countyscore
33.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 64.1Health 47.1Water Quality 45.9

County Report Card

About Umatilla County, Oregon

Struggling to meet national standards

Umatilla County earns a composite score of 33.1, trailing significantly behind the national median of 50.0. The county faces broad challenges across safety and environmental resilience categories.

Falling below the Oregon state average

The county's 33.1 score is well below the Oregon state average of 42.5. This ranking highlights a need for improvement compared to more stable counties within the same region.

A respectable middle-class income base

The county's brightest spot is its income score of 64.1, with a median household income of $68,958. This provides a baseline level of economic stability for local workers.

Critical gaps in safety and risk

Safety is a major concern with a very low score of 9.3, while environmental risk also scores poorly at 17.7. Additionally, an effective tax rate of 0.990% results in a low tax score of 38.8.

Suited for focused industrial workers

Umatilla County is best for those coming to the area for specific job opportunities that provide steady income. Residents must be comfortable navigating higher safety concerns and environmental risks in exchange for moderate housing costs.

Score breakdown

Tax38.8Cost27.8Safety9.3Health47.1Schools41.5Income64.1Risk17.7Water45.9Weather44.5
🏛38.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠27.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼64.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧45.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.5
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

Union County
Oregon
43.2
Walla Walla County
Washington
37
Morrow County
Oregon
45.1
Benton County
Washington
36.8
Columbia County
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Franklin County
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Wallowa County
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Grant County
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Deep Dives

Umatilla County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Umatilla County

via TaxByCounty

Umatilla's rate tops national median

At 0.990%, Umatilla County's effective tax rate is one of the highest in the nation, marginally exceeding the national median of 0.99%. With a median property tax of $2,534, Umatilla sits just below the national median of $2,690, making it a higher-tax jurisdiction relative to national trends.

Highest rate among Oregon peers

Umatilla's 0.990% effective rate ranks among Oregon's highest, surpassing the state average of 0.775% by a significant margin. At $2,534 median property tax, Umatilla's bills exceed Oregon's $2,745 average when adjusted for lower median home values, signaling a steeply taxing county.

Steepest rate in northeastern Oregon

Umatilla's 0.990% rate substantially exceeds neighboring Union County (0.886%), Wallowa County (0.584%), and Sherman County (0.695%), making it the northeast's most aggressive tax jurisdiction. This rate advantage reflects the county's dependence on property tax revenue relative to peers.

Typical bill tops $2,500 annually

With a median home value of $256,100 and Umatilla's 0.990% rate, homeowners pay a median of $2,534 annually in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically pay $2,718; owners without mortgages pay around $2,172.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

In high-tax Umatilla County, overassessment disputes can yield substantial annual savings, making formal appeals particularly strategic. Property owners should thoroughly document market comparables when challenging assessments in this higher-rate environment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Umatilla County

via CostByCounty

Umatilla delivers solid affordability standards

Umatilla County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits well below both the national baseline and Oregon's 19.4% state average, signaling genuine affordability. The median household income of $68,958 falls slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain remarkably restrained.

Eastern Oregon's affordable haven

At 16.7%, Umatilla County ranks among Oregon's most affordable counties for renters, trailing only the most rural markets and beating the state average by nearly 3 percentage points. The $962 median rent undercuts Oregon's $1,137 average while maintaining competitive income levels.

Umatilla leads eastern Oregon value

Umatilla's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio competes closely with Morrow (15.6%) and Wallowa (15.7%) while offering better income levels than Sherman or Union counties. The $962 rent sits between Morrow ($910) and Wallowa ($858), balancing affordability with regional earning power.

Eastern Oregon balance in action

Umatilla renters spend $962 monthly while homeowners budget $1,111, with median home value of $256,100 remaining accessible for many buyers. Just 16.7% of household income goes toward rent—among Oregon's leanest housing-cost burdens.

Umatilla works for remote-first movers

Umatilla County combines strong affordability (16.7% rent-to-income ratio) with reasonable income levels ($68,958 median), making it ideal for remote workers or those relocating from higher-cost areas. The county offers genuine financial breathing room without sacrificing access to services and community that smaller rural counties cannot match.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Umatilla County

via IncomeByCounty

Umatilla slightly below national median

Umatilla County's median household income of $68,958 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 8%, reflecting a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and government employment. This modest gap positions Umatilla near the national midpoint among rural and small metro counties.

Close to Oregon's state average

At $68,958, Umatilla County's median income edges just below Oregon's state average of $69,965 by about $1,000, placing it squarely at the state median. Per-capita income of $31,371 falls below the state average of $37,652, indicating more income concentration among households.

