countyscore
30.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 64.9Weather & Climate 61.3Health 59.5

County Report Card

About Lane County, Oregon

Significant Gap Below National Median

Lane County posts a composite score of 30.8, which is nearly 20 points lower than the national median. This score suggests the county faces more significant livability challenges than the average American community.

Bottom Tier of Oregon Rankings

Scoring 30.8 against a state average of 42.5, Lane County ranks in the lower tier of Oregon counties. It struggles to match the performance of its peers despite its central economic importance.

High Earnings and Health Outcomes

The county's strengths lie in its income and health dimensions, which score 64.9 and 59.5 respectively. A healthy median household income of $69,311 supports a robust local workforce.

Housing Costs and Climate Risk

Housing affordability is a major concern, reflected in a cost score of 11.9 and a median home value near $395,800. Low scores in environmental risk (3.6) and safety (9.4) also drag down the composite.

Best for Career-Focused Professionals

Lane County suits professionals who prioritize career opportunities and healthcare access over low living costs. It is a better fit for high earners who can navigate high housing prices.

Score breakdown

Tax48.1Cost11.9Safety9.4Health59.5Schools28.5Income64.9Risk3.6Water29Weather61.3
🏛48.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧29
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.2
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

Benton County
Oregon
35.8
Linn County
Oregon
35
Douglas County
Oregon
36.8
Lincoln County
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Marion County
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Polk County
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Coos County
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Yamhill County
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Deep Dives

Lane County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lane County

via TaxByCounty

Lane County taxes exceed national average significantly

Lane County's 0.863% effective tax rate runs well above the national median of 0.75%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. Residents pay a median of $3,417 in property taxes—27% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Lane County ranks second-highest in Oregon taxes

At 0.863%, Lane's effective rate ranks second only to Marion County's 0.882% among all Oregon jurisdictions. Lane homeowners pay $3,417 annually—25% above Oregon's state median of $2,745.

Lane taxes far exceed southern and eastern Oregon peers

Lane's 0.863% rate towers over Josephine (0.528%), Klamath (0.678%), and Lake (0.641%), reflecting Eugene and Springfield's higher property values. The Willamette Valley counties consistently tax at higher rates than Oregon's periphery.

Median Lane home costs $3,417 annually in property tax

Lane County's median home value of $395,800 combined with its 0.863% rate produces an annual tax bill of approximately $3,417. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to roughly $3,487.

Lane County homeowners should challenge high assessments

Despite Lane's above-average rates, many properties are still overassessed relative to true market value. Filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and may reduce your annual burden by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lane County

via CostByCounty

Lane's Housing Costs Bite Deep

Lane County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% exceeds Oregon's 19.4% average and signals affordability pressure comparable to tight national markets. With median household income of $69,311 and rent of $1,287, residents earn closer to the national median but dedicate a larger share to housing than most Americans.

Among Oregon's Most Expensive

Lane County ranks above Oregon's state average of 19.4%, placing it squarely in the state's less affordable regions despite mid-range incomes. The county's position as Oregon's second-largest urban area explains higher housing costs and tighter affordability compared to rural or smaller regional counties.

Urban Pricing in a Regional Context

Lane's median rent of $1,287 far exceeds southern Oregon alternatives like Klamath ($973) and Lake ($861), though it trails Marion County ($1,333). Home values in Lane ($395,800) rival Lincoln and Josephine counties while supporting notably higher incomes, suggesting urban market premiums for services and employment.

Higher Incomes, Higher Costs

Renters pay $1,287 monthly while homeowners carry $1,391, with median home values at $395,800—among the state's priciest. At 22.3% of household income consumed by rent, Lane residents spend measurably more than state averages, though incomes better support these costs than in poorer rural counties.

Urban Amenities Come at a Price

Lane County's higher housing costs reflect its position as a major employment and cultural hub; those prioritizing affordability should consider Klamath, Lake, or Malheur counties. For remote workers or those with Lane-based jobs, the tradeoff between urban access and housing expense deserves careful financial consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lane County

via IncomeByCounty

Lane County approaches national income average

Lane County's median household income of $69,311 closes the gap with the national median of $74,755, sitting just 7% below the U.S. benchmark. The $5,444 shortfall is notably smaller than most Oregon counties, reflecting a more diversified economy anchored by the University of Oregon, healthcare, and technology sectors. Lane ranks solidly in the national middle tier of county earnings.

Near parity with Oregon state average

At $69,311, Lane County essentially matches Oregon's state median of $69,965—a virtual tie that reflects its status as the state's third-largest metro area. This positioning places Lane in Oregon's upper-middle tier, above most rural counties but below wealthier Portland-area peers. The alignment suggests Lane has balanced economic growth with regional wage trends.

Strongest earner in western region

Lane's $69,311 income substantially outpaces western Oregon peers: Josephine ($59,097), Klamath ($59,353), and Lincoln ($61,314) all lag by $8,000-$10,000. Only Marion County ($74,624) and Linn County ($73,396) exceed Lane's earnings in the state. Lane's advantage reflects Eugene's role as a regional employment hub.

