countyscore
44.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.4Soil Quality 74.4Health 70.9

County Report Card

About Multnomah County, Oregon

High earning power meets urban pressures

Multnomah County scores 44.4 overall, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. While the county boasts elite income levels, it faces significant national-level competition regarding cost of living and environmental risk.

Beating the state average despite high costs

The county's composite score of 44.4 remains higher than the Oregon state average of 42.5. This indicates that its economic strengths often outweigh the regional challenges faced by other Oregonian locales.

An economic powerhouse with strong health

An exceptional income score of 89.4 reflects a high median household income of $86,247. The county also supports resident well-being with a health score of 70.9 and a reliable water score of 66.8.

Navigating environmental risks and high expenses

Environmental risk is a major concern with a score of 1.5, and housing affordability is extremely low at a score of 3.9. With median home values at $528,000, the high cost of entry presents a significant barrier for new residents.

Best for high-earning urban professionals

This county suits career-focused individuals who can leverage the $86,247 median income to offset high housing costs. It is an ideal home for those who value health services and urban amenities over environmental tranquility.

Score breakdown

Tax41.1Cost3.9Safety62.7Health70.9Schools38.3Income89.4Risk1.5Water66.8Weather67.3
🏛41.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨74.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.2
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

Clark County
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38.2
Clackamas County
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36.5
Skamania County
Washington
57.8
Washington County
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Hood River County
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Yamhill County
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Deep Dives

Multnomah County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Multnomah County

via TaxByCounty

Multnomah's rate tops national median

At 0.959%, Multnomah County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.99%, placing it in the higher tier of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $5,061 is nearly double the national median of $2,690, reflecting both higher rates and substantially higher home values.

Highest rate in Oregon

Multnomah's 0.959% effective rate is the highest among all Oregon counties, surpassing the state average of 0.775% by a significant margin. At $5,061 median property tax versus Oregon's $2,745 average, Multnomah residents carry substantially heavier tax burdens statewide.

Far steeper than regional counterparts

Multnomah's 0.959% rate dwarfs neighboring Clackamas and Washington counties' rates, reflecting Portland's urban density and higher property values. The median home in Multnomah ($528,000) costs nearly twice the regional average, amplifying the overall tax impact.

Median home generates $5,061 tax

With a median home value of $528,000 and Multnomah's 0.959% rate, typical homeowners pay $5,061 annually—among the nation's highest bills. Mortgage holders typically pay $4,965, while those without mortgages pay $5,370.

Appeals can yield substantial relief

In high-value markets like Multnomah, overassessment disputes can save thousands annually, making formal appeals particularly worthwhile. Property owners should review recent comparable sales to challenge assessments that exceed current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Multnomah County

via CostByCounty

Portland's housing crunch exceeds national average

Multnomah County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks above both the national and Oregon state averages, signaling serious affordability pressure in the Portland metro area. Despite a median household income of $86,247—higher than the national median of $74,755—renters here devote more earnings to housing than most Americans.

Oregon's priciest county for renters

At 22.0%, Multnomah County leads Oregon in rent-to-income burden, exceeding the state average of 19.4% by nearly 3 percentage points. The median rent of $1,582 towers over Oregon's $1,137 average, reflecting Portland's role as the state's housing cost epicenter.

Portland stands apart from surrounding counties

Multnomah's $1,582 median rent dwarfs nearby Polk County ($1,270) and Tillamook County ($1,169), making it Oregon's most expensive rental market. The rent-to-income gap widens further when comparing to eastern counties like Morrow (15.6%) and Wallowa (15.7%).

Portland's dual housing squeeze

Renters in Multnomah spend $1,582 monthly while homeowners face $2,012 mortgage costs, with the median home value reaching $528,000. Housing consumes 22% of household income for renters—a significant burden that limits financial flexibility.

Multnomah demands serious budget planning

Portland's urban amenities come at a real cost: renters here spend $445 more monthly than Oregon's average, with homeownership requiring $875 additional monthly spending. If affordability ranks high in your relocation criteria, Oregon's smaller counties offer dramatically better housing-to-income ratios.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Multnomah County

via IncomeByCounty

Multnomah leads Oregon on income

Multnomah County's median household income of $86,247 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 15%, reflecting Portland's status as the state's economic engine. This substantial lead ranks Multnomah among the stronger income counties in the Pacific Northwest.

Oregon's richest county by far

At $86,247, Multnomah County's median income surpasses Oregon's state average of $69,965 by nearly $16,300—the largest margin of any county in the state. Per-capita income of $52,354 nearly doubles the state average, driven by Portland's tech and professional service sectors.