Mid-range among Eastern Oregon peers

Umatilla's $68,958 trails Morrow County ($70,217) slightly but exceeds Wallowa County ($65,559), Union County ($64,212), and Sherman County ($59,500). The county's agricultural and manufacturing base provides more stability than purely rural neighbors while remaining below Polk's stronger economy.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Umatilla County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% indicates affordable housing relative to earnings, well below the 30% pressure threshold. The median home value of $256,100 aligns reasonably with local incomes, supporting homeownership viability for many households.

Build savings in stable Umatilla

With moderate incomes and manageable housing costs, Umatilla residents have breathing room to save for emergencies and retirement. Prioritize employer retirement benefits and consider low-cost index funds to steadily compound wealth over 20-30 year horizons.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Umatilla County

via CrimeByCounty

Umatilla County Safety Challenges

Umatilla County reports a total crime rate of 2,858.4 per 100,000, which exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 95.5, slightly below the typical mark.

Below the Oregon Safety Average

With a safety score of 95.5, Umatilla County ranks lower than the state average of 96.3. Law enforcement across nine agencies works to address these higher-than-average crime figures.

Regional Safety vs Neighboring Counties

Umatilla's crime rate of 2,858.4 is notably higher than its neighbor Morrow County, which sits at 2,051.1. This indicates a higher concentration of activity within Umatilla's population centers.

High Property Crime Impacts Local Safety

Property crime is the primary driver of the high rate, sitting at 2,580.6 per 100,000 residents. However, the violent crime rate of 277.8 remains lower than the national average of 369.8.

Steps to Secure Your Neighborhood

Given the higher property crime rates, home security is essential for Umatilla residents. Use high-quality deadbolts and neighborhood watch programs to discourage theft and burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Umatilla County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy gap signals rural health crisis

Umatilla County residents live an average of 75.9 years, 2.4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With 21.9% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national 18% average—the county faces compounding health challenges that warrant urgent intervention.

Eastern Oregon's persistent struggle

Umatilla County's 75.9-year life expectancy trails Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, and its 21.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst. The county's rural eastern Oregon location and economic pressures create measurable health disparities statewide.

Eastern Oregon rural cluster

Umatilla County's 75.9-year life expectancy closely matches neighboring Morrow County (76.5 years) and Union County (76.5 years), reflecting shared rural health challenges across eastern Oregon. The county's 21.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds most neighbors, distinguishing Umatilla as particularly vulnerable.

Provider access gaps compound uninsured burden

With only 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Umatilla County faces tight access to doctors, and the 8.8% uninsured rate—higher than Oregon's 8.1%—adds financial barriers for vulnerable families. Together, these gaps force many residents to delay essential care.

Health insurance starts here

In Umatilla County, where healthcare access is already constrained, uninsured status can be devastating; insurance helps ensure you get timely care. Check Oregon Health Plan and Healthcare.gov eligibility today to join the 91% of county residents who have coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Umatilla County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network of 11 School Districts

Umatilla County manages a diverse education system with 35 public schools serving 13,469 students. The infrastructure is robust, featuring 16 elementary schools and nine high schools across 11 different districts.

Exceeding State Averages with Moderate Spending

The county maintains an 85.2% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the Oregon average of 82.3%. While per-pupil spending of $7,736 is slightly below the state average, the county still produces competitive academic results.

Hermiston Leads a Growing Student Base

Hermiston SD 8 is the largest district, serving 5,464 students across nine schools. The county also offers some school choice with two charter schools representing about 5.7% of the total school landscape.

Town-Centered Learning with Rural Reach

With 21 schools in town settings and 11 in rural areas, the county offers a variety of environments for its average of 385 students per school. Hermiston High School is the largest campus, hosting 1,739 students.

Find Home in a Robust Education Hub

Buyers frequently look at Hermiston and Pendleton for proximity to large, well-resourced high schools. The diverse district options allow families to find the specific school culture that fits their needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Umatilla County

via RiskByCounty

Umatilla County faces elevated national risk

Umatilla County's composite risk score of 82.28 and Relatively Moderate rating substantially exceed the U.S. average. The county confronts significant wildfire (96.15) and flood (81.46) hazards compounded by seismic exposure.

Umatilla ranks high among Oregon counties

At 82.28, Umatilla County's composite score substantially exceeds Oregon's 63.43 state average, ranking among the state's highest-risk counties. Wildfire threat and flood exposure place Umatilla in Oregon's upper tier.

