countyscore
60
County Score
Property Tax 84.9Cost of Living 83.8Safety 73.7

County Report Card

About Oregon County, Missouri

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Oregon County earns an impressive composite score of 60.0, far outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score puts it in an elite tier of counties across the United States.

A Leader in the Show-Me State

At 60.0, the county's score is nearly 10 points higher than the Missouri average of 50.3. It serves as a standout performer for overall livability within the state.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes

Oregon County shines with a tax score of 84.9 and a cost score of 83.8. The effective tax rate is incredibly low at 0.509%, and the median home value is a very accessible $117,700.

Struggles with Health and Income

The county faces serious headwinds in health with a score of 16.1 and income at 6.3. A median household income of $44,259 makes it one of the more economically challenged areas despite low costs.

The Perfect Choice for Retirees

With high safety scores of 73.7 and rock-bottom living costs, this county is a haven for those on fixed incomes. It offers a secure, inexpensive lifestyle for people who are less dependent on local high-paying jobs.

2040608010084.983.873.716.153.76.351.345.852.4Tax84.9Cost83.8Safety73.7Health16.1Schools53.7Income6.3Risk51.3Water45.8Weather52.460/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Oregon County DNA

Doverall

How Oregon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Oregon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83.8/100) but notably weak in Income (6.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
84.9+32.900000000000006
Cost
83.8+35.8
Safety
73.7+18.700000000000003
Health
16.1-33.9
Schools
53.7
Income
6.3-44.7
Risk
51.3
Water
45.8-12.200000000000003
Weather
52.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$117,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$735/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$117,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,259/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

57.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Howell County
Missouri
49.1
Fulton County
Arkansas
51.4
Randolph County
Arkansas
51
Carter County
Missouri
57.5
Ripley County
Missouri
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Sharp County
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Shannon County
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61.3
Lawrence County
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51.8

Deep Dives

Oregon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Oregon County

via TaxByCounty

Oregon County: Missouri's tax bargain

Oregon County's effective tax rate of 0.509% ranks among the lowest in the nation, sitting well below the national median of 0.91%. Homeowners pay just $599 annually on median property valued at $117,700—a fraction of the $2,690 national median tax bill.

Oregon ranks as Missouri's most tax-friendly

Oregon County's 0.509% effective rate significantly undercuts Missouri's statewide average of 0.733%, making it one of the state's most affordable tax jurisdictions. The $599 median property tax is less than half the state median of $1,199, offering exceptional relief to residents.

Oregon outpaces Ozark and Howell County peers

Oregon's ultra-low 0.509% rate beats neighboring Ozark County (0.466%) and virtually all surrounding south-central Missouri counties. Residents here enjoy some of the lowest tax burdens in a rural region traditionally known for affordability.

Minimal annual property taxes in Oregon

Oregon's median homeowner pays just $599 per year in property tax on a home valued at $117,700. Even with mortgage-related expenses factored in, annual tax obligations reach only $668—among Missouri's lowest for any county.

Maximize value in a low-tax county

Even in tax-friendly Oregon County, homeowners should still verify their assessments match current market conditions. A reassessment request costs nothing and could reveal overvaluation, potentially cutting your already-modest tax bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oregon County

via CostByCounty

Oregon County: Affordability Crisis Territory

Oregon County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among America's least affordable housing markets, as renters dedicate nearly one-fifth of their $44,259 median income to rent alone. This ratio far exceeds the national baseline and signals genuine housing stress for the county's residents.

Missouri's Most Strained Housing Market

Oregon County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio represents one of Missouri's highest affordability pressures, dramatically exceeding the state average of 15.6%. The county ranks among the state's least affordable despite having among its lowest rents, revealing a critical income-to-housing mismatch.

Lowest Rent, Lowest Income, Highest Strain

Oregon County's $735 rent is the region's cheapest, yet its median income of $44,259 is lowest among its peers, creating the worst affordability ratio in the comparison. Both Ozark County and Pemiscot County face similar challenges, but Oregon's income disadvantage amplifies the crisis.