Significantly outpaces nearby counties

Multnomah's $86,247 dramatically exceeds Polk County ($81,318), Tillamook County ($66,551), and Umatilla County ($68,958). This income advantage reflects Portland's concentration of high-wage employers in tech, healthcare, and finance—a gap unlikely to narrow in the near term.

High income meets high housing costs

Multnomah's rent-to-income ratio of 22% indicates that rising housing costs are outpacing wage growth; the median home value of $528,000 now requires substantial household earnings to afford. While residents earn well above national averages, housing affordability remains a persistent challenge compared to other Oregon counties.

Invest beyond Portland real estate

Multnomah's high incomes and tight housing market create an opportunity to diversify wealth-building strategies beyond real estate appreciation. A financial advisor can help develop a balanced portfolio mixing stocks, bonds, and tax-efficient accounts to build long-term security independent of local property values.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Multnomah County

via CrimeByCounty

Multnomah County Reports Low Overall Crime Rates

In 2022, Multnomah County recorded a total crime rate of just 860.3 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to an elite safety score of 98.6.

Leading Oregon in Safety Metrics

The county's safety score of 98.6 far outpaces the Oregon state average of 96.3. This ranking places Multnomah among the safest urbanized regions in the Pacific Northwest.

Setting the Standard for the Region

Multnomah County is notably safer than its neighbors like Polk County, which has a crime rate of 1,286.5. This low local incidence rate provides a secure foundation for the metro area.

Low Violent and Property Crime Totals

Violent crime is remarkably low at 94.3 per 100,000, well under the national mark of 369.8. Property crime also stays low at 766.0, indicating a stable environment for families and businesses.

Stay Proactive About Residential Safety

Even with high safety scores, residents should maintain basic security habits to keep rates low. Installing a video doorbell and securing entry points are proven ways to protect your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Multnomah County

via HealthByCounty

Exceeds national health benchmarks

Multnomah County's life expectancy of 77.8 years slightly trails the U.S. average of 78.3 years, but the county significantly outperforms nationally on self-reported health. Just 17.4% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18%, reflecting stronger overall health outcomes.

Oregon's health leader

Multnomah County's 77.8-year life expectancy exceeds Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, and its 17.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best. The county's urban density and robust healthcare infrastructure give residents a measurable health advantage statewide.

Urban advantage in regional context

Multnomah County's 77.8-year life expectancy substantially outpaces rural neighbors like Tillamook (75.2 years) and Umatilla (75.9 years) counties. The county's 17.4% poor/fair health rate also beats nearby Polk County's 18.8%, demonstrating the health benefits of Portland's metropolitan healthcare ecosystem.

Robust provider access in Portland

With 147 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the state average—Multnomah County offers exceptional doctor availability. The 7.1% uninsured rate, below Oregon's 8.1% average, means most residents can access affordable care without financial barriers.

Ensure continuous health coverage

Even with Multnomah County's strong healthcare system, maintaining insurance is essential for preventive care and peace of mind. Review your coverage at Oregon Health Plan or Healthcare.gov to confirm you have the right plan for your health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Multnomah County

via SchoolsByCounty

Oregon's Largest and Most Diverse School System

Multnomah County manages a massive education network of 165 public schools serving 81,975 students. The system is distributed across eight districts and includes 110 elementary schools and 23 high schools.

Facing Challenges in Urban Graduation Rates

The county's 80.9% graduation rate trails both the Oregon average of 82.3% and the national 87% benchmark. Educational investment sits at $8,077 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average but remaining below the national $13,000 standard.

Portland SD 1J Anchors the County

Portland SD 1J is the largest district by far, overseeing 86 schools and 43,049 students. Choice is prevalent here, with 17 charter schools making up about 10.3% of the county's total educational options.

A Deeply Urban Educational Experience

The vast majority of schools, 119 in total, are located in city settings, with 43 more in suburban areas. Large campuses like David Douglas High School host 2,698 students, creating a bustling, high-energy environment for learners.

Diverse Neighborhoods Near Renowned High Schools

Homebuyers often target neighborhoods near high-performing magnets like Grant or Franklin High. Access to a wide variety of charter and alternative programs makes this county a top choice for families prioritizing educational variety.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Multnomah County

via RiskByCounty

Multnomah faces higher-than-average disaster risk

Multnomah County's composite risk score of 98.47 and Relatively High rating place it well above the U.S. average. The county confronts a diverse hazard landscape, with particularly acute earthquake (99.59) and flood (95.55) exposure.

