CountyScore

Wallowa County

Oregon · OR

#3 in Oregon
74.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Wallowa County, Oregon

Wallowa ranks in top 15% nationally

Wallowa County's composite score of 74.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 15% of U.S. counties. This remote northeastern Oregon county delivers exceptional livability despite limited job diversity.

Oregon's most livable county here

At 74.6, Wallowa ranks well above Oregon's state average of 66.6 and tops this group of eight counties. It represents the highest livability score among peers, excelling across multiple metrics.

Tax rates and housing afford maximum value

Wallowa boasts the lowest effective tax rate statewide at 0.584% (tax score 85.8) and a cost score of 80.3 with median rent of just $858/month. Combined with a health score of 74.9, these factors create exceptional livability for modest-income households.

Low incomes and moderate natural hazard risk

Wallowa's income score of 26.2 reflects median household income of $65,559, among the lowest of these eight counties. The risk score of 66.1 suggests moderate exposure to natural hazards common to the Blue Mountains region.

Premier choice for frugal rural adventurers

Wallowa County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families deeply committed to outdoor living and low costs who can forgo high-wage employment opportunities. Its combination of lowest taxes, cheapest housing, and good health care makes it Oregon's best value for self-sufficient households.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.8Cost80.3SafetyComing SoonHealth74.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome26.2Risk66.1WaterComing Soon
🏛85.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.1
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 Wallowa County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Rio Blanco County
Colorado
74.6
Median income: $72,620
Adams County
Idaho
74.6
Median income: $59,286
Lincoln County
Idaho
74.6
Median income: $66,038
McLean County
Kentucky
74.6
Median income: $70,549
Madison County
North Carolina
74.6
Median income: $58,628

Deep Dives

Wallowa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wallowa County

via TaxByCounty

Wallowa has nation's lowest tax rate

At 0.584%, Wallowa County's effective tax rate ranks among the absolute lowest in the United States, far below the national median of 0.99%. The median property tax of $2,173 remains below the national median of $2,690, even with moderately valued homes, underscoring Wallowa's exceptional tax affordability.

Oregon's lowest-tax county

Wallowa's 0.584% rate is the lowest in Oregon, trailing the state average of 0.775% by nearly 200 basis points. At $2,173 median annual property tax versus Oregon's $2,745 state average, Wallowa offers the state's most compelling tax advantage across all counties.

Significantly lower than regional peers

Wallowa's 0.584% rate substantially undercuts Union County (0.886%), Umatilla County (0.990%), and all other surrounding counties, making it northeastern Oregon's tax haven. With a median home value of $371,900—above regional norms—Wallowa's exceptional rate amplifies the savings advantage.

Lowest median tax in northeast Oregon

Despite a median home value of $371,900—among the region's highest—Wallowa County residents pay just $2,173 annually in property taxes at the county's 0.584% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay approximately $2,048; those without mortgages pay around $2,256.

Confirm your assessment's accuracy

Even in ultra-low-tax Wallowa County, periodic assessment reviews ensure your valuation reflects current market conditions. If local property values have shifted, a formal challenge can protect your exceptional tax position.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wallowa County

via CostByCounty

Wallowa combines low rent and strong ratios

Wallowa County's 15.7% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national baseline and Oregon's 19.4% state average, delivering exceptional affordability. The median household income of $65,559 falls below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain among Oregon's most restrained.

Wallowa ranks Oregon's most affordable

At 15.7%, Wallowa County ties with Morrow for Oregon's best rent-to-income ratio, offering genuine affordability in the state's rural northeast. The $858 median rent represents Oregon's lowest, creating unmatched rental value despite modest income levels.

Wallowa's rent sets eastern standard

Wallowa's $858 rent beats all eastern Oregon comparisons—Morrow ($910), Umatilla ($962), Union ($982)—while matching the 15.7% rent-to-income excellence of Morrow County. The county delivers unrivaled rental affordability paired with competitive ownership costs.

Wallowa's exceptional rental value

Wallowa renters spend just $858 monthly—lowest in the region—while homeowners budget $834, with median home value of $371,900 reflecting mountain property appeal. At 15.7% of income dedicated to rent, Wallowa residents enjoy maximum financial flexibility.

