CountyScore

Linn County

Oregon · OR

#31 in Oregon
62.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Linn County, Oregon

Linn County well above national baseline

Linn County's composite score of 62.1 comfortably exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper 20th percentile nationally. This reflects competitive livability, especially in income and health metrics compared to most U.S. counties.

Below Oregon average by modest margin

Linn's score of 62.1 falls 4.5 points short of Oregon's state average of 66.6, positioning it in the lower-middle range of Oregon counties. While respectable, it trails several peer counties in overall livability balance.

Highest income in the group

Linn County boasts the highest income score at 31.3, with median household income of $73,396—second only to Marion County. A health score of 70.8 rounds out strong fundamentals for families seeking economic opportunity and medical quality.

Rising housing costs and taxes

The cost score of 64.8 reflects moderate housing affordability strain, with median home values at $344,600 and median rent at $1,273/month. An effective tax rate of 0.908% is among the highest in this cohort, reducing household savings.

Ideal for working families with ambition

Linn County attracts working families and professionals balancing income growth with moderate affordability—offering better wages than most peer counties but requiring acceptance of higher taxes and housing costs. It's best for those seeking employment stability and career advancement without the premium prices of top-tier metros.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.7Cost64.8SafetyComing SoonHealth70.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.3Risk11.9WaterComing Soon
🏛76.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.9
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 Linn County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butte County
California
62.1
Median income: $68,574
Yuba County
California
62.1
Median income: $73,313
Paulding County
Georgia
62.1
Median income: $94,557
Genesee County
Michigan
62.1
Median income: $60,673
Hopkins County
Texas
62.1
Median income: $64,725

Deep Dives

Linn County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Linn County

via TaxByCounty

Linn County taxes rank highest among Oregon peers

Linn County's 0.908% effective tax rate ranks in the top 25% nationally, well above the 0.75% U.S. median. The median tax bill is $3,130—16% higher than the national median of $2,690.

Linn County ranks third-highest in Oregon tax burden

At 0.908%, Linn's rate trails only Marion (0.882%)—wait, this is incorrect; Linn is 0.908%. Linn trails only Marion's 0.882%, ranking second-highest. Linn residents pay $3,130 annually, 14% above Oregon's median of $2,745.

Linn taxes exceed all surrounding Willamette Valley rivals

Linn's 0.908% rate stands above Lane (0.863%) and Marion (0.882%), making it Oregon's second-most expensive tax environment overall. The county's combination of moderate home values and high tax rates creates an outsized burden.

Median Linn home costs $3,130 annually in tax

Linn County's median home value of $344,600 combined with its 0.908% rate yields an annual tax bill of roughly $3,130. With a mortgage attached, expect approximately $3,169 per year.

Linn County homeowners should file assessment appeals

Even in Oregon's highest-taxed county, many properties are overvalued on the assessor's rolls. Filing a free property tax appeal could reduce your annual bill and is worth exploring if you suspect your assessment is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Linn County

via CostByCounty

Linn Balances Income and Affordability Well

Linn County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% slightly exceeds Oregon's 19.4% average but sits comfortably within manageable ranges, buoyed by household income of $73,396—nearly matching the national median of $74,755. This alignment between income and housing costs creates the region's more balanced affordability profile.

Slightly Above State Average

Linn County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks modestly above Oregon's 19.4% average, reflecting its mid-Willamette Valley position between affordable rural areas and pricier urban centers. The county's stronger incomes relative to many peers help offset slightly higher housing costs.

Premium Over South, Discount vs. North

Linn's median rent of $1,273 exceeds most southern Oregon counties but trails Marion to the south by just $60, reflecting similar mid-valley market dynamics. Linn residents earn notably more than southern Oregon peers, making even higher rents more manageable on a percentage-of-income basis.

Income Strength Supports Higher Rents

Monthly rent averages $1,273 while homeownership costs run $1,333, with median home values at $344,600, and households earning $73,396 annually. Housing costs consume 20.8% of income for renters—near the state average—thanks to incomes that outpace most Oregon counties outside major metros.

Solid Middle Ground for Relocators

Linn County offers reasonable housing affordability paired with competitive incomes, making it attractive for those balancing cost concerns with employment opportunities. Compared to Lane's urban premium or southern Oregon's affordability, Linn provides mid-Willamette access without either extreme.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Linn County

via IncomeByCounty

Linn County nearly matches national income

Linn County's median household income of $73,396 closes to within 2% of the national median of $74,755, making it essentially equivalent to typical American earnings. The $1,359 difference is minimal and reflects Linn's industrial strength and manufacturing base centered on machine tooling and forestry products. Linn ranks solidly in the national upper-middle tier of county income levels.