Riskier than most regional counterparts

Umatilla's score of 82.28 surpasses nearby Wallowa (lower), Morrow (much lower), and Union counties. The county's agricultural landscape and river systems drive elevated flood and wildfire exposure relative to neighbors.

Wildfires and floods threaten Umatilla

Wildfire risk reaches 96.15—among the highest in Oregon—reflecting eastern Oregon's dry grasslands and frequent fire seasons. Flood risk scores 81.46, with the Umatilla River, John Day River, and tributary systems posing seasonal inundation threats.

Wildfire and flood insurance essential

Umatilla residents must secure wildfire riders to standard policies, as exclusions are common; budget 10–20% of home value. Flood insurance is equally critical, especially for properties near river corridors or in mapped floodplains.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Umatilla County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical But Dry National Profile

Umatilla County’s 51.9°F average temperature aligns closely with the national median. However, it is much drier than the U.S. average, receiving only 15.2 inches of precipitation.

Warmer and Snowier than the Average

At 51.9°F, the county is warmer than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It also receives 29.8 inches of snow, which is quite high compared to the rain-heavy western half of the state.

The Snowy Side of the Plateau

Umatilla is similar in temperature to Morrow County but receives nearly triple the snowfall. It averages 29.8 inches of snow compared to Morrow's 8.3 inches.

Intense Heat and Significant Snowfall

The county experiences 38 days of extreme heat above 90°F, one of the highest counts in the state. Winters bring a January average of 34.8°F and substantial snow accumulations.

Invest in Cooling and Clearing

Residents need high-efficiency cooling to manage over five weeks of extreme summer heat. A reliable snow blower or shovel is also essential for managing nearly 30 inches of winter snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Umatilla County

via SoilByCounty

Eastern Oregon's Silt Loam Identity

Umatilla County's specific pH and taxonomic data are not currently available in the dataset. However, the region is famous for its wind-deposited loess soils that define eastern Oregon agriculture. These soils typically differ significantly from the acidic profiles found west of the Cascades.

Fine Textures for Famous Crops

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are unrecorded here, the county is known for its fine-textured soils. These conditions have historically supported some of the world's most productive wheat and pea farms. The lack of specific data points to the diversity of soil types across the county's varied elevations.

Agricultural Success Without the Numbers

Official organic matter and water capacity benchmarks are missing for this county. Despite this, Umatilla remains an agricultural giant, leveraging deep soils and irrigation systems. The soil's productivity is proven by the vast yields harvested from its rolling hills every year.

Water Management on the Range

Dominant drainage classes are not currently specified for this region. Growers in the area typically rely on local expertise to manage the unique hydrologic challenges of the Columbia Basin. Proper water application is the key to preventing erosion in these highly productive landscapes.

Farming the 7a Hardiness Zone

In hardiness zone 7a, Umatilla County offers a robust climate for everything from fruit orchards to vegetable patches. Hot summers and cold winters require hardy plant selections and consistent watering. Join the long tradition of local growers and plant something new this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Umatilla County

via LawnByCounty

High-Heat Lawn Challenges

Umatilla County faces a difficult lawn environment with a score of 30.5. In this Zone 7a climate, conditions are significantly more demanding than the national median of 50.0.

Summer Heat and Dry Air

With 38 extreme heat days per year and only 15.2 inches of rain, grass is under constant stress. The 2,693 growing degree days provide a long season for growth, but only if you can provide enough water.

Unknown Ground Quality

Specific soil pH and texture data are unavailable for Umatilla County at this time. We recommend testing your soil to ensure it meets the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 pH range for nutrient absorption.

Severe Drought Conditions

Over 55% of the county is in severe drought, part of a 42-week dry streak. Focus on water conservation by using mulch in garden beds and letting your lawn go dormant if water restrictions tighten.

Hardy Varieties for Umatilla

Look for heat-hardy Tall Fescue or Kentucky bluegrass to handle the Zone 7a extremes. Seeding is best done after the last frost on April 26 to give the lawn a strong start before the July heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Umatilla County's county score?
Umatilla County, Oregon has a composite county score of 33.2 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 Umatilla County rank among counties in Oregon?
Umatilla County ranks #31 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 Umatilla County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Umatilla County is $2,534, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Umatilla County a tax score of 38.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Umatilla County?
The median household income in Umatilla County, Oregon is $68,958 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Umatilla County earns an income score of 64.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Umatilla County, Oregon a good place to live?
Umatilla County scores 33.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Umatilla 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 Umatilla 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.