countyscore
45.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 73.7Schools 71.7Income & Jobs 67.1

County Report Card

About Morrow County, Oregon

A steady performer in the Pacific Northwest

Morrow County earns a composite score of 45.1, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. While it trails the middle of the pack nationwide, it remains a competitive option within the regional landscape.

Outperforming the Oregon state average

With a score of 45.1, Morrow County surpasses the Oregon state average of 42.5. It offers a more balanced profile than many of its neighboring counties across the state.

High scores in schools and environmental safety

The county excels with a school score of 71.7 and a risk score of 73.7, indicating strong educational foundations and low environmental hazards. Residents also benefit from a solid income score of 67.1, supported by a median household income of $70,217.

Improving safety and water quality

The safety score of 20.8 stands as the primary area for improvement within the county. Additionally, a water score of 33.9 suggests that infrastructure and resource management are current focus areas for local officials.

Ideal for families seeking rural stability

Morrow County is a strong fit for families who prioritize quality schools and high environmental safety. Its mix of moderate taxes and decent income levels provides a stable foundation for those looking to settle in Eastern Oregon.

Score breakdown

Tax51.5Cost37.9Safety20.8Health40.7Schools71.7Income67.1Risk73.7Water33.9Weather47.9
🏛51.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓71.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧33.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤47.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.8
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

Gilliam County
Oregon
44.9
Umatilla County
Oregon
33.2
Benton County
Washington
36.8
Sherman County
Oregon
55.3
Wheeler County
Oregon
55.3
Klickitat County
Washington
52.7
Walla Walla County
Washington
37
Grant County
Oregon
64.1

Deep Dives

Morrow County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morrow County

via TaxByCounty

Morrow's rate is below national median

At 0.82%, Morrow County's effective tax rate runs lower than the national median of 0.99%, putting homeowners ahead on the property tax burden. The median property tax bill here is $1,885—well below the national median of $2,690—making Morrow one of the more affordable counties nationally.

Above Oregon's average rate

Morrow's 0.82% effective rate exceeds Oregon's state average of 0.775%, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's counties. The state median property tax is $2,745, but Morrow residents pay just $1,885—a gap driven by lower home values in the county.

Competitive with regional peers

Morrow's 0.82% rate sits between Sherman County's low 0.695% and Gilliam County peers, reflecting the high-desert region's generally moderate tax burden. Among similar rural northeastern Oregon counties, Morrow remains in the middle ground for both rate and actual tax bills.

Typical Morrow home costs $1,885 yearly

With a median home value of $229,800 and the county's 0.82% rate, a typical homeowner pays about $1,885 annually in property taxes. Owners with a mortgage pay slightly more at $2,027 due to escrow requirements; those without pay around $1,683.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Oregon homeowners discover their properties are assessed above market value, creating opportunities to appeal and reduce annual tax bills. If your home appraisal seems high, Morrow County allows formal challenges that often result in meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morrow County

via CostByCounty

Morrow stays well below national pressure

At 15.6%, Morrow County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their earnings on housing than typical Americans. The county's median household income of $70,217 is slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain remarkably restrained.

Among Oregon's most affordable counties

Morrow County ranks as one of Oregon's most housing-friendly markets, with a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 19.4%. At just $910 monthly for median rent—compared to Oregon's $1,137—renters here benefit from rural affordability without sacrificing income.

Morrow leads the eastern counties

Morrow's $910 rent undercuts nearby Umatilla County ($962) and significantly beats Wallowa County ($858) on income-adjusted affordability. With a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio, Morrow competes favorably against neighboring Sherman (19.1%) and Union (18.4%) counties.

Where your dollar stretches furthest

Morrow renters spend roughly $910 monthly while homeowners budget $951 for mortgage payments, leaving substantial income for other necessities. The median home value of $229,800 remains accessible compared to state trends, with housing consuming just 15.6% of household income.

Consider Morrow for real affordability

If housing costs drive your relocation decision, Morrow County delivers rare affordability in Oregon—rent runs $227 below state average while incomes remain competitive. Eastern Oregon's rural charm comes with financial breathing room that larger counties simply cannot match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morrow County

via IncomeByCounty

Morrow ranks slightly below the nation

Morrow County's median household income of $70,217 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 6%, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. Despite this gap, the county outperforms many rural peers and maintains reasonable income stability across its smaller population base.

