countyscore
43.5
County Score
Property Tax 74.6Weather & Climate 69.7Soil Quality 67.4

County Report Card

About Tillamook County, Oregon

A coastal balance below national averages

Tillamook County's composite score of 43.5 sits behind the national median of 50.0. Its low environmental risk and safety scores pull down an otherwise strong fiscal profile.

Staying ahead of the Oregon average

With a 43.5 score, Tillamook slightly outperforms the Oregon state average of 42.5. It remains a competitive coastal option compared to other high-cost areas in the region.

Low tax burden and solid schools

An impressive tax score of 74.6 is supported by a low effective tax rate of 0.599%. The county also maintains respectable educational standards with a school score of 59.6.

Confronting risk and high housing costs

The county faces significant environmental risk with a score of 18.7 and a low cost score of 17.4. Finding affordable housing is difficult, as median home values sit at a steep $408,600.

Best for coast-loving tax-conscious families

Tillamook County is ideal for families who value a lower tax bill and decent schools in a scenic setting. It suits those who are prepared for coastal environmental risks in exchange for a lighter tax burden.

Score breakdown

Tax74.6Cost17.4Safety23.3Health57.6Schools59.6Income58.1Risk18.7Water27.3Weather69.7
🏛74.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠17.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤57.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡18.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.9
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

Yamhill County
Oregon
40.9
Washington County
Oregon
41.2
Polk County
Oregon
43.3
Clatsop County
Oregon
37.4
Columbia County
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43
Lincoln County
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Wahkiakum County
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Clark County
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Deep Dives

Tillamook County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tillamook County

via TaxByCounty

Tillamook has nation's lowest rate

At 0.599%, Tillamook County boasts one of the nation's lowest effective property tax rates, well below the national median of 0.99%. Despite moderate home values, the $2,449 median annual tax is lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's exceptionally favorable tax climate.

Second-lowest rate in Oregon

Tillamook's 0.599% rate ranks second-lowest in Oregon, trailing only Wallowa County's 0.584%, and significantly undercuts the state average of 0.775%. The median property tax of $2,449 is well below Oregon's $2,745 state average, despite Tillamook homes being valued near state median.

Lowest coastal county rate

Tillamook's 0.599% rate is substantially lower than neighboring Clatsop and Yamhill counties, making it the Pacific Northwest coast's most tax-friendly jurisdiction. Its median home value of $408,600 places it squarely in the regional middle, but the exceptional rate offers significant savings.

Tillamook median tax: just $2,449

A typical Tillamook home worth $408,600 generates a median annual property tax of $2,449 at the county's remarkably low 0.599% rate. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $2,493; those without mortgages pay approximately $2,357.

Low rates don't eliminate appeal opportunities

Even in Tillamook's tax-friendly environment, properties can be overassessed relative to recent market sales, making challenges worthwhile. Reviewing your assessment against comparable recent transactions ensures you're capturing every available tax advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tillamook County

via CostByCounty

Tillamook's coastal premium strains budgets

Tillamook County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national average and Oregon's state average of 19.4%, reflecting coastal housing pressure. The median household income of $66,551 falls 11% below the national median, meaning residents pay a higher proportion of lower earnings toward rent.

Oregon's coast carries housing premium

At 21.1%, Tillamook County ranks among Oregon's least affordable counties for renters, exceeding the state average by nearly 2 percentage points. The $1,169 median rent reflects coastal demand, positioning Tillamook between rural and Portland-area prices.

Tillamook's coast commands pricing power

Tillamook's $1,169 rent undercuts Portland's $1,582 but exceeds most eastern Oregon counties, with the 21.1% rent-to-income ratio matching or exceeding Morrow (15.6%), Wallowa (15.7%), and Umatilla (16.7%). Coastal access here translates to housing premium that neighbors lack.

Coastal living's financial reality

Tillamook renters spend $1,169 monthly while homeowners pay $1,211, with the median home value of $408,600 reflecting desirable coastal property. At 21.1% of income going to rent, housing consumes a notably large share of household budgets.

Tillamook values coastal charm carefully

Tillamook County's coastal location drives housing costs that exceed rural Oregon significantly, making it best suited for those prioritizing beaches and nature over budget affordability. With a 21.1% rent-to-income ratio, you'll dedicate roughly one-fifth of earnings to rent—a meaningful commitment that assumes stable income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tillamook County

via IncomeByCounty

Tillamook trails national income standards

Tillamook County's median household income of $66,551 falls about 11% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting the income constraints of coastal rural regions. Despite this gap, the county maintains reasonable wage stability through dairy farming, tourism, and timber industries.