One-Fifth of Income Consumed by Rent

Renters in Oregon County spend $735 monthly on rent—nearly 20% of their $44,259 household income—leaving constrained budgets for food, utilities, and transportation. Homeowners fare somewhat better at $560 monthly, but ownership paths remain limited for those earning this county's median income.

Oregon County Demands Substantial Income Gains

If you're considering Oregon County, honestly assess whether your prospective income will exceed the $44,259 median by at least 25-30%; otherwise, housing will consume a troubling share of your budget. The county's rock-bottom housing costs only matter if you're moving into a higher-paying opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oregon County

via IncomeByCounty

Oregon County faces significant income gap

Oregon County's median household income of $44,259 falls 40.8% below the national median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lowest quartile of U.S. counties for household earnings.

Among Missouri's lowest-income counties

Oregon County households earn $44,259 annually, $15,244 below Missouri's state average of $59,503. This places Oregon County in the bottom tier of Missouri's 114 counties.

Struggling against neighboring counties

Oregon County's $44,259 median falls well below Ozark County ($42,329, similar struggle) and significantly below Perry County ($63,356). The county's per capita income of $23,220 is among the lowest in the Ozark region.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Oregon County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% approaches the 30% affordability threshold, indicating significant housing stress for renters. The median home value of $117,700 may still feel unaffordable for households earning the county median.

Building wealth requires focused strategy

Oregon County residents face real income constraints, making every dollar count in wealth building. Exploring community development programs, financial assistance, and side income opportunities can help households create financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oregon County

via CrimeByCounty

Oregon County Ranks Among the Nation's Safest

With a total crime rate of only 626.2 per 100,000, Oregon County is exponentially safer than the national average. It achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.0 out of 100. This low frequency of crime sets it apart as a quiet and secure sanctuary.

A Top-Tier Performer in Missouri

Oregon County significantly outperforms the state average safety score of 97.0. Its total crime rate of 626.2 is less than a third of the Missouri state average of 1926.2 per 100K. Three local agencies provide the data that confirms this county's status as a state leader in safety.

Standing Out in the Ozarks

Oregon County's safety metrics surpass even its safest neighbors, including Ozark County's rate of 840.3. This region remains one of the most peaceful corners of the state. Residents benefit from a crime rate that is remarkably lower than nearly all surrounding jurisdictions.

Minimal Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of 182.2 per 100K, while property crime is also exceptionally low at 444.0. Both figures represent a fraction of what is typical in the rest of the United States. In practical terms, the risk of falling victim to crime is statistically very low.

Preserving Oregon County's Quiet Security

Safety is a community effort that starts with individual home awareness. While crime is infrequent, keeping windows and vehicles locked remains a best practice. Modern security systems can provide additional peace of mind in this tranquil rural setting.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Oregon County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concise Public School Network

Oregon County manages 8 public schools within 4 districts, focusing its infrastructure on 4 elementary and 4 high schools. This streamlined system serves 1,790 students in the region. The average school enrollment of 224 students ensures a focused learning environment for every child.

Exceptional Graduation Rates and Performance

Oregon County boasts a 93.5% graduation rate, significantly outperforming both the state and national averages. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,624, which is higher than the Missouri average. Its composite school score of 54.6 ranks well above the national median of 50.0.

Alton R-IV and Thayer Lead the Way

Alton R-IV is the largest district in the county with 619 students, followed by Thayer R-II. The county maintains a traditional public school model with no charter schools in operation. Smaller districts like Oregon-Howell R-III serve just 226 students, providing a highly personalized experience.

Purely Rural Educational Experiences

Every single school in Oregon County is classified as rural, reflecting the area's pastoral character. Thayer Elementary is the largest campus with 419 students, while Koshkonong Elementary serves 148. This creates a consistent, community-focused school culture across the entire county.