Wallowa offers unmatched rural value

Wallowa County delivers Oregon's most compelling affordability package: $858 rent, 15.7% rent-to-income ratio, and mountain scenery without Portland-area prices. If your relocation prioritizes housing affordability alongside access to outdoor recreation and small-town living, Wallowa stands unmatched among Oregon options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wallowa County

via IncomeByCounty

Wallowa below U.S. income benchmark

Wallowa County's median household income of $65,559 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 12%, typical for rural mountain counties with limited urban employment centers. Despite this gap, the county maintains income stability through ranching, tourism, and outdoor recreation.

Below Oregon state average

At $65,559, Wallowa County's median income ranks below Oregon's state average of $69,965 by about $4,400, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Oregon's 36 counties. Per-capita income of $37,963 tracks closely to the state average of $37,652, suggesting fairly distributed earnings.

Lower-end rural county income

Wallowa's $65,559 trails Morrow County ($70,217), Umatilla County ($68,958), and Union County ($64,212) slightly, positioning it near the regional bottom. The county's scenic beauty and outdoor economy attract retirees and outdoor enthusiasts but offer limited high-wage employment growth.

Low housing pressure, high home values

Wallowa County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% is the lowest of the eight counties, indicating minimal housing cost strain relative to income. However, the median home value of $371,900 remains high relative to the $65,559 median income, reflecting investment demand that exceeds local earning capacity.

Leverage low housing burden creatively

Wallowa residents benefit from unusually low rent-to-income ratios, freeing up capital for retirement savings and long-term investing. Redirect housing savings into diversified portfolios and consider maximizing retirement contributions to build wealth independent of local economic fluctuations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wallowa County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national standard

Wallowa County residents live an average of 77.7 years, just 0.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years. At 15.5%, the county's poor/fair health rate is notably low—2.5 percentage points below the national 18%—indicating above-average health quality across the population.

Eastern Oregon's health standout

Wallowa County's 77.7-year life expectancy exceeds Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, and its 15.5% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's best. This small, rural county outperforms most Oregon peers and demonstrates that eastern Oregon can achieve strong health outcomes.

Best-performing rural neighbor

Wallowa County's 77.7-year life expectancy significantly exceeds neighboring Umatilla County (75.9 years) and Union County (76.5 years), while the 15.5% poor/fair health rate is substantially better. This northeast Oregon county serves as a model for rural health success.

Exceptional primary care, adequate mental health

Wallowa County boasts 172 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the highest nationally for a rural county—along with 417 mental health providers per 100,000. The 8.0% uninsured rate, near Oregon's 8.1% average, ensures most residents can access this robust care infrastructure.

Maintain excellent health coverage

Wallowa County's outstanding health outcomes reflect sustained access to primary and mental health care; keep your insurance active to maintain that advantage. Visit Oregon Health Plan or Healthcare.gov to review your coverage and ensure continuity of care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wallowa County

via RiskByCounty

Wallowa County ranks among safest nationally

Wallowa County's composite risk score of 33.97 and Very Low rating place it well below the U.S. average. The mountainous terrain and sparse population limit overall disaster exposure despite notable wildfire and earthquake hazards.

Wallowa remains below Oregon's average risk

At 33.97, Wallowa County's composite score sits well below Oregon's 63.43 state average, ranking among the state's safer counties. The county benefits from lower density and geographic isolation.

Safer than surrounding counties

Wallowa County's score of 33.97 undercuts nearby Union (43.54), Umatilla (82.28), and Baker counties. The county's mountainous Wallowa Valley location and limited infrastructure minimize overall hazard exposure.

Wildfires dominate Wallowa hazards

Wildfire risk scores 92.68—by far Wallowa's most significant hazard—reflecting the dry Blue Mountains and fire-prone landscape. Earthquake risk (37.66) and flood risk (48.85) present secondary concerns.

Wildfire insurance your top priority

Wallowa residents should secure wildfire coverage riders, as standard homeowners policies typically exclude it; budget 10–15% of home value. Given the county's otherwise very low risk profile, basic earthquake and flood riders provide adequate supplemental protection.

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.