countyscore
63.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 76Safety 74.5

County Report Card

About Wallowa County, Oregon

A premier national destination for livability

Wallowa County earns an impressive composite score of 63.9, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a top-tier choice for quality of life on a national scale.

Oregon's gold standard for county life

At 63.9, Wallowa County easily beats the Oregon state average of 42.5. It is arguably one of the most desirable places to live in the entire state based on data metrics.

Superior safety and tax advantages

The county excels with a tax score of 76.0 and a safety score of 74.5. It also boasts an elite water score of 86.0 and a healthy 72.4 in the health category.

Managing housing costs and school quality

The cost score of 49.8 is the county's lowest, reflecting a median home value of $371,900. Additionally, the school score of 50.9 suggests that educational outcomes are only average compared to its other high scores.

The ultimate choice for safe rural living

Wallowa County is the perfect destination for retirees or families who prioritize safety, low taxes, and pristine water. It is a premium Oregon location for anyone who can afford the local housing market.

204060801007649.874.572.450.956.266.18635.9Tax76Cost49.8Safety74.5Health72.4Schools50.9Income56.2Risk66.1Water86Weather35.963.9/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Wallowa County DNA

D+overall

How Wallowa County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wallowa County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Water Quality (86/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Weather & Climate (35.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
76+24
Cost
49.8
Safety
74.5+19.5
Health
72.4+22.400000000000006
Schools
50.9
Income
56.2
Risk
66.1+19.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
35.9-20.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$371,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$858/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$371,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,559/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

79.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Asotin County
Washington
45
Union County
Oregon
43.2
Nez Perce County
Idaho
40.3
Garfield County
Washington
54.4
Lewis County
Idaho
55.6
Columbia County
Washington
44.8
Adams County
Idaho
54.8
Baker County
Oregon
36.3

Deep Dives

Wallowa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Wallowa County

via CrimeByCounty

Wallowa County: One of Oregon's Safest

Wallowa County earns an elite safety score of 99.0, reflecting exceptionally low crime. Its total crime rate of 604.9 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Setting a Statewide Safety Record

Wallowa's safety score of 99.0 far exceeds the Oregon state average of 96.3. It stands as a model for public safety in the state with very few reported incidents.

Unmatched Regional Security

Compared to neighboring Union County's crime rate of 2,153.3, Wallowa's rate of 604.9 is remarkably low. It is the safest county in its immediate geographical area.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

In 2022, Wallowa County reported a violent crime rate of 0.0, a rare and impressive statistic. All recorded crimes were property-related, occurring at a low rate of 604.9 per 100,000.

Keep Wallowa County Secure

While crime is extremely rare, residents should still lock vehicles and homes to maintain this high safety standard. Community trust is high, but basic prevention keeps opportunistic crime away.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wallowa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schooling in Northeast Oregon

Wallowa County manages eight public schools serving a total population of 874 students. These schools are distributed across four districts, including four elementary and two high school locations.

High Investment in a Rural System

Per-pupil expenditure is a high $10,680, reflecting a significant local investment compared to the Oregon average of $7,886. However, the 80.5% graduation rate currently lags behind both the state and national averages.

Wallowa and Enterprise District Leadership

Wallowa SD 12 is the largest district by school count with three schools, while Joseph Charter School is the largest individual school. One charter school serves the county, making up 12.5% of the total school options.

Exclusively Rural, Small-Scale Learning

Every school in Wallowa County is classified as rural, with an average school size of just 109 students. This creates a very personalized environment where some high schools, like Wallowa High, have fewer than 60 students.

Personalized Education in a Stunning Setting

For those seeking the smallest class sizes in Oregon, Wallowa County is an unmatched destination. The high per-pupil spending ensures that even the smallest rural schools have the resources they need to support their students.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Wallowa County

via WaterByCounty

Exemplary A grade for water safety

Wallowa County maintains an A grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the last five years. The county outperforms the state average violation rate of 65.5 per 100,000 residents.

No federal impairment data reported

The water bodies in Wallowa County have not been formally assessed in the federal §303(d) cycle. As a result, there is no federal record of impairment or pollutant causes for this area.

Focus on metals and physical traits

Monitoring agencies manage 32 sites and have recorded 3,153 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, organics, and metals.