Below Oregon's state average

At $66,551, Tillamook County's median income ranks below Oregon's state average of $69,965 by about $3,400, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Per-capita income of $37,336 slightly trails the state average of $37,652, suggesting more distributed earnings.

Moderate income in coastal region

Tillamook's $66,551 trails Polk County ($81,318) significantly but exceeds Wallowa County ($65,559) and Sherman County ($59,500). The county's tourism and dairy economy provides moderate income opportunities compared to purely agricultural or rural peers.

Housing costs create affordability pressure

Tillamook's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% indicates rising pressure from housing costs, exacerbated by the median home value of $408,600 that rivals much wealthier counties. Coastal desirability is driving property values faster than local wages, squeezing affordability for existing and prospective residents.

Strategic saving for coast living

Given moderate incomes and elevated housing costs, Tillamook residents should focus on saving for down payments and maintaining stable employment. Consider geographic income opportunities or side income to offset housing cost pressures while building long-term financial resilience.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tillamook County

via CrimeByCounty

Coastal Safety in Tillamook County

Tillamook County boasts a safety score of 96.9, signifying a very safe coastal community. Its total crime rate of 1,949.1 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Surpassing the Oregon Safety Average

The county's safety score of 96.9 is better than the Oregon state average of 96.3. This ranking highlights the effectiveness of local law enforcement across five reporting agencies.

Regional Comparisons Along the Coast

Tillamook's crime rate of 1,949.1 is higher than inland Polk County but remains lower than many other rural Oregon counties. The area remains a safe haven for both residents and tourists.

Low Violent Crime and Property Trends

The local violent crime rate is just 208.4, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 369.8. Property crime sits at ,1740.7, also falling below national benchmarks.

Protect Your Coastal Residence

Property crime often increases in vacation rental areas during the off-season. Installing smart home monitoring systems can help homeowners keep an eye on their property year-round.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Tillamook County

via HealthByCounty

Coastal county faces life expectancy gap

Tillamook County residents live an average of 75.2 years, 3.1 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.3 years and among the lowest in this dataset. The 17.3% poor/fair health rate aligns with the national average, but the significant life expectancy shortfall signals deeper health vulnerabilities.

Struggles compared to Oregon average

Tillamook County's 75.2-year life expectancy falls 1.8 years below Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. This small, coastal population faces distinct health challenges that urgently need community and policy attention.

Coastal health challenge

Tillamook County's 75.2-year life expectancy is substantially lower than neighboring Polk County (79.0 years) and Yamhill County peers. The county's location and demographic profile create unique health pressures that exceed those of nearby Willamette Valley counties.

Primary care access adequate but facing gaps

Tillamook County provides 54 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, meeting rural standards, though mental health capacity at 332 per 100,000 may not fully serve demand. The 8.2% uninsured rate, near Oregon's 8.1% average, means some residents still face cost barriers to care.

Get covered and stay covered

In a county facing health headwinds, health insurance is essential protection against medical costs and access barriers. Visit Oregon Health Plan or Healthcare.gov to enroll and help reverse Tillamook's troubling health trends.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Tillamook County

via SchoolsByCounty

Coastal Education Across Three Districts

Tillamook County supports 3,363 students through 12 public schools spread across three districts. The infrastructure includes five elementary, three middle, and four high schools serving the coastal region.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed National Average

The county's 88.2% graduation rate outperforms both the Oregon state average and the national 87% benchmark. This success is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $9,065, which is notably higher than the state's average investment.

Tillamook SD 9 as the Regional Anchor

Tillamook SD 9 is the largest district, educating 2,089 students across five different schools. Currently, the county has zero charter schools, maintaining a focus on traditional district-led education.

Rural Schooling with Coastal Roots

Eight of the county's 12 schools are in rural settings, with the remaining four located in town centers. Schools remain fairly small with an average of 280 students, though Tillamook High School serves 723 students.

A High-Performing Coastal Community

Families looking for a home in Tillamook County can benefit from graduation rates that lead the state. Real estate near the Neah-Kah-Nie and Tillamook districts is particularly popular for those valuing strong public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tillamook County

via RiskByCounty

Tillamook faces moderate-to-high national risk

Tillamook County's composite risk score of 81.33 and Relatively Moderate rating exceed the U.S. average considerably. The coastal location and seismic setting combine to produce above-average hazard exposure.

Tillamook ranks among Oregon's higher-risk counties

At 81.33, Tillamook County's composite score markedly exceeds Oregon's 63.43 state average, placing it in the state's upper tier. The county faces above-average flood, earthquake, and wildfire exposure.