Oregon's riskiest county by far

At 98.47, Multnomah County's composite score far exceeds Oregon's 63.43 state average, making it the state's highest-risk county. This reflects Portland's dense urban population, aging infrastructure, and proximity to major fault lines and river systems.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Multnomah's score of 98.47 dwarfs nearby Clackamas (lower risk), Yamhill, and Washington counties. The concentration of people, infrastructure, and hazard exposure in the Portland metro area drives these elevated figures.

Earthquakes and floods dominate Multnomah

Earthquake risk reaches 99.59—among the nation's highest—due to proximity to the Cascadia Subduction Zone and local faults. Flood risk scores 95.55, reflecting the Willamette and Columbia river systems and aging stormwater infrastructure throughout Portland.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Multnomah residents should carry earthquake insurance (often available as a rider for 10–15% of home value) and verify flood coverage, especially near river corridors and low-lying areas. Wildfire insurance riders also warrant consideration given wildfire risk of 67.30 and smoke exposure during fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Multnomah County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperately Topping the National Median

Multnomah County averages 54.4°F annually, making it slightly warmer than the national median. This marine-influenced climate pairs mild temperatures with a robust 49.1 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Oregon's Warmest Hubs

At 54.4°F, the county sits nearly four degrees above the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It also receives about 12 inches more rain annually than the typical Oregon county.

Milder Winters Than the Interior

Compared to nearby Polk County's 50.1°F average, Multnomah remains notably warmer. Its 41.9°F winter average is significantly higher than eastern neighbors like Sherman County.

Wet Winters and Moderate Summer Heat

The county sees 14 days of extreme heat annually, with July temperatures averaging a comfortable 69.2°F. Most of the 49.1 inches of precipitation falls as rain, as the area only sees 5.4 inches of snow.

Gear Up for Rain and Humidity

High-quality rain gear is a daily necessity given the frequent precipitation. While extreme heat is less frequent than in the east, the 14 days above 90°F increasingly make portable AC units a wise investment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Multnomah County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Profile of the Metro Area

Multnomah County features an average pH of 5.35, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is typical for the Pacific Northwest and slightly higher than the Oregon state average of 5.26. It creates a perfect environment for acid-loving plants like blueberries and rhododendrons.

A Silt-Heavy Foundation

The soil contains 50.8% silt and 29.6% sand, creating a silty texture that is easy to cultivate. With only 16.7% clay, the soil offers a good balance of moisture retention and workability. This mix prevents the heavy compaction often found in higher-clay regions.

Rich Organic Content for Urban Growth

The county boasts an impressive 21.64% organic matter, dwarfing the national average of 2.0%. While this is below the state average of 29.41%, it provides a nutrient-dense base for gardening. The available water capacity of 0.244 in/in ensures that plants remain hydrated between rains.

Navigating Multnomah's Hydrology

While specific drainage classes aren't recorded in this data, the high silt content suggests moderate permeability. Builders and farmers should monitor runoff carefully, especially in the hilly areas of Portland. The soil's structure generally supports diverse urban agriculture and landscaping projects.

Gardening Success in Zone 9a

Falling into hardiness zone 9a, Multnomah County has a mild climate that extends the growing season. You can easily grow lush greens, fruit trees, and native shrubs in this rich soil. Get your garden started with confidence in one of Oregon's most fertile urban pockets.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Multnomah County

via LawnByCounty

Balanced Growth in the Rose City

Multnomah County hits the national median with a lawn difficulty score of 50.2. This Zone 9a region offers much more favorable growing conditions than the typical Oregon county score of 38.9.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

The county receives 49.1 inches of annual precipitation, landing perfectly within the 30-50 inch ideal range for grass. With only 14 extreme heat days, the climate is gentle on cool-season turf varieties.

Correcting Acidic Soil

Local soil is acidic with a pH of 5.35, which is lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most lawns. The 16.7% clay content means you may need to aerate regularly to prevent compaction.

Watching the Summer Dryness

Despite high rainfall, the county spent 29 weeks in drought last year and remains 99% abnormally dry. Use smart irrigation to bridge the gap during the dry July and August months.

Lush Options for Zone 9a

Perennial ryegrass and fine fescues flourish in this mild climate. For best results, start your new lawn project after the final spring frost on March 13.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Multnomah County's county score?
Multnomah County, Oregon has a composite county score of 44.4 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 Multnomah County rank among counties in Oregon?
Multnomah County ranks #12 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 Multnomah County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Multnomah County is $5,061, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Multnomah County a tax score of 41.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Multnomah County?
The median household income in Multnomah County, Oregon is $86,247 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Multnomah County earns an income score of 89.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Multnomah County, Oregon a good place to live?
Multnomah County scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Multnomah 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 Multnomah County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.