countyscore
65.3
County Score
Safety 91.1Disaster Risk 80.9Schools 72.6

County Report Card

About Lake County, Oregon

Exceeding the National Median Score

Lake County stands out with a composite score of 65.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This ranking positions the county in a high percentile for overall livability across the country.

Oregon's High-Performing Rural Star

Dominating the state leaderboard, Lake County's 65.3 score easily clears the Oregon average of 42.5. It serves as a high-performing outlier in the southeastern portion of the state.

Exceptional Safety and Schooling

Exceptional scores in safety (91.1) and environmental risk (80.9) make this one of the most secure regions in the nation. A high school score of 72.6 further bolsters its standing as a top-tier community.

Modest Incomes and Water Quality

The primary trade-off is income, where a score of 42.8 reflects median household earnings of $61,222. While water quality scores are moderate at 42.7, they remain a secondary area for future monitoring.

Ideal for Secure Family Life

This county is a hidden gem for families prioritizing safety and quality education in a rural setting. It is the ideal destination for those who value community stability over high-velocity economic growth.

Score breakdown

Tax69.5Cost56Safety91.1Health44.9Schools72.6Income42.8Risk80.9Water42.7Weather38.4
🏛69.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧42.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱46.7
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

Harney County
Oregon
55.6
Modoc County
California
49.7
Klamath County
Oregon
36.7
Deschutes County
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Crook County
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Jackson County
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Wheeler County
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Jefferson County
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Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County's taxes sit below American median

Lake County's 0.641% effective tax rate falls beneath the national median of 0.75%, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. The median Lake County homeowner pays just $1,407 per year—roughly half the national median of $2,690.

Lake County ranks sixth-lowest in Oregon's tax ladder

Lake's 0.641% rate runs 17% below Oregon's 0.775% state average, offering meaningful relief to residents. With a median tax of $1,407, Lake homeowners pay about 51% of what Oregon homeowners typically owe.

Lake offers slight advantages in the south-central region

Lake County's 0.641% rate beats Klamath (0.678%) despite both sitting in Oregon's lower-tax tier. The two counties form a relatively affordable corridor in south-central Oregon, though homes themselves are smaller and cheaper.

Median Lake County home costs $1,407 yearly in tax

With a median home value of $219,400 and a 0.641% effective rate, Lake homeowners pay roughly $1,407 annually in property taxes. Adding a mortgage increases that to approximately $1,947 per year.

Lake County properties deserve a reassessment review

Overassessment affects Lake County homeowners just as it does elsewhere, even in lower-tax areas. The county assessor's office accepts property appeals at no cost—verify your home's valuation aligns with current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County: Oregon's Most Affordable Housing

Lake County residents enjoy a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.9%—well below both Oregon's 19.4% average and the national norm—making it among the country's most affordable housing markets. Median rent of $861 combined with household income of $61,222 creates a genuinely balanced housing picture rarely found in contemporary America.

Statewide Affordability Leader

At 16.9%, Lake County's rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Oregon's 19.4% state average, placing it among the state's least cost-burdened counties. This advantage reflects both lower rents and comparable incomes relative to pricier urban and coastal regions.

Clear Winner Among Peers

Lake County's $861 median rent beats all comparable southern Oregon neighbors—Klamath ($973), Josephine ($1,157), and even rural Malheur ($819) when accounting for income. The county's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% is the lowest in its region, reflecting genuinely accessible housing.

Lowest Housing Costs in the Region

Monthly rent averages just $861 while homeownership runs $742, with the median home valued at $219,400—the most affordable in this comparison. At 16.9% of income dedicated to rent, Lake County residents spend substantially less on housing than peers across Oregon, freeing budget for savings and other priorities.

Affordable Living Without Sacrifice

If cost of living drives your relocation decision, Lake County delivers exceptional affordability while maintaining reasonable income levels and services. Remote workers or retirees considering southern Oregon moves will find Lake County's housing costs and overall financial flexibility hard to beat within the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County income below U.S. median

Lake County's median household income of $61,222 falls 18% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning the sparsely populated county below typical American earnings. The $13,533 gap reflects an economy centered on ranching, timber, and natural resource sectors with limited wage growth. Lake ranks among the lower-earning counties nationally, but outpaces some rural peers.

Slightly above state bottom tier

At $61,222, Lake County inches above Josephine and Klamath but remains $8,743 below Oregon's state median of $69,965. This positioning places Lake in Oregon's lower-middle ranks, where geographic isolation and smaller population limit economic diversification. The $8,743 shortfall underscores rural Oregon's persistent income challenges.

