countyscore
34.2
County Score
Weather & Climate 69.5Health 55Property Tax 50.1

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Oregon

Coastal Living with National Hurdles

With a composite score of 34.2, Lincoln County falls well below the national median of 50.0. The data profile reflects the typical struggles of regions with high tourism and limited infrastructure.

Competing Within the Coastal Belt

Lincoln's score of 34.2 is lower than Oregon's statewide average of 42.5. It competes closely with other coastal counties but lags behind the high-performing inland regions.

Solid Health and Tax Scores

Health outcomes are a bright spot with a score of 55.0, indicating better-than-average wellness metrics. The tax score of 50.1 also shows a moderate tax burden relative to the rest of the nation.

Environmental Risks and School Needs

Environmental risks score a low 10.1, reflecting the vulnerability inherent in a coastal geography. Educational performance (28.0) and housing costs (21.3) also present significant barriers for residents.

Suited for Health-Conscious Retirees

This county is a strong choice for retirees who prioritize healthcare and scenic views over career growth or school quality. It fits those who can afford coastal premiums while accepting environmental risks.

Score breakdown

Tax50.1Cost21.3Safety22.4Health55Schools28Income43Risk10.1Water27.8Weather69.5
🏛50.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.9
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

Benton County
Oregon
35.8
Polk County
Oregon
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Linn County
Oregon
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Yamhill County
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Tillamook County
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Lane County
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Marion County
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Washington County
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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County taxes rank above U.S. typical level

Lincoln County's 0.836% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.75%, placing it in the top 35% nationwide. The median tax bill is $3,241—20% above the national median of $2,690.

Lincoln County ranks fourth-highest among Oregon counties

Lincoln's 0.836% rate sits 8% above Oregon's 0.775% state average and trails only Marion, Lane, and Linn counties. Residents pay $3,241 annually—18% above Oregon's median tax of $2,745.

Lincoln taxes exceed most surrounding Oregon counties

Lincoln's 0.836% rate significantly outpaces southern Oregon peers like Josephine (0.528%) and Klamath (0.678%). Only Lane and Marion counties in the Willamette Valley surpass Lincoln's tax burden.

Median Lincoln home costs $3,241 annually in tax

With a median home value of $387,700 and a 0.836% effective rate, Lincoln homeowners pay approximately $3,241 per year in property taxes. The mortgage-inclusive figure rises to roughly $3,265 annually.

Lincoln County property appeals can unlock real savings

Many Lincoln County homeowners are overassessed, meaning they're paying taxes on inflated valuations. File a free appeal with the county assessor to verify your home's assessment reflects its actual market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Coastal Housing Costs Peak in Lincoln

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% significantly exceeds Oregon's 19.4% state average, driven by coastal housing demand and limited supply. Median household income of $61,314 falls well below the national average of $74,755, yet monthly rent of $1,150 approaches what Lane County renters pay—creating sharp affordability pressure.

Above-Average Burden on Below-Average Incomes

Lincoln County's 22.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Oregon's most burdened, exceeding the state average of 19.4% by meaningful margins. The combination of lower incomes and higher coastal rents creates one of the state's most challenging housing affordability pictures.

Coastal Premium in Full Effect

Lincoln's median rent of $1,150 rivals Josephine ($1,157) and Klamath ($973), but Lincoln residents earn considerably less, making the same rent consume more of their budgets. Only Lane County renters pay substantially more in absolute dollars, yet Lane incomes are $8,000 higher annually, softening the burden significantly.

Rent Rivals Home Ownership Costs

Renters spend $1,150 monthly while homeowners pay $1,087, with median home values at $387,700—among Oregon's highest for the given income levels. At 22.5% of household income devoted to rent alone, Lincoln residents face the state's tightest affordability margins, with limited financial cushion for emergencies or savings.

Weigh Coastal Living Against Finances

Lincoln County's ocean access and natural beauty command premium housing costs that may strain lower-income households; consider Klamath or Lake counties for comparable quality at lower cost. Those willing to relocate inland can cut housing expenses by 15-30% while maintaining small-town Oregon character.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln trails national income standard

Lincoln County's median household income of $61,314 falls 18% below the national median of $74,755, a significant gap reflecting limited wage growth in coastal Oregon. The $13,441 difference underscores challenges facing small, tourism- and timber-dependent economies competing nationally. Lincoln ranks in the lower third of U.S. county earnings despite its scenic assets.

Below Oregon average, mid-tier ranking

At $61,314, Lincoln County lags Oregon's state median of $69,965 by $8,651, placing it in the lower-middle ranks among Oregon's 36 counties. This gap reflects the coast's economic isolation from Portland and Salem job centers, where higher-wage employment clusters. Lincoln's position suggests limited recent job creation in higher-paying sectors.