Above Oregon's state median

At $73,396, Linn County exceeds Oregon's state median of $69,965 by $3,431, placing it in Oregon's upper tier among 36 counties. This advantage reflects a robust manufacturing and industrial sector with historically strong union wages, particularly in metal fabrication and wood products. Linn's position as an economic leader in the Willamette Valley supports this earnings strength.

Second-strongest earner statewide

Linn's $73,396 income ranks second in Oregon only to Marion County's $74,624, substantially exceeding Lane ($69,311), Lincoln ($61,314), and rural southern counties. This peer comparison highlights Linn's manufacturing base as a wage driver compared to tourism-dependent or agricultural regions. Shared proximity to Salem (Marion) and Eugene (Lane) hasn't prevented Linn's economic leadership.

Reasonable housing costs for strong income

Linn's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% indicates housing costs claim a manageable portion of median income, well below the national stress threshold. A median home value of $344,600—lower than most Oregon counties—makes homeownership genuinely accessible for median-earning households. This combination provides the financial cushion needed for savings and wealth building.

Manufacturing jobs offer pension opportunities

Linn County households benefiting from union manufacturing jobs often have access to defined benefit pensions and robust 401(k) plans—powerful wealth-building tools. Those earning $73,396 should maximize retirement contributions and consider diversified investments to supplement pensions. Linn's stable industrial base provides unique financial security compared to more volatile economies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Linn County

via HealthByCounty

Valley county matches national trends

Linn County residents live to 75.9 years, about 3.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Only 18.5% report poor or fair health—Oregon's best rate in this group and better than the national average of 21%. Linn County shows strong health management despite modest life expectancy gains.

Lower disease burden than average

Linn County's 75.9-year life expectancy is 1.1 years below Oregon's 77.0-year average, placing it in the middle tier of state performers. Its 18.5% poor/fair health rate is the best among Oregon's eight counties shown here and below the state average, indicating effective chronic disease prevention. Linn County punches above its weight on health management.

Best health status, solid access

Linn County's 75.9-year life expectancy falls below Marion County (77.5 years) and Lane County (77.1 years) but exceeds all southern Oregon peers. Its 18.5% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in this group, and its 7.9% uninsured rate ties the state's best. Primary care providers number 59 per 100,000, and mental health services are limited at 264 per 100,000.

Strong insurance, lean mental health

Linn County's 7.9% uninsured rate matches Oregon's best, meaning strong insurance enrollment supports preventive care access. Primary care infrastructure at 59 per 100,000 is modest but workable for the valley location. Mental health provider access lags significantly at just 264 per 100,000, making behavioral health services harder to locate than medical care.

Keep coverage strong in Linn

Linn County's exceptional health status rates—18.5% poor/fair health is Oregon's best—reflect consistent insurance coverage and health-conscious residents. Visit healthcare.gov or Oregon's marketplace to renew coverage and explore any new subsidy opportunities. Staying insured helps Linn County maintain its health management edge.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Linn County

via RiskByCounty

Linn ranks above-average for disaster risk

Linn County's composite risk score of 88.10 places it above the national average, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. The county's earthquake risk of 97.52 is exceptional by U.S. standards, rivaling seismically active regions in California and the Pacific Northwest. Flood risk of 86.26 adds a secondary but serious vulnerability.

Fifth-highest risk in Oregon

Linn ranks fifth among Oregon's 36 counties at 88.10—well above the state average of 63.43. Only Lane, Marion, Josephine, and one other county show higher composite risk scores. Linn's position reflects its Willamette Valley location, where flooding and seismic hazards intersect.

Higher risk than Lake, comparable to Lincoln

Linn (88.10) significantly exceeds nearby Lake (19.08) and nearly matches Lincoln (89.95) on composite risk. Linn's earthquake risk of 97.52 is comparable to Lincoln's 97.77, while Linn's flood risk (86.26) mirrors Lincoln's exposure. This makes Linn Oregon's inland equivalent to coastal hazard vulnerabilities.

Earthquakes and floods are primary concerns

Linn faces earthquake risk of 97.52 and flood risk of 86.26—the two dominant hazards shaping the county's risk profile. Tornado risk of 15.74 adds a tertiary but growing concern, particularly in eastern sections. Wildfire risk of 58.40 remains present but lower priority.

Add earthquake and flood coverage today

Linn County homeowners must obtain earthquake insurance given the 97.52 risk—this is essential for Willamette Valley residents. Flood insurance is equally critical, particularly for properties near rivers; the 86.26 flood risk makes it a legitimate necessity, not an optional rider. Bundle both coverages and review annually for changes in premium or coverage limits.

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.