Best performer among rural trio

Lake's $61,222 income edges ahead of both Josephine ($59,097) and Klamath ($59,353), making it the highest earner in this rural cluster. Yet all three share similar economic structures and challenges tied to natural resource dependence. Lake's slight advantage may reflect agricultural stability or smaller population size.

Most affordable housing in the region

Lake County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among its rural peers at 16.9%, indicating housing costs consume the least percentage of median income. A median home value of just $219,400—dramatically lower than state averages—means homeownership is genuinely accessible. This affordability advantage gives households more resources for savings and investment.

Affordability unlocks long-term wealth building

Lake's combination of lower income and exceptionally affordable housing creates unique wealth-building potential for disciplined savers. Households saving 15% of income after housing still have room for emergencies and retirement contributions. Consulting with a fee-only financial advisor can help maximize wealth-building in this lower-income environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Among the safest counties in America

Lake County boasts an elite safety score of 99.7. Its total crime rate of 158.5 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceptional safety rank within Oregon

This county far exceeds the state safety average of 96.3. Three dedicated reporting agencies monitor the area, contributing to its reputation as a very peaceful region.

Far safer than its western neighbors

Lake's crime rate of 158.5 is dramatically lower than Klamath County's 2,068.8. It offers one of the most secure environments in the entire Pacific Northwest.

Violent and property crimes are rare

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 24.4 per 100K, while property crime is remarkably low at 134.1. These figures represent some of the lowest crime levels in the state.

Maintaining safety in a quiet community

Even in high-safety areas, simple habits like locking car doors help prevent rare opportunistic crimes. Staying vigilant and knowing your neighbors remains the best way to preserve this peace.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lake County

via HealthByCounty

Rural Oregon's health gap emerges

Lake County residents live to 75.7 years, about 3.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Over 1 in 5 residents (21.2%) report poor or fair health, matching the national average of 21%. As one of Oregon's most rural counties, Lake County shows the health toll of geographic isolation and limited resources.

Below state average, rural challenges

Lake County's 75.7-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years short of Oregon's 77.0-year average, reflecting rural health care access barriers. Its 21.2% poor/fair health rate is slightly above the state average, indicating higher rates of chronic disease. Limited population density and economic resources constrain health care infrastructure and outcomes.

Worse access than larger counties

Lake County's 75.7-year life expectancy exceeds Klamath County (73.3 years) but trails Josephine County (74.6 years) and Lane County (77.1 years). Primary care access is sparse at just 48 per 100,000—Oregon's lowest—and mental health providers number only 265 per 100,000. At 10.0% uninsured, Lake County ties Malheur County for the highest rate in this group.

Severe provider shortage, high uninsured

Lake County has only 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the state average—making routine care a logistical challenge for many. The 10.0% uninsured rate means 1 in 10 residents delay or skip medical care due to cost. Mental health access is equally strained at 265 providers per 100,000, leaving many residents without behavioral health support.

Coverage matters in rural areas

Lake County's high uninsured rate (10.0%) and limited provider network make health insurance enrollment critical—it connects you to care in a sparse landscape. Check Oregon's health plan marketplace today to find affordable plans and learn about Medicaid expansion eligibility. In rural counties, insurance is often the only pathway to preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lake County's Intimate School Network

Lake County maintains a small, focused network of 8 public schools serving just 1,221 students across 5 school districts. This infrastructure includes 4 elementary schools and specialized facilities for rural students.

High Graduation Rates and Local Investment

Lake County excels with a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 82.3% and the national 87.0% benchmark. This success is backed by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $10,063, well above the state average.

Districts Serving the High Desert

Lake County SD 7 is the primary district, serving 771 students across 4 schools. The county also hosts unique options like the Paisley School, a charter institution representing 12.5% of the county's total schools.

A Rural Educational Experience

With schools entirely in rural or town settings, the average enrollment is just 153 students per school. The largest campus is Fremont/Hay Elementary with 349 students, while Daly Middle School serves only 109.

Relocating for Top-Tier Graduation Rates

Lake County offers some of the highest graduation rates in the state, making it an attractive destination for families seeking high-performance rural education. Explore homes in Lakeview or North Lake to secure a place in these small, successful districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County sits below national risk

Lake County's composite risk score of 19.08 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. This makes Lake one of the safest counties in the United States for natural disasters. However, wildfire and earthquake risks still merit attention despite the overall low profile.

Oregon's least risky county

At 19.08, Lake County has the lowest composite risk score among all 36 Oregon counties—far below the state average of 63.43. Lake's very low rating reflects its remote, sparsely populated geography in south-central Oregon. Even Oregon's safest county faces modest wildfire and earthquake exposure that residents should prepare for.