Housing costs bite harder here

Despite strong income positioning, Lane's rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% indicates housing costs consume more than one-fifth of median earnings. A median home value of $395,800 reflects Eugene's desirability, requiring substantial income to access homeownership comfortably. The combination of higher income and higher costs creates a wash for affordability relative to lower-income rural counties.

University town offers investment advantages

Lane County's educated workforce and institutional presence (University of Oregon, hospitals) create opportunities for employer retirement plans and professional investment guidance. Households earning $69,311 should prioritize maximizing 401(k) contributions and diversified index funds for long-term wealth growth. Lane's relative prosperity provides the financial stability needed for aggressive wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lane County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime rates trend above national baseline

Lane County reports 2,849.7 total crimes per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.5 for the region.

Safety score sits below state average

The county's safety score of 95.5 is slightly lower than the Oregon average of 96.3. Eleven reporting agencies manage the complex safety needs of this diverse and populous area.

Higher crime levels than Linn County

Lane's crime rate is more than double that of its northern neighbor, Linn County, which reports 1,380.3. The urban centers in Lane contribute to more frequent incidents than seen in nearby rural spots.

Property crime drives the total count

Property crime is high at 2,554.3 per 100K, but violent crime remains relatively low at 295.4. Most law enforcement activity focuses on theft and property-related issues.

Prioritize property security and awareness

Using visible security cameras and securing valuable items in garages helps prevent theft. Residents should also consider joining local online safety groups to track recent neighborhood activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lane County

via HealthByCounty

Oregon's healthiest county excels

Lane County residents live to 77.1 years, nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 79.3 years and among Oregon's best. Only 19.5% report poor or fair health, better than the national rate of 21%. Lane County's strong economy, medical infrastructure, and educational levels support measurably better health outcomes.

Leading Oregon's health rankings

Lane County's 77.1-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. Its 19.5% poor/fair health rate is below the state average, reflecting lower chronic disease burden and better preventive care uptake. Lane County consistently outperforms Oregon's typical health profile.

Superior to southern Oregon peers

Lane County's 77.1-year life expectancy surpasses Josephine County (74.6 years), Klamath County (73.3 years), Lake County (75.7 years), and most other counties in this group. Its 7.9% uninsured rate ties Josephine and Linn counties as among Oregon's lowest. With 82 primary care and 1,169 mental health providers per 100,000, Lane has robust healthcare infrastructure.

Best provider access in group

Lane County's 7.9% uninsured rate ties the state's best, meaning nearly 9 in 10 residents have health coverage that enables ongoing care. Mental health providers are exceptionally abundant at 1,169 per 100,000—the highest in this eight-county group—reflecting strong investment in behavioral health. Primary care access is solid at 82 providers per 100,000, supporting preventive care and chronic disease management.

Maintain your lane county advantage

Lane County's strong insurance coverage and provider access create a health advantage—maintain it by renewing coverage annually. Visit healthcare.gov or Oregon's marketplace to confirm your plan meets your family's needs and explore any new subsidy opportunities. Consistent insurance is how Lane County sustains its lead in Oregon health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lane County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Education Landscape in Lane County

Lane County features a massive network of 115 public schools, including 58 elementary and 29 high schools. This infrastructure supports a large student body of 43,461 students across 17 different districts.

Performance Challenges and Funding Levels

The county's 78.6% graduation rate remains below the Oregon average of 82.3% and the national target of 87.0%. Local per-pupil spending of $7,370 is also lower than the state average of $7,886 and far behind the national median.

Eugene and Springfield District Hubs

Eugene SD 4J is the largest district with 16,417 students, followed by Springfield SD 19 with 9,263 students. Choice is prevalent here, as 14 charter schools make up over 12% of the county's educational offerings.

Diverse Urban and Rural Campuses

With 67 city schools and 26 rural schools, students experience a wide range of environments. Large high schools like Sheldon and Willamette serve over 1,500 students each, while the average school size countywide is 378.

Settling in Oregon's Educational Hub

Lane County provides families with unmatched variety, from bustling urban schools in Eugene to quiet rural campuses. Consider school district boundaries as a key factor when exploring real estate in this vibrant Valley region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lane County

via RiskByCounty

Lane ranks among highest-risk counties

Lane County's composite risk score of 96.41 places it near the top tier of natural disaster exposure nationwide. The Relatively High rating reflects extreme earthquake (98.76) and flood (97.20) risks that few American counties match. Lane faces a hazard profile comparable to counties in California's seismic zones or Gulf Coast flood plains.

Oregon's most at-risk county

Lane County ranks first among Oregon's 36 counties with a composite score of 96.41—far above the state average of 63.43. The county's extreme earthquake and flood risks push it into Oregon's highest risk category. Lane's exposure rivals or exceeds some of the nation's most hazard-prone regions.