Above average for Oregon

At $70,217, Morrow County's median income exceeds Oregon's state average of $69,965 by nearly $250. This positions the county in the upper half of Oregon's 36 counties, a solid standing for a rural area with limited urban economic centers.

Outearns several Eastern Oregon peers

Morrow's $70,217 edges out Umatilla County ($68,958) and Wallowa County ($65,559), though it trails Polk County ($81,318) significantly. Among neighboring rural counties, Morrow holds a competitive middle ground with solid per-capita earnings of $30,787.

Housing costs stay manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, Morrow County residents dedicate a healthy portion of earnings to housing without strain—well below the 30% threshold that signals affordability pressure. The median home value of $229,800 aligns reasonably with local incomes, supporting long-term homeownership viability.

Build financial security in Morrow

With manageable housing costs and stable incomes, Morrow residents have room to save and invest for retirement or education. Consider meeting with a financial planner to maximize employer benefits and explore tax-advantaged savings accounts that can compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morrow County

via CrimeByCounty

Morrow County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Morrow County maintains a strong safety score of 96.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 2,051.1 per 100,000 residents sits comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Beaver State

Morrow County ranks well within Oregon's top tier for public safety. Its safety score of 96.8 exceeds the Oregon state average of 96.3, reflecting a secure environment for residents.

Safer Streets Than Eastern Neighbors

Morrow County is significantly safer than neighboring Umatilla County, which reports a much higher crime rate of 2,858.4 per 100,000. This makes Morrow a regional leader in crime prevention.

Analyzing the Violent and Property Divide

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 1,672.2 per 100,000 residents. While the violent crime rate of 378.9 is slightly above the national average of 369.8, the overall crime footprint remains low.

Bolster Your Local Home Security

Residents should remain vigilant against property theft, which represents over 80% of local crime. Simple upgrades like motion-sensor lighting and smart locks effectively deter opportunistic intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Morrow County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags behind national peers

Morrow County residents live an average of 76.5 years, about 1.8 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. One in four residents (24.1%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%, signaling broader health challenges across the county.

Below Oregon's health outcomes

At 76.5 years, Morrow County's life expectancy trails Oregon's state average of 77.0 years. The county also faces a higher poor/fair health rate (24.1%) compared to most Oregon peers, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties on this measure.

Eastern Oregon's health challenge

Morrow County's 76.5-year life expectancy is similar to neighboring Umatilla County (75.9 years) and Union County (76.5 years), reflecting shared rural health pressures across eastern Oregon. The county's 24.1% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds its neighbors' rates, indicating distinct health burdens in Morrow County.

Primary care access is limited

With just 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Morrow County has far fewer doctors than the state average and faces real challenges scheduling appointments. The 10.7% uninsured rate—higher than Oregon's 8.1% average—means many residents delay or skip care due to cost.

Explore coverage options today

If you're among the 10.7% of uninsured Morrow County residents, health insurance is more affordable than you might think. Visit Oregon Health Plan or Healthcare.gov to check eligibility and enroll in a plan that fits your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Morrow County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but High-Performing School Network

Morrow County supports a community of 2,441 students across 10 public schools. The infrastructure includes three elementary, two middle, and three high schools managed by two distinct districts.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Beat State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 91.8% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the Oregon average of 82.3% and the national mark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $9,254 is lower than the national average, it remains well above the state average of $7,886.

Morrow SD 1 Leads the Region

Morrow SD 1 is the primary provider here, serving 2,307 students across nine different schools. The county also offers school choice through one charter school, which represents 10% of the total local school inventory.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

With six schools in town settings and four in rural areas, students experience small, tight-knit environments averaging just 244 pupils. Riverside Junior/Senior High is the largest at 496 students, while many elementary schools remain quite intimate.

Quiet Communities with Strong Academic Results

Families seeking high graduation rates and small class sizes should consider homes near Riverside or Irrigon. School quality remains a primary driver for property values in these growing agricultural communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morrow County

via RiskByCounty

Morrow County risks well below national average

With a composite risk score of 26.37, Morrow County ranks as Very Low—significantly safer than the typical U.S. county. This score reflects a county where most hazards pose minimal threat, though wildfire remains an exception worth monitoring.

Among Oregon's safest counties

Morrow County's composite score of 26.37 places it well below Oregon's state average of 63.43, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. Only a handful of Oregon counties experience comparable safety levels across multiple hazard types.