Dramatically safer than Klamath and Josephine

Lake County (19.08) is dramatically safer than adjacent Klamath (77.93) and Josephine (90.24) counties. Lake's wildfire risk of 89.22 matches regional peers, but its low composite score reflects minimal flood and earthquake exposure. This dramatic disparity shows how geography and development patterns drive disaster risk within a single region.

Wildfire dominates Lake's risk profile

Lake County's wildfire risk of 89.22 is its most serious exposure, though still manageable given the county's low population density. Earthquake risk (72.90) and flood risk (37.60) present minor concerns by comparison. Tornado risk remains negligible at 2.04.

Standard coverage usually sufficient here

Lake County's low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection, though wildfire riders should still be reviewed. Earthquake insurance is optional here given the 72.90 risk, but consider it for added peace of mind. Focus preparedness dollars on wildfire mitigation—clearing defensible space and using fire-resistant materials.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

Cool Temps in a High Desert Climate

Lake County's annual average of 46.6°F is notably cooler than the national median. This high-desert region experiences significant temperature swings throughout the year.

A Dry Outlier in the Pacific Northwest

With only 12.8 inches of annual precipitation, Lake County is far drier than the Oregon average of 37.4 inches. It also tracks nearly four degrees cooler than the state average temperature.

Drier Than Its High-Desert Neighbors

Lake County receives less than half the precipitation of neighboring Klamath County. While Klamath is colder overall, Lake sees 26 extreme heat days compared to Klamath's 15.

Hot Days and Moderate Snow

The county sees 26 days of heat over 90°F, contributing to a summer average of 63.5°F. Winters are cold, averaging 31.5°F with 23.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Prepare for Arid Conditions and Extremes

Water conservation is vital given the low 12.8 inches of annual rainfall. Residents should prepare for both sub-freezing winter nights and nearly a month's worth of 90°F summer days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the high-desert profile

Specific pH and taxonomic records for Lake County are currently unavailable at the county-wide level. While Oregon's state average pH is 5.26, high-desert regions often differ significantly from the 6.5 national median. Local soil testing is highly recommended to understand your specific chemical baseline.

Texture defines the terrain

Percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently specified in our dataset for this region. These three components determine whether your soil feels gritty, smooth, or sticky when wet. Observing your soil texture helps you decide how much irrigation your plants will need during the dry summer.

Building on Oregon's organic legacy

We currently lack specific data for organic matter and available water capacity in Lake County. Across Oregon, organic matter averages 29.41%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.0%. Adding compost can help your local soil bridge any fertility gaps in this arid climate.

Managing water in an arid land

Information on drainage classes and hydrologic groups is limited for this expansive county. In arid regions, understanding water infiltration is the key to preventing runoff and maximizing every drop of rain. Watch your land closely during heavy storms to see how the ground responds.

Resilient growing in Zone 6b

Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, Lake County is ideal for cold-hardy crops and short-season vegetables. You can find success with leafy greens, peas, and native high-desert shrubs. Grab your shovel and start a garden that celebrates the unique character of South Central Oregon.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

High-Elevation Lawn Care in Lake County

With a lawn difficulty score of 46.7, Lake County presents a moderate challenge compared to the national average of 50.0. The hardiness zone 6b climate means lawns must be exceptionally cold-hardy to survive the winter. However, the county remains easier for lawn care than the Oregon state average of 38.9.

Arid Climate Demands Extra Irrigation

Lake County receives only 12.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is far below the 30-50 inches ideal for most turfgrass. This aridity, combined with 26 extreme heat days, makes consistent irrigation the primary task for any homeowner. The 1721 growing degree days support a steady but short window for active lawn development.

Preparing Arid Soils for Turf

Soil data for the county is limited, but the arid environment typically requires significant organic amendments to support lawn life. Adding compost or peat moss helps the soil hold onto the limited water available. Without these adjustments, the ground may struggle to provide the nutrients required for a thick, green carpet.

Current Conditions and Water Conservation

The county has been remarkably resilient lately, with only one week in drought over the past year. However, with 7.6% of the area being abnormally dry and low annual rainfall, water conservation remains a priority. Use drip irrigation or high-efficiency nozzles to ensure every drop of water reaches the root zone without evaporating.

Short Seasons and Cold-Hardy Turf

The growing window is tight, with the last spring frost hitting around June 10th and the first fall frost arriving by September 17th. Choose drought-tolerant varieties like buffalo grass or sheep fescue to match the local 6b hardiness zone. For best results, seed in the early summer once the ground consistently warms above 55 degrees.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, Oregon has a composite county score of 65.3 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 Lake County rank among counties in Oregon?
Lake County ranks #1 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 Lake County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $1,407, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 69.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, Oregon is $61,222 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 42.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, Oregon a good place to live?
Lake County scores 65.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake 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.