Join a High-Achieving Rural Community

With some of the highest graduation rates in the region, Oregon County is a standout choice for education-minded buyers. Consider the quiet rural lifestyle near Alton or Thayer to secure your place in these top-performing districts. School quality is a lasting investment for any homeowner here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oregon County

via RiskByCounty

Oregon County faces moderate earthquake risk

Oregon County's composite risk score of 48.70 places it near the national average, but masks a distinctive hazard profile dominated by earthquake risk at 82.44. This elevated seismic exposure, combined with moderate wildfire risk of 60.11, creates a different vulnerability pattern than many U.S. counties.

Oregon ranks slightly below state average

Oregon County's composite risk score of 48.70 sits just below Missouri's state average of 50.56, yet its earthquake risk of 82.44 is among the highest statewide. This unusual seismic threat reflects the county's proximity to the New Madrid Seismic Zone, a major fault system spanning multiple states.

Oregon's earthquake risk stands out

Oregon County's earthquake risk of 82.44 substantially exceeds that of nearby Howell and Shannon counties, making it a seismic outlier in the Ozark region. While tornado risk resembles neighbors at 61.99, the earthquake exposure creates a unique risk calculus for property and emergency planning.

Earthquakes and wildfires pose greatest threats

Oregon County faces exceptional earthquake risk at 82.44, the highest hazard in the county and well above most Missouri locations due to New Madrid Seismic Zone proximity. Wildfire risk at 60.11 compounds this exposure, particularly for properties in forested or mountainous areas of the Ozarks.

Earthquake-proof your property

Oregon County homeowners should secure heavy furniture and appliances, brace water heaters, and ensure adequate earthquake insurance coverage or special endorsements. Wildfire exposure demands defensible space maintenance and confirmation that homeowner policies include wildfire protection, especially for rural properties.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Oregon County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Violation Rate Despite D Grade

Oregon County received a D grade for drinking water, though it recorded only one health violation in the past five years. Its violation rate of 22.6 per 100K is much lower than the Missouri average of 81.5. This suggests that while there is room for system improvements, performance is relatively high compared to state trends.

Unassessed Watersheds Await Federal Review

There are currently no assessed water bodies in Oregon County included in the federal §303(d) impairment lists. The absence of data indicates that local streams have not yet undergone the federal reporting cycle for Clean Water Act standards. Monitoring continues at the local level to ensure basic water safety.

Steady Monitoring of Local Water Quality

The county supports 14 monitoring sites that have generated ,3051 measurements over the last five years. The most frequently measured groups include nutrients, inorganics, and metals. This consistent data collection helps environmental managers track the chemical profile of the local ecosystem.

Eleven Point River Flow Declining

At the Bardley gauge, the Eleven Point River is flowing at 503 cfs, representing 62% of its historical mean. This river serves as a major drainage point for 793 square miles of local terrain. The current flow indicates a period of moderate dryness compared to long-term trends.

Stay Vigilant During Low Flow Periods

Residents should stay alert as the Eleven Point River drops to 62% of its typical volume, which can affect local groundwater recharge. Since compliance remains relatively strong with only one recent violation, continuing to support local infrastructure maintenance is key. Periodic home water testing is recommended to ensure your tap remains safe during dry spells.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oregon County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Temperatures in the Ozarks

Oregon County averages 55.7°F annually, slightly exceeding the national median. The area is characterized by high humidity and substantial annual rainfall of 47.2 inches.

Warmer than the Missouri Average

Oregon County is roughly one degree warmer than the Missouri state average of 54.9°F. It reflects the typical climate of the state's southern border region.

Cooler than its Western Neighbors

Despite being in the south, Oregon County's 55.7°F average is cooler than nearby Ozark County at 57.0°F. It also receives less snow than central Missouri, averaging only 4.2 inches.