Safer than surrounding counties

Morrow County's score of 26.37 substantially undercuts nearby Gilliam, Wheeler, and Sherman counties, which face higher composite risks. The county's relatively arid geography and sparse development contribute to lower overall exposure compared to neighbors.

Wildfire is Morrow's primary hazard

Wildfire risk scores 91.95—nearly the highest in the county—reflecting the dry grassland environment typical of Eastern Oregon. Earthquake risk (57.92) poses a secondary concern, though flood and tornado threats remain minimal.

Prioritize wildfire coverage now

Standard homeowners policies often exclude wildfire damage; Morrow County residents should verify coverage or purchase a separate policy. Given your county's very low overall risk, basic earthquake and flood riders may provide sufficient protection at reasonable cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morrow County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm and Arid Plateau Climate

Morrow County averages 52.8°F annually, placing it very close to the national median temperature. This semi-arid region receives only 10.8 inches of rain each year, far below the national average for moisture.

Surpassing Oregon's Average Temperatures

The county is significantly warmer than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. While much of the state deals with heavy rainfall, Morrow remains one of the drier and warmer pockets in the Pacific Northwest.

Warmer and Drier Than Its Neighbors

Morrow’s 52.8°F average exceeds neighbor Sherman County at 49.2°F and Umatilla County at 51.9°F. It records roughly 4 inches less annual precipitation than Umatilla, highlighting its position in the rain shadow.

Scorching Summers and Light Winter Snow

Residents face 37 extreme heat days above 90°F annually, driven by a July average of 73.3°F. Winters stay relatively mild with 8.3 inches of snow and a January average of 35.5°F.

Prepare for Heat and Low Moisture

Central air conditioning is essential here to manage more than a month of extreme summer heat. Gardeners should prioritize drought-tolerant landscaping since the county receives 26 inches less rain than the state average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morrow County

via SoilByCounty

Morrow's Agricultural Foundation

While specific taxonomic data for Morrow County is currently unrecorded, the region sits in a transition zone for Oregon soils. Local pH levels remain unquantified against the national 6.5 median, though the area is known for its vast dryland farming potential.

A Desert Landscape's Hidden Texture

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unavailable for this county. However, the region typically features the light, workable soils necessary for large-scale wheat production. These textures generally facilitate rapid drainage across the high desert terrain.

Productivity in an Arid Environment

Local organic matter and water capacity figures are not yet benchmarked against the state's 29.41% organic matter average. Despite the lack of specific data, growers here successfully manage significant yields through careful irrigation. The soil's potential is best seen in the county's thriving agricultural exports.

Managing Water in the High Desert

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data set. This lack of data suggests a need for site-specific testing before major building or farming projects. Understanding how water moves through this ground is essential for desert gardening success.

Growing in Hardiness Zone 7b

With a 7b hardiness rating, Morrow County supports hardy vegetables and sun-loving grains. This climate rewards those who use mulch to preserve precious moisture. Start your garden with drought-tolerant varieties that thrive in eastern Oregon's unique environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morrow County

via LawnByCounty

Morrow's Arid Lawn Challenge

Morrow County earns a lawn difficulty score of 33.8, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. Maintaining turf in this Zone 7b environment is considerably harder than the Oregon state average of 38.9.

Searing Heat and Sparse Rain

The county receives just 10.8 inches of annual rain, falling far short of the 30-50 inches lawns prefer. With 37 extreme heat days and 2,866 growing degree days, grass requires heavy irrigation to survive the summer.

Unknown Soil Secrets

Local soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for Morrow County. Homeowners should perform a professional soil test to see how close their yard is to the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Managing Chronic Dry Spells

The county endured 39 weeks of drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently remains abnormally dry. To conserve water, residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering cycles during the early morning hours.

Hardy Grass for High Desert

Drought-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue or Wheatgrass are the most reliable choices for Zone 7b. Plan your seeding after the last spring frost on April 26 to ensure the best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morrow County's county score?
Morrow County, Oregon has a composite county score of 45.1 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 Morrow County rank among counties in Oregon?
Morrow County ranks #10 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 Morrow County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Morrow County is $1,885, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Morrow County a tax score of 51.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morrow County?
The median household income in Morrow County, Oregon is $70,217 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morrow County earns an income score of 67.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morrow County, Oregon a good place to live?
Morrow County scores 45.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Morrow 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 Morrow 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.