high-risk zones, so early enrollment is critical. Combine insurance with defensible space maintenance—clearing brush and dead trees significantly reduces wildfire vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Klamath County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Altitude Cold Spot in Oregon

Klamath County averages just 43.8°F annually, placing it well below the national median temperature. Its high-elevation climate creates a much chillier profile than the rest of the country.

One of Oregon's Coldest Resident Counties

The county's 43.8°F average is nearly seven degrees colder than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It remains drier than many parts of the state, receiving 27.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Colder and Snowier Than Eastern Neighbors

Klamath is significantly colder than neighboring Lake County, which averages 46.6°F. The most striking difference is snowfall, as Klamath's 191.7 inches dwarfs Lake's 23.2 inches.

Massive Snowfall and Brisk Winters

Winter is the dominant season here, averaging 29.7°F with a staggering 191.7 inches of annual snow. Even in summer, temperatures stay cool at an average of 59.7°F with only 15 days over 90°F.

Heavy Duty Snow Removal is Essential

Residents must own professional-grade snow removal equipment to manage nearly 200 inches of annual snowfall. Heating systems should be rated for sub-freezing January averages of 29.2°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Klamath County

via SoilByCounty

The mysterious soil of Klamath

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Klamath County are currently limited in regional records. Most Oregon soils lean acidic compared to the 6.5 national median, often hovering near the 5.26 state average. Testing your own backyard is the best way to determine your local acidity levels.

Investigating local soil texture

Data regarding the specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this region. Texture is vital because it dictates how well your soil drains water and retains essential nutrients. You can perform a simple jar test at home to see where your land falls on the composition scale.

Potential for productive growth

While specific organic matter and water capacity figures are missing, Oregon's state average for organic matter is a high 29.41%. This suggests that with the right amendments, your soil can far exceed the 2.0% national average. Healthy soil in this region provides a strong foundation for high-desert agriculture.

Planning for water movement

Regional data does not currently specify the dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Understanding how water moves on your property is crucial for avoiding erosion and preventing basement flooding. Local observations during the spring thaw will reveal the most about your land's hydrology.

High-desert gardening in Zone 6b

Klamath County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, making it a great spot for hardy vegetables like garlic, carrots, and potatoes. The sunny days and cool nights create a unique climate for resilient perennials. Despite the data gaps, the region's agricultural legacy proves that this earth is ready for your seeds.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Klamath County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging High-Desert Conditions in Klamath

Klamath County earns a 45.9 lawn difficulty score, making it tougher for turf than the national average but easier than much of Oregon. Residents in hardiness zone 6b must manage shorter growing windows and cooler average temperatures. Maintaining a lush lawn here requires more specialized care than in the milder coastal regions.

Low Moisture and Cool Nights

Annual precipitation of 27.9 inches falls just below the ideal range for lawns, necessitating supplemental watering. With only 1282 growing degree days, the grass grows more slowly than in warmer parts of the state. Only 15 extreme heat days occur annually, reducing the risk of mid-summer heat stress for cool-season grasses.

Adapting to Diverse Soil Profiles

While specific regional soil data is limited for Klamath, the high-desert terrain often features variable drainage and mineral content. Local growers should focus on incorporating organic matter to improve water retention in the face of lower rainfall. Professional soil tests are the best way to determine if your specific plot needs pH adjustments.

Preparing for Dry Cycles

The county experienced 19 weeks of drought over the last year, with about 31.3% of the land currently considered abnormally dry. Irrigation efficiency is critical; using smart controllers can help adjust for the local 43.8°F average annual temperature. Keeping grass height around three inches encourages deeper root systems that withstand dry periods better.

Resilient Grasses for Zone 6b

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue thrive in Klamath’s zone 6b environment due to their cold hardiness. Because local frost dates can vary significantly by elevation, monitor soil temperatures closely before spring seeding. Focus on building a strong root base in the early fall to prepare the lawn for the cold January averages of 29.2°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Klamath County's county score?
Klamath County, Oregon has a composite county score of 36.7 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 Klamath County rank among counties in Oregon?
Klamath County ranks #24 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 Klamath County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Klamath County is $1,734, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Klamath County a tax score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Klamath County?
The median household income in Klamath County, Oregon is $59,353 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Klamath County earns an income score of 37/100 on CountyScore.
Is Klamath County, Oregon a good place to live?
Klamath County scores 36.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Klamath 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 Klamath 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.