Better positioned than inland rural peers

Lincoln's $61,314 income exceeds inland rural counties Josephine ($59,097) and Klamath ($59,353) but trails Lane County's $69,311 by a significant margin. Compared to Lake County ($61,222), Lincoln nearly matches its inland neighbor, suggesting similar economic constraints. Coastal location hasn't translated into higher wages despite tourist appeal.

High housing costs strain affordability

Lincoln's rent-to-income ratio of 22.5% indicates housing claims more than one-fifth of median income, among the state's tightest affordability levels. A median home value of $387,700—comparable to Lane County—means many households struggle to afford homeownership. Renters face particular pressure, with limited lower-cost housing stock available.

Coastal living requires disciplined saving

Lincoln households earning $61,314 must balance enjoying coastal amenities with rigorous financial planning to build wealth amid high housing costs. Prioritizing employer retirement plans and automating savings—even $75 monthly—protects long-term financial health. Local nonprofits may offer homebuyer assistance programs tailored to Oregon coastal communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Coastal safety outperforms national trends

Lincoln County holds a safety score of 96.9, making it safer than the national average. The total crime rate of 1,988.7 per 100K is lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

A secure choice within Oregon

Lincoln's safety score of 96.9 is better than the statewide average of 96.3. Six reporting agencies work together to manage public safety along the coastline.

Safer than the neighboring Lane County

The crime rate here is significantly lower than in neighboring Lane County, which sees 2,849.7 incidents per 100K. This makes Lincoln a notably more secure coastal alternative.

Property incidents outnumber violent crime

The property crime rate stands at 1,700.6, while violent crime is much lower at 288.1. While violent crime is slightly above the state average, overall safety remains high.

Smart security for coastal properties

Using exterior lighting and motion sensors can help deter trespassing and theft. Residents should remain aware of seasonal property crime fluctuations during peak tourism months.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Coastal county beats national average

Lincoln County residents live to 76.1 years, about 3.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years but respectable for a rural coastal area. Only 18.8% report poor or fair health, better than the national rate of 21%, suggesting effective chronic disease management. Lincoln County shows stronger health outcomes than many comparable rural counties.

Middle performer within Oregon

Lincoln County's 76.1-year life expectancy falls slightly short of Oregon's 77.0-year average but ranks above counties facing greater economic hardship. Its 18.8% poor/fair health rate is Oregon's best in this eight-county group, indicating lower chronic disease prevalence. Lincoln County performs in the healthy middle tier of Oregon's county rankings.

Outperforms most rural peers

Lincoln County's 76.1-year life expectancy exceeds Klamath County (73.3 years), Josephine County (74.6 years), and Malheur County (75.1 years), but trails Lane County (77.1 years) and Marion County (77.5 years). Its 8.8% uninsured rate is close to the state average of 8.1%, though slightly higher. Primary care access at 57 per 100,000 is lean for a coastal county.

Good coverage, limited primary care

Lincoln County's 8.8% uninsured rate is near the state average, meaning most residents have insurance pathways to care. However, primary care providers are sparse at 57 per 100,000—below Oregon's typical supply—so patients may face wait times or travel requirements. Mental health services are moderately available at 551 per 100,000, supporting residents seeking behavioral health support.

Stay covered on the coast

Lincoln County's strong health outcomes depend on residents maintaining insurance coverage year-round. Visit healthcare.gov or Oregon's marketplace to confirm enrollment and explore plan options for your household. Consistent coverage supports Lincoln County's above-average health trends.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coastal Education in Lincoln County

Lincoln County operates 18 public schools serving 5,111 students, all managed under a single unified district. The infrastructure includes 6 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 5 high schools along the coast.

Academic Outcomes on the Oregon Coast

The graduation rate of 80.0% is slightly below the state average of 82.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is $7,260, which sits below the Oregon average of $7,886 and nearly $6,000 below the national average.

A Unified Coastal District

Lincoln County SD manages all 18 schools in the county, providing a consistent curriculum for its 5,111 students. Charter schools are a significant part of the mix, with 3 institutions representing 16.7% of all schools.

Small Town Schools by the Sea

Most schools are located in town settings, with an average enrollment of 284 students per campus. Newport High School is the largest with 624 students, followed by Newport Middle and Taft High.

Finding Your Home Near Coastal Schools

Buying a home in Lincoln County means joining a tight-knit coastal community with focused school environments. Prospective homeowners should look at the Newport and Taft areas for proximity to the county's largest educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln's disaster risk exceeds U.S. average

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 89.95 sits well above the national average, reflecting Relatively Moderate exposure. The county's earthquake risk of 97.77 is particularly severe, placing it among America's most seismically vulnerable regions. Combined with substantial flood risk, Lincoln faces hazard exposure comparable to many high-risk coastal areas.

Third-riskiest county in Oregon

Lincoln ranks third among Oregon's 36 counties at 89.95—significantly above the state average of 63.43. Only Lane and Marion counties exceed Lincoln's composite risk score. Lincoln's coastal location drives both earthquake (97.77) and flood (86.58) vulnerabilities that dominate the county's hazard profile.

