CountyScore

Sherman County

Oregon · OR

#1 in Oregon
76.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Sherman County, Oregon

Sherman ranks in top 20% nationally

Sherman County's composite score of 76.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 20% of U.S. counties. This remote northeast Oregon county delivers exceptional livability value at minimal cost.

Oregon's livability standout

With a score of 76.1, Sherman ranks well above Oregon's average of 66.6, making it one of the state's most livable counties. Among these eight counties, it ranks second only to Wallowa.

Unbeatable tax and housing affordability

Sherman boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.695% (tax score 82.7) and the lowest median rent at $945/month (cost score 81.4). Median home values of just $206,700 make homeownership attainable for most families.

Low incomes and high natural hazard risk

Sherman's income score of 22.2 reflects median household income of $59,500, the lowest in this cohort. The risk score of 97.1 indicates significant exposure to drought, wildfire, or flooding—common hazards in high-desert agriculture country.

Perfect for frugal rural lifestyle seekers

Sherman County fits retirees, remote workers, and families deeply committed to low costs and rural living who can tolerate natural hazard exposure. If you farm, work from home, or have modest income needs, Sherman offers exceptional economic value.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.7Cost81.4SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.2Risk97.1WaterComing Soon
🏛82.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡97.1
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 Sherman County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pope County
Illinois
76.1
Median income: $62,500
Switzerland County
Indiana
76.1
Median income: $65,148
Choctaw County
Mississippi
76.1
Median income: $48,321
Eddy County
North Dakota
76.1
Median income: $55,389
Clark County
South Dakota
76.1
Median income: $62,885

Deep Dives

Sherman County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sherman County

via TaxByCounty

Sherman has lowest national tax rate

Sherman County's 0.695% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 0.99%. At just $1,436 median annual property tax—less than half the national median of $2,690—Sherman residents enjoy exceptional tax affordability.

Oregon's most tax-friendly county

Sherman's 0.695% rate is the lowest in Oregon, trailing the state average of 0.775% by a full percentage point. The $1,436 median property tax is less than half Oregon's state average of $2,745, making Sherman a standout low-tax jurisdiction.

Significantly lower than eastern region

Sherman's 0.695% rate beats all neighboring counties, including Gilliam, Wheeler, and Morrow, offering the most attractive tax terms in north-central Oregon. Its low median home value of $206,700 further reinforces Sherman's affordability advantage.

Lowest annual bill in the state

With a median home value of $206,700 and the county's 0.695% rate, typical Sherman County homeowners pay just $1,436 annually in property taxes. Mortgage holders pay about $1,514, while those without mortgages pay around $1,412.

Even low bills warrant verification

Even in low-tax Sherman County, periodic assessment reviews ensure your property isn't valued above current market rates. If local real estate values have declined, a formal appeal can protect your already modest tax advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sherman County

via CostByCounty

Sherman's affordability masks income challenge

Sherman County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio sits barely below Oregon's state average, but the picture grows more complex when considering the median household income of just $59,500—15% below the national median. Renters here spend a slightly higher proportion of lower earnings on housing compared to typical Americans.

Affordable rents, but income lags statewide

Sherman County's $945 monthly rent falls well below Oregon's $1,137 average, yet the 19.1% rent-to-income ratio slightly trails the state average due to lower incomes. The county represents classic rural Oregon: modest housing costs offset by limited earning potential.

Sherman competes with eastern Oregon peers

Sherman's $945 rent sits between Morrow County ($910) and Umatilla County ($962), with the 19.1% rent-to-income ratio slightly below neighboring Morrow (15.6%) but better than Tillamook (21.1%). Income levels here remain the lowest among compared counties, affecting overall affordability assessment.

Low rents, lower incomes create balance

Sherman renters spend $945 monthly while homeowners pay just $649—the lowest monthly ownership cost among all surveyed counties—with median home value of $206,700. The combination of low income ($59,500) and low housing costs means residents balance affordability with limited economic opportunity.

