CountyScore

Lincoln County

Oregon · OR

#26 in Oregon
63.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Oregon

Lincoln exceeds U.S. livability norm

Lincoln County's composite score of 63.6 outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper 25th percentile of American counties. This solid performance reflects particular strength in tax efficiency and health factors.

Slightly below Oregon state average

With a score of 63.6 versus Oregon's average of 66.6, Lincoln ranks in the middle-to-lower range of Oregon counties. It performs adequately but doesn't distinguish itself among the state's most livable communities.

Balanced tax and health profiles

Lincoln County maintains a strong tax score of 78.8 with an effective rate of 0.836%, providing meaningful savings for property owners. Its health score of 69.9 demonstrates solid healthcare quality and community wellness, supporting residents' long-term wellbeing.

Modest income and elevated housing costs

The income score of 23.4 and median household income of $61,314 limit economic mobility for lower-earning families. Housing affordability is also constrained with median home values at $387,700 and median rent at $1,150/month, creating pressure on family budgets.

Suited for retirees with moderate means

Lincoln County works best for retirees and established professionals seeking a moderate-cost-of-living balance between affordability and good healthcare. Its coastal character, combined with reasonable taxes and solid health infrastructure, makes it attractive for those valuing healthcare access and community stability over rapid wealth building.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78.8Cost70.9SafetyComing SoonHealth69.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.4Risk10.1WaterComing Soon
🏛78.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡10.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lincoln County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Fayette County
Georgia
63.6
Median income: $108,986
Maui County
Hawaii
63.6
Median income: $95,076
Macoupin County
Illinois
63.6
Median income: $68,518
East Baton Rouge Parish
Louisiana
63.6
Median income: $63,075
Kent County
Michigan
63.6
Median income: $80,390

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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