Riskier than coastal and inland peers

Lincoln (89.95) outpaces nearby Lane (96.41)—wait, correction: Lane is riskier. Lincoln (89.95) exceeds Linn (88.10) and significantly surpasses Lake (19.08). Lincoln's position on Oregon's central coast amplifies both earthquake and flood risks compared to inland counties. This coastal vulnerability is the defining feature of Lincoln's risk profile.

Earthquakes and floods threaten Lincoln

Lincoln's extreme earthquake risk of 97.77 is its most critical hazard, reflecting the county's position near the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Flood risk of 86.58 compounds coastal vulnerability, while wildfire risk (50.80) remains elevated but secondary. Tornado risk of 11.20 poses minimal threat by comparison.

Earthquake and flood coverage are critical

Lincoln County residents must obtain earthquake insurance—the 97.77 risk makes it non-optional for any serious homeowner. Verify flood coverage separately, as standard homeowners policies exclude it; proximity to the coast makes flood insurance a legitimate financial necessity. Consider working with an insurance broker experienced in coastal Oregon hazards to optimize coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures with Coastal Rain

Lincoln County averages 51.2°F, staying slightly cooler than the national median temperature. The maritime influence prevents the temperature extremes seen in other parts of the country.

The Wettest County in the Region

The county's 83.5 inches of annual rain is more than double the Oregon state average of 37.4 inches. Despite the heavy rain, it remains slightly warmer than the state average temperature.

Cooler Summers than Inland Neighbors

Compared to Lane County's 66.2°F July average, Lincoln stays much cooler at 59.6°F. It also receives nearly 25 inches more rain per year than Lane.

A Year Without Extreme Heat

Lincoln County records only one extreme heat day per year on average. Winters are remarkably mild at 44.2°F with virtually no snow, averaging only 0.5 inches.

Invest in Humidity and Moisture Control

Dehumidifiers and moisture-resistant building materials are crucial for 83.5 inches of annual rain. Air conditioning is rarely needed since extreme heat is almost non-existent here.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal soil characteristics

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Lincoln County are currently unavailable in our regional records. Coastal soils often deal with unique salt levels and high moisture that differ from the 5.26 state average pH. Testing your soil can help you identify its specific needs for coastal gardening.

Adapting to the coastal mix

The current dataset does not include specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay for this county. These components are vital for determining how fast water drains away after a heavy Pacific storm. Knowing your soil's composition helps you choose the right plants for the coast.

Rich heritage of organic matter

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently missing for this coastal region. However, Oregon’s impressive 29.41% state average suggests that your soil is likely much richer than the 2.0% national average. This fertility supports the lush, evergreen forests that define the county's skyline.

Managing high-rainfall drainage

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for Lincoln County. In a region famous for rain, observing how quickly puddles disappear is the best way to understand your land's hydrology. Proper drainage is key to keeping your garden healthy during the wet winters.

Maritime gardening in Zone 9a

Lincoln County’s Zone 9a climate allows for year-round gardening of many cool-season crops. Hydrangeas, berries, and kale thrive in the mild, salt-tinged air of the Oregon coast. Get outside and start a garden that embraces the unique maritime environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Lawns Face Unique Obstacles

Lincoln County matches the state average with a 38.9 lawn difficulty score, reflecting the unique challenges of the Oregon coast. The hardiness zone 9a climate is exceptionally mild but stays very wet throughout the year. Maintaining a traditional lawn here requires managing moisture and persistent cloud cover.

Extreme Rainfall and Cool Summers

With a staggering 83.5 inches of annual precipitation, Lincoln County is one of the wettest environments for lawns in the nation. The county only experiences one extreme heat day per year, and the July average stays a cool 59.6°F. This lack of heat combined with constant moisture creates a high risk for moss and water-logged turf.

Combatting Moss and Poor Drainage

While specific soil data is unavailable, coastal soils often struggle with high acidity and compaction from heavy rains. Drainage is the critical factor here; without it, grass roots will rot in the 83.5 inches of annual rain. Adding sand or grit to the soil profile can help water move away from the surface more effectively.

Brief Dry Spells in a Wet Climate

The county saw 29 weeks of drought over the past year, though currently only 10% of the area is abnormally dry. Even in this wet climate, summer dry spells can surprise coastal lawns that aren't used to heat. Rain barrels are a great way to store winter runoff for use during those rare weeks when the clouds actually clear.

Cool-Season Success on the Coast

Bentgrass and fine fescue are well-suited for the cool, damp conditions of zone 9a. With the last spring frost occurring as early as April 4th, you can get an early start on your lawn projects. The exceptionally late first frost on November 27th allows for a very long window of fall maintenance and repair.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Oregon has a composite county score of 34.2 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Oregon?
Lincoln County ranks #30 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 Lincoln County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $3,241, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 50.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Oregon is $61,314 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 43/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Oregon a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 34.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.