Sherman offers affordability with tradeoffs

Sherman County's $945 rent and remarkably affordable homeownership costs ($649/month) appeal to those prioritizing low housing expenses, but limited job markets require careful consideration. The county works best for retirees, remote workers, or those with income from elsewhere who value extreme housing affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sherman County

via IncomeByCounty

Sherman lags national income benchmarks

Sherman County's median household income of $59,500 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 20%, reflecting the economic constraints of rural agricultural regions. This significant shortfall highlights the income challenges facing many Great Plains and High Desert counties.

Among Oregon's lowest incomes

At $59,500, Sherman County ranks near the bottom of Oregon's 36 counties, falling nearly $10,500 below the state average of $69,965. Per-capita income of $33,190 also lags the state average of $37,652, underscoring limited local employment diversity.

Struggles compared to regional peers

Sherman's $59,500 falls well below Morrow County ($70,217), Umatilla County ($68,958), and Union County ($64,212). The county's small, agriculture-dependent economy limits wage growth and job opportunities compared to counties with more diverse employment bases.

Housing costs stretch thin budgets

Sherman County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% is manageable in raw percentage terms, but lower absolute incomes mean less disposable income after housing is covered. The median home value of $206,700 represents a significant financial burden for households earning under $60,000 annually.

Small earners, smart savers

Sherman residents should prioritize building emergency funds and minimize debt, as income volatility in agricultural economies creates financial risk. Explore low-cost investment options like employer 401(k) matching or tax-advantaged savings vehicles that don't require large upfront commitments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Sherman County

via HealthByCounty

Northwest's longest-living county residents

Sherman County residents live an average of 80.2 years, the highest in this dataset and nearly 2 years above the U.S. average of 78.3 years. Despite this longevity, 20.4% report poor or fair health, suggesting extended lives that carry health challenges into later years.

Oregon's longest life expectancy

At 80.2 years, Sherman County's life expectancy exceeds Oregon's state average of 77.0 years by a striking 3.2 years. This rural county ranks among Oregon's healthiest by longevity, even as its 20.4% poor/fair health rate reflects real chronic health burdens.

North-central Oregon outlier

Sherman County's 80.2-year life expectancy far exceeds neighboring Gilliam County and surpasses the 77.7-year average of Wallowa County to the northeast. This small, rural county demonstrates that longevity can thrive outside metropolitan areas with strong community health foundations.

Limited mental health infrastructure

Sherman County offers 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, adequate for rural care, but mental health provider data is not available, suggesting potential gaps in behavioral health services. The 7.1% uninsured rate matches Oregon's low average, enabling most residents to access primary care.

Secure your health insurance today

Sherman County's healthy seniors reflect lifelong access to care; ensure you maintain coverage to support your long health span. Visit Oregon Health Plan or Healthcare.gov to confirm your insurance status and enroll if needed.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sherman County

via RiskByCounty

Sherman County ranks among safest nationally

Sherman County's composite risk score of just 2.89 and Very Low rating place it among the safest counties in the United States. The sparse, arid landscape and minimal development mean most residents face minimal multi-hazard exposure.

Oregon's safest county overall

At 2.89, Sherman County's composite score is less than one-twentieth of Oregon's 63.43 state average, making it the state's lowest-risk county. Few Oregon residents enjoy comparable safety across all hazard types.

Dramatically safer than nearby counties

Sherman County's score of 2.89 stands far below Gilliam (higher), Wheeler, and Morrow counties' composite risks. The county's remote, sparsely populated character and dry climate minimize exposure to most disasters.

Wildfire is Sherman's lone significant hazard

Wildfire risk scores 90.20—substantially higher than other Sherman County hazards—reflecting the dry grassland and ranching landscape. Flood (4.58), tornado (1.46), and earthquake (33.62) risks all remain negligible.

Wildfire insurance your primary protection

Sherman County homeowners should ensure wildfire coverage, as standard policies often exclude it; a separate rider typically costs 10–20% of home value. Given the county's exceptional overall safety, basic coverage may suffice for other hazards.

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.