CountyScore

Morrow County

Oregon · OR

#9 in Oregon
70.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Morrow County, Oregon

Morrow outpaces national median by 40%

Morrow County's composite score of 70.2 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. This rural Oregon county delivers livability that rivals or exceeds most metropolitan areas nationwide.

Above average for Oregon overall

With a score of 70.2, Morrow ranks above Oregon's state average of 66.6, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. It stands among a select group of Oregon counties where livability metrics are strongest.

Tax breaks and affordable housing shine

Morrow excels at affordability, with a tax score of 79.2 (effective rate of 0.82%) and a cost score of 77.5—meaning median rent is just $910/month and median home values sit at $229,800. The county also maintains a solid risk score of 73.7, indicating relative stability in economic and environmental conditions.

Income levels lag significantly behind

The county's income score of 29.2 reflects a median household income of $70,217, notably below state and national norms. This trade-off between low costs and lower wages is typical of rural Oregon counties.

Ideal for budget-conscious rural seekers

Morrow County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes, affordable housing, and a quiet rural lifestyle over high earning potential. If you can work remotely or are retired, Morrow delivers exceptional value and economic stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.2Cost77.5SafetyComing SoonHealth63.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome29.2Risk73.7WaterComing Soon
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73.7
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 Morrow County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Lafayette County
Arkansas
70.2
Median income: $37,237
Quitman County
Georgia
70.2
Median income: $36,838
Mahaska County
Iowa
70.2
Median income: $69,019
Jessamine County
Kentucky
70.2
Median income: $74,886
Lawrence County
Kentucky
70.2
Median income: $45,584

Deep Dives

Morrow County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.