countyscore
31
County Score
Income & Jobs 65.6Weather & 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.

2040608010048.912.19.459.528.565.63.62961.3Tax48.9Cost12.1Safety9.4Health59.5Schools28.5Income65.6Risk3.6Water29Weather61.331/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Lane County DNA

Foverall

How Lane County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lane County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (65.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (9.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.9
Cost
12.1-35.9
Safety
9.4-45.6
Health
59.5+9.5
Schools
28.5-25.5
Income
65.6+14.599999999999994
Risk
3.6-43.4
Water
29-29
Weather
61.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$430,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,355/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$430,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$54,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $71,544/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Benton County
Oregon
35.8
Linn County
Oregon
35.2
Douglas County
Oregon
37.1
Lincoln County
Oregon
33.9
Marion County
Oregon
30.5
Polk County
Oregon
43.7
Coos County
Oregon
29.8
Yamhill County
Oregon
40.9

Deep Dives

Lane County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 31 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 $3,536, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Lane County a tax score of 48.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lane County?
The median household income in Lane County, Oregon is $71,544 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lane County earns an income score of 65.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lane County, Oregon a good place to live?
Lane County scores 31/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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