Riskier than neighboring coastal counties

Tillamook's score of 81.33 surpasses adjacent Clatsop and Yamhill counties' composite risks. The combination of coastal geography, winter precipitation, and seismic hazard creates particularly elevated exposure in Tillamook.

Floods and earthquakes dominate Tillamook

Flood risk reaches 76.34, driven by Pacific winter storms, coastal drainage, and rainfall; earthquake risk scores 95.45 due to Cascadia Subduction Zone proximity. Wildfire (43.58) poses a secondary but growing concern.

Flood and earthquake coverage critical

Tillamook residents should prioritize flood insurance—essential for anyone near coastal or lowland areas—and obtain earthquake riders on homeowners policies. Neither is typically included in standard coverage; combined, they add 15–25% to your policy cost but provide vital protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tillamook County

via WeatherByCounty

The Epicenter of Coastal Rainfall

Tillamook County's 51.3°F average is slightly below the national median, but its 84.6 inches of rain is extraordinary. This makes it one of the wettest environments in the entire United States.

Surpassing Oregon's High Precipitation Norms

While the county’s 51.3°F average is close to the state mean, its rainfall is double the state average. It records 84.6 inches of precipitation compared to the Oregon average of 37.4 inches.

The Wettest and Mildest Neighbor

Tillamook is much wetter than Polk County, receiving about 7 inches more rain annually. It is also significantly cooler in the summer than interior counties like Multnomah.

Always Mild, Rarely Frozen

Extreme heat is non-existent here, with only 1 day over 90°F per year. Snow is equally rare at 0.6 inches annually, as winter temperatures stay well above freezing with a 44.5°F average.

Dehumidifiers are a Local Necessity

With nearly 85 inches of rain, managing indoor humidity and preventing mold is a primary concern for homeowners. Air conditioning is rarely needed, but high-quality waterproof gear is used year-round.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tillamook County

via SoilByCounty

The Coastal Acidic Powerhouse

Tillamook County has an extremely acidic soil profile with an average pH of 4.52. This is significantly lower than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.26. This intense acidity is a hallmark of the wet, forest-rich coastal environment.

Silty Soils of the Coast

The soil contains 48.6% silt and 30.8% sand, which provides a crumbly and workable texture. Clay levels are relatively low at 16.0%, helping to prevent the soil from becoming too heavy despite the high rainfall. This balance supports the massive root systems of the county's famous timber and pasture lands.

Unmatched Organic Wealth

Organic matter here is staggering at 51.54%, which is nearly double the state average and 25 times the national average. This richness is paired with a high available water capacity of 0.371 in/in. The result is a sponge-like soil that holds incredible amounts of nutrients and moisture.

Handling the Coastal Deluge

The high available water capacity is vital in a region that receives so much annual precipitation. While the soil texture is silty, the sheer volume of organic matter dictates how water moves through the landscape. Effective drainage is a primary concern for any coastal construction or agricultural venture.

A Lush Haven in Zone 9a

The 9a hardiness zone and nutrient-packed soil make Tillamook perfect for berries, hydrangeas, and lush pastures. If you can manage the acidity with lime, your vegetable garden will grow with prehistoric vigor. Embrace the rain and start your coastal garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tillamook County

via LawnByCounty

The Coastal Lawn Struggle

Tillamook County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 29.9. This is one of the more difficult areas in Oregon for traditional lawns, largely due to extreme moisture and acidic soil.

Saturated Coastline Conditions

An incredible 84.6 inches of rain falls annually, which is more than triple the national average for ideal growth. While the county only sees 1 extreme heat day, the constant dampness requires diligent fungal management.

Highly Acidic Soil Profile

The soil pH is very low at 4.52, requiring heavy liming to reach the 6.0-7.0 range needed for grass to thrive. A composition of 30.8% sand helps, but the acidity remains the primary obstacle for homeowners.

A Rare Drought-Free Zone

Tillamook currently reports 0% drought coverage, a stark contrast to the rest of the state. Your primary concern here is excess water management and ensuring your lawn doesn't suffer from root rot.

Wet-Weather Grass Selection

Bentgrass and rough bluegrass handle the moisture of Zone 9a better than most varieties. Planting should begin after the last spring frost on April 5 to take advantage of the long growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tillamook County's county score?
Tillamook County, Oregon has a composite county score of 43.5 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 Tillamook County rank among counties in Oregon?
Tillamook County ranks #14 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 Tillamook County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Tillamook County is $2,449, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Tillamook County a tax score of 74.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tillamook County?
The median household income in Tillamook County, Oregon is $66,551 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tillamook County earns an income score of 58.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tillamook County, Oregon a good place to live?
Tillamook County scores 43.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #14 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Tillamook 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 Tillamook 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.