Far riskier than surrounding counties

Lane (96.41) dramatically outpaces neighboring Linn (88.10) and Lincoln (89.95) counties on composite risk. Lane's flood risk of 97.20 and earthquake risk of 98.76 are exceptionally high compared to regional peers. This concentration of hazard exposure in Lane reflects its major urban centers and river-based geography.

Earthquakes and floods pose extreme threats

Lane faces earthquake risk of 98.76 and flood risk of 97.20—two of Oregon's most dangerous exposures. Tornado risk of 20.96, while elevated statewide, is the county's third concern. The combination of seismic and hydrologic hazards makes Lane exceptionally vulnerable to cascading disaster scenarios.

Earthquake and flood insurance essential

Lane County homeowners must secure earthquake insurance and verify flood coverage—both are non-negotiable given the extreme 98.76 and 97.20 risks. Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake and may exclude flood; ensure separate riders are in place. Review coverage annually, as Lane's hazard exposure may trigger policy restrictions or premium increases.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lane County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures and High Humidity

Lane County's average annual temperature of 52.6°F sits just below the national median. This climate is defined by its lack of extreme cold rather than intense heat.

Exceeding the State Rainfall Average

Lane County receives 58.7 inches of rain annually, far surpassing the state average of 37.4 inches. Its 52.6°F average temperature is also slightly warmer than the Oregon average of 50.5°F.

Consistent With the Willamette Valley

Lane shares a similar profile with Marion County, which averages 52.7°F. However, Lane is wetter than Marion, receiving about 1.7 more inches of precipitation each year.

Wet Winters and Gentle Summers

Winters are mild at 41.9°F and see very little snow, averaging only 2.5 inches. Summers stay comfortable with a 64.3°F average and only 15 days exceeding 90°F.

Waterproof Gear is a Local Necessity

With 58.7 inches of annual precipitation, high-quality rain gear and home drainage systems are essential. Rare snowfall means heavy winter equipment isn't necessary for most residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lane County

via SoilByCounty

The foundation of the Valley

Lane County's soil pH and taxonomic order data are currently missing from the regional records. It likely trends toward the Oregon average pH of 5.26, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is a hallmark of the lush, western Oregon landscape.

Diverse textures for diverse crops

Specific measurements for sand, silt, and clay are not provided in the current dataset for Lane County. These ratios determine everything from drainage speed to how easily roots can penetrate the earth. Understanding your texture is the first step toward successful farming in the Willamette Valley.

High potential for organic growth

While specific organic matter data for the county is unavailable, the state average of 29.41% sets a very high bar compared to the 2.0% national average. Lane County's famous fertility supports a massive range of agriculture. Your local soil likely provides a rich environment for both crops and native forests.

Navigating the Valley's hydrology

Data regarding drainage classes and hydrologic groups is not currently specified for this area. In this rainy region, knowing if your soil is well-drained or poorly-drained is essential for managing winter saturation. Local observation is your best tool for understanding how water moves on your site.

Gardening paradise in Zone 8b

In Hardiness Zone 8b, you can grow almost anything from hazelnuts to Pinot Noir grapes. The mild winters and long growing season make this one of the most productive regions in the country. Start your home garden today to enjoy the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lane County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating High-Difficulty Turf in Lane County

Lane County’s lawn difficulty score of 36.2 is significantly lower than the national average, indicating a challenging environment for traditional grass. The zone 8b climate offers mild temperatures but demands high maintenance to stay healthy. Homeowners here face more obstacles than the average Oregon resident.

Heavy Rainfall and Long Seasons

Abundant precipitation of 58.7 inches exceeds the ideal lawn range, often leading to saturated soils and potential fungal issues. The 2147 growing degree days provide a long season for grass to flourish, provided it doesn't drown in the winter rains. Fortunately, the area only sees 15 extreme heat days, reducing summer scorching risks.

Improving Drainage for Saturated Soil

Specific soil metrics are limited, but the high annual rainfall suggests that drainage management is the most important foundation for local lawns. Heavy rains can leach nutrients quickly, making regular fertilization more important than in drier climates. Consider aerating every spring to prevent soil compaction and improve oxygen flow to the roots.

Unexpected Drought Challenges

Despite the rain, Lane County spent 41 weeks in drought last year, and 98.2% of the area is currently abnormally dry. This paradox means lawns that are used to moisture can quickly stress during dry spells. Focus on building deep roots during the wet season to help the turf survive these increasingly common dry windows.

Maximize Your Long Growing Season

Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues are popular in zone 8b because they tolerate the damp winters and mild summers. The threat of frost usually disappears by April 11th, providing a perfect opportunity to overseed or start new patches. You have until November 1st to finish your lawn care tasks before the first fall frost settles in.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lane County's county score?
Lane County, Oregon has a composite county score of 30.8 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 Lane County rank among counties in Oregon?
Lane County ranks #34 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 Lane County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Lane County is $3,417, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Lane County a tax score of 48.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lane County?
The median household income in Lane County, Oregon is $69,311 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lane County earns an income score of 64.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lane County, Oregon a good place to live?
Lane County scores 30.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Lane 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 Lane 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.