countyscore
55.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.1Water Quality 86Schools 69.6

County Report Card

About Sherman County, Oregon

Leading the way in national livability

Sherman County earns a strong composite score of 55.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This high ranking makes it one of the more desirable rural locations in the United States.

One of Oregon's top-performing counties

At 55.3, Sherman County far exceeds the state average of 42.5. It stands out as a high-performing outlier in a state where many counties struggle with cost and risk.

Elite safety and environmental resilience

The county boasts a near-perfect risk score of 97.1 and a superior water score of 86.0. Residents also benefit from an attractive tax score of 63.8 and relatively affordable housing options.

Lags in safety and income growth

While environmental safety is high, the personal safety score of 20.7 is a notable weak point. The income score of 37.4 also suggests that local wage growth hasn't kept pace with other parts of the state.

Perfect for those seeking rural peace

This county is a haven for retirees or remote workers who value environmental security and low taxes. If you don't rely on the local job market, the low risk and high water quality make it a premier Oregon choice.

Score breakdown

Tax63.8Cost56.1Safety20.7Health68.6Schools69.6Income37.4Risk97.1Water86Weather44.8
🏛63.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡97.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.4
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

Klickitat County
Washington
52.7
Gilliam County
Oregon
44.9
Wasco County
Oregon
32.3
Hood River County
Oregon
48.2
Morrow County
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45.1
Wheeler County
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Skamania County
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Jefferson County
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48.1

Deep Dives

Sherman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Sherman County

via CrimeByCounty

Sherman County Maintains High Safety Scores

Sherman County records a safety score of 96.8, reflecting a secure rural environment. Its total crime rate of 2,052.6 remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000.

Staying Above the State Safety Benchmark

With a safety score of 96.8, Sherman County sits slightly above the Oregon state average of 96.3. The county consistently provides a safer environment than more populated state regions.

Consistent Performance Across the Border

Sherman's crime rate of 2,052.6 is nearly identical to its neighbor, Morrow County, which sits at 2,051.1. This indicates a consistent safety trend across this stretch of the Columbia River gorge.

Breaking Down Local Crime Data

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports at 1,842.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is relatively low at 210.5, well below the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Safeguard Your Property and Livestock

In rural areas, property crime often targets remote outbuildings or equipment. Secure your gates and consider solar-powered security cameras to monitor distant areas of your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Sherman County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified K-12 Educational Center

Sherman County features a unique, streamlined education system centered around a single public school building. This single district serves the entire county's student population of 286 children in one central location.

Small Scale Yields High Graduation Success

The county achieves a 90% graduation rate, well above the state average of 82.3% and the national average of 87%. Investment is high, with per-pupil spending at $10,204, which is significantly more than the Oregon average.

One District Supporting the Entire Community

Sherman County SD manages the county's only school, ensuring that all 286 students receive a consistent curriculum. There are no charter schools in the county, as the community focuses its resources on its primary K-12 facility.

The Ultimate Rural School Experience

Every student in the county attends school in a rural setting where the entire student body is just 286 people. This small-town atmosphere ensures that every student is known by name across all grade levels from kindergarten through high school.

Intimate Living with Personalized Education

For families who value a 'everyone knows everyone' school environment, Sherman County is an ideal destination. The high graduation rates and localized focus make it a standout choice for rural homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Sherman County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cold and Dry Continental Climate

Sherman County’s 49.2°F annual average is notably cooler than the national median. It is a dry region, receiving just 11.8 inches of precipitation per year.

Cooler and Drier than Western Oregon

The county falls below the Oregon average temperature of 50.5°F. Its 11.8 inches of rain is only about a third of the state's 37.4-inch average, reflecting its high-desert character.

Chillier Than Neighboring Morrow County

Sherman is significantly cooler than Morrow County, which averages 52.8°F. Both counties share a similar arid profile, receiving less than 12 inches of moisture annually.

Sharp Temperature Swings and Snowy Winters

The county endures 25 days of extreme heat over 90°F during the summer. Winters are cold and snowy, with a January average of 32.5°F and 11.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Insulate for Extreme Temperature Spans

Heavy-duty home insulation is vital to handle the range between 90°F summer days and freezing winter nights. Residents should also keep snow shovels ready for the 11.5 inches of annual accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sherman County

via SoilByCounty

Near-Neutral Soils of the Plateau

Sherman County stands out with an average pH of 6.47, nearly hitting the national median of 6.5. This is significantly less acidic than the state average of 5.26, making it one of the more neutral soils in Oregon. This balance is highly favorable for the large-scale cereal crops grown throughout the county.

Light and Silty Texture

The soil is comprised of 47.0% silt and 31.1% sand, which creates a light and very workable texture. With a low clay content of 12.6%, this soil drains quickly and resists the heavy clumping found elsewhere. These characteristics allow for efficient mechanical farming across the rolling hills.

Managing Low Organic Content

Organic matter is low at 1.78%, falling below both the national 2.0% average and Oregon's 29.41% average. The available water capacity is also lower at 0.162 in/in, requiring growers to be experts in moisture conservation. These conditions favor deep-rooted crops that can find water in the dry plateau soil.

Rapid Drainage in Dry Country

The high sand and low clay percentages indicate a soil that moves water through the profile quickly. While this prevents pooling, it also means nutrients can leach away if not managed properly. Strategic farming practices are essential here to protect the soil from wind and water erosion.

Resilient Gardening in Zone 7a

In hardiness zone 7a, Sherman County gardeners should focus on drought-tolerant and wind-resistant plants. The near-neutral pH allows for a wide variety of vegetables if supplemental water is provided. Transform your landscape with hardy herbs and native bunchgrasses that love the sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sherman County

via LawnByCounty

Surprising Success in Sherman

Sherman County outperforms the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 49.4, nearly reaching the national median. This Zone 7a area manages to stay competitive despite significantly lower rainfall than its neighbors.

Navigating a Dry Climate

With only 11.8 inches of annual rain, natural precipitation falls well below the 30-50 inches grass prefers. Lawns here must withstand 25 extreme heat days and a relatively short 2,151 growing degree day season.

Prime Soil for Turf

The county boasts a near-perfect soil pH of 6.47, which sits right in the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A balanced texture of 31.1% sand helps with drainage, reducing the need for intensive soil prep work.

Constant Water Management

The entire county is currently abnormally dry, following 25 weeks of drought in the past year. Since rainfall is scarce, investing in a high-efficiency sprinkler system is vital for lawn survival.

Choosing Rugged Grasses

Buffalograss or Tall Fescue are excellent choices for the dry, Zone 7a conditions found here. Wait until the threat of frost passes on May 15 to begin your seeding or sodding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sherman County's county score?
Sherman County, Oregon has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Sherman County rank among counties in Oregon?
Sherman County ranks #5 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 Sherman County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Sherman County is $1,436, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Sherman County a tax score of 63.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sherman County?
The median household income in Sherman County, Oregon is $59,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sherman County earns an income score of 37.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sherman County, Oregon a good place to live?
Sherman County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Sherman 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 Sherman 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.