Hot Summers and Light Snow

The county endures 48 days of extreme heat above 90°F, mostly during the 75.5°F average summer. Winters are relatively short with a January average of 33.1°F and very little snow.

Prepare for Rain and Heat

Outdoor enthusiasts should plan for 48 days of extreme heat and frequent rain. With 47.2 inches of annual precipitation, moisture-wicking gear and home dehumidifiers are highly recommended.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oregon County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Ozark Soil

Oregon County features a very acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.41, falling well below the Missouri average of 6.09. While taxonomic data is limited, the overall soil score of 46.6 highlights significant chemical challenges for traditional crop production. This level of acidity usually requires heavy liming to unlock the soil's full biological potential.

Low-Clay, Silt-Sand Mix

The soil composition is 45.2% silt and 21.2% sand, but it contains only 10.0% clay. This low clay percentage means the soil has limited natural ability to hold onto chemical nutrients compared to heavier Missouri soils. However, the high sand and silt mix creates a light texture that is easy to dig and cultivate.

Extreme Organic Matter Levels

Oregon County reports an extraordinary 16.79% organic matter, nearly four times the Missouri average of 4.74%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity is quite low at 0.126 in/in, trailing the state benchmark of 0.183 in/in. Plants here benefit from massive nutrient reserves but may struggle during periods of low rainfall.

Subaqueous Drainage and Saturation

The dominant drainage class is subaqueous, which often points to areas with persistent saturation or poor vertical water movement. Lacking specific hydrologic group data, land users must be cautious of potential flooding or ponding in low-lying sections. This drainage profile suggests that raised beds or specialized tiling may be necessary for most gardening projects.

Success in Zone 7a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Oregon County is a prime location for native woodland plants and acid-thriving species like hydrangeas. The high organic matter provides a wonderful head start for any organic gardener willing to monitor moisture levels closely. Start your Ozark garden today by embracing this carbon-rich, unique soil profile.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oregon County

via LawnByCounty

Uphill Battle for Oregon County Turf

Oregon County faces significant challenges with a lawn difficulty score of 47.7, falling below the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more difficult areas in Missouri, where the average score is 63.7. In this 7a hardiness zone, lawn care requires intensive management of heat and soil chemistry.

Intense Heat and High Rainfall

The local climate features 48 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 37. While 47.2 inches of annual precipitation is plenty for growth, the high heat often leads to rapid evaporation and turf dormancy. Managing 3981 growing degree days requires a rigorous mowing and watering schedule.

Highly Acidic and Sandy Soil

A soil pH of 5.41 is quite acidic and requires consistent lime applications to reach the ideal 6.0 range for grass. The soil has a low clay content of 10.0% and subaqueous drainage, which creates a difficult environment for root stability. Homeowners should focus on adding organic matter to improve the soil's nutrient-holding capacity.

Persistent and Severe Drought Conditions

The county is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions, and residents have endured 30 weeks of drought over the past year. These conditions make water conservation critical, as turf is likely under extreme stress. Prioritize watering the most visible or valuable areas of the lawn to save resources.

Selecting Heat-Tolerant Varieties

For zone 7a, choose warm-season grasses like Zoysia or heat-hardy Tall Fescue blends. The typical growing window runs from the last frost on April 17 to the first frost on October 21. For best results, seed in the early fall when temperatures begin to drop but the soil remains warm.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oregon County's county score?
Oregon County, Missouri has a composite county score of 60 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 Oregon County rank among counties in Missouri?
Oregon County ranks #19 among all counties in Missouri 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 Oregon County, Missouri?
The median annual property tax in Oregon County is $599, with an effective tax rate of 0.51%. This earns Oregon County a tax score of 84.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oregon County?
The median household income in Oregon County, Missouri is $44,259 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oregon County earns an income score of 6.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oregon County, Missouri a good place to live?
Oregon County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Missouri. The best way to evaluate Oregon 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 Oregon County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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