Snake River flows at 68 percent

The Snake River at the Oregon-Idaho state line currently records 12,700 cfs, which is 68% of its long-term mean. This suggests drier than average conditions for the drainage basin.

Watch flow levels for water supply

Strong compliance grades mean the water is safe, but low streamflow in the Snake River could impact local supply. Residents should stay informed about the presence of metals and organics highlighted in monitoring records.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wallowa County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the Nation's Coldest Pockets

Wallowa County’s 45.7°F annual average is significantly lower than the national median. This alpine-influenced climate is defined by its cold temperatures and 18.1 inches of precipitation.

Oregon's High-Elevation Cold Spot

The county is nearly five degrees colder than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It is one of the few places in the state where annual snowfall (51 inches) exceeds total inches of rain.

The Snow King of the Region

Wallowa is the coldest of its neighbors, averaging 45.7°F compared to Union County's 48.8°F. Its 51 inches of snow dwarfs the 12.8 inches found in nearby Union.

Brief Summers and Heavy Snow

Despite the cold, July averages 65.9°F with 28 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter is the dominant season, bringing a freezing 27.5°F January average and over four feet of snow.

Winter Preparedness is Primary

Heavy-duty snow removal equipment and winter tires are mandatory for the 51 inches of annual snowfall. Residents also need efficient heating systems to handle winter averages that stay well below freezing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wallowa County

via SoilByCounty

Oregon's Alpine Soil Identity

Wallowa County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in the current survey. The county is home to the 'Swiss Alps of Oregon,' where soils are influenced by dramatic glacial history and volcanic ash. This unique geologic background sets it apart from the 5.26 pH state average.

Glacial and Volcanic Textures

Specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not currently recorded for Wallowa. The soil texture here is often influenced by volcanic deposits, which can provide excellent drainage and mineral richness. These conditions support both the high-altitude forests and the fertile valley bottoms.

Fertility in the Wallowa Valley

Data for organic matter and water capacity is missing for this remote northeastern corner. However, the county's vibrant ecosystem and successful cattle ranches point to a healthy, functioning soil system. The available water from snowmelt is a critical component of the local soil's productivity.

Mountain Drainage and Snowmelt

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the county’s steep terrain ensures that water moves quickly toward the canyons. Hydrologic behavior is dominated by seasonal cycles, making water conservation important for summer growth. Local knowledge is the best guide for managing water on these rugged lands.

Resilient Growth in Zone 6b

Wallowa County's 6b hardiness zone requires plants that can handle a shorter window of warmth. Focus on quick-maturing vegetables and cold-hardy flowers that can withstand the crisp mountain air. There is no better place to grow a resilient garden than in the shadow of the Wallowas.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wallowa County

via LawnByCounty

Oregon's Toughest Lawn Terrain

Wallowa County is one of the most difficult places in the state for lawns, with a score of just 24.3. Maintaining a green yard here is more than twice as hard as the national median.

A Very Short Growing Window

Annual precipitation is low at 18.1 inches, and the growing season is compressed by late spring and early fall frosts. With 28 extreme heat days, the grass faces both freezing winters and scorching summer afternoons.

Prepare Your Soil

Data for local soil pH and drainage class is currently limited. Given the difficult climate, testing your soil to reach the 6.0-7.0 pH ideal is a critical first step for any successful lawn.

Intense Drought Pressure

The county has faced 42 weeks of drought, and over half the area is currently in severe drought. Xeriscaping or using very drought-tolerant native grasses may be more practical than traditional turf.

The Right Grass for Zone 6b

Hardy fescues are your best bet for the cold Zone 6b winters. Your seeding window is tight; wait for the last frost on June 7, but ensure the lawn is established before the first frost on September 9.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wallowa County's county score?
Wallowa County, Oregon has a composite county score of 63.9 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 Wallowa County rank among counties in Oregon?
Wallowa County ranks #3 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 Wallowa County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Wallowa County is $2,173, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Wallowa County a tax score of 76/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wallowa County?
The median household income in Wallowa County, Oregon is $65,559 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wallowa County earns an income score of 56.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wallowa County, Oregon a good place to live?
Wallowa County scores 63.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Wallowa 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 Wallowa County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.