countyscore
32.3
County Score
Property Tax 49.9Income & Jobs 49.7Health 48.2

County Report Card

About Wasco County, Oregon

Wasco County Trails the National Median

With a composite score of 32.3, Wasco County ranks significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a lower-than-average performance across combined livability metrics on the national stage.

Falling Below Oregon's State Average

Wasco County's 32.3 score also falls behind the Oregon state average of 42.5. It ranks in the lower tier of Oregon counties, struggling to keep pace with the state's more robust economic hubs.

Moderate Incomes and Tax Stability

The county's greatest strengths are its tax burden and income levels, scoring 49.9 and 49.7 respectively. Residents earn a median household income of $63,602 and benefit from a competitive 0.837% effective tax rate.

Safety and Water Quality Gaps

The county faces serious challenges in safety with a score of 6.3 and water quality at 15.9. These scores indicate significant room for improvement in community security and environmental infrastructure.

A Fit for Budget-Conscious Renters

Wasco County best suits individuals seeking manageable rents, which average $978 per month. It is a practical choice for those who prioritize a moderate tax burden over high safety or school rankings.

2040608010049.926.86.348.236.149.732.215.943.1Tax49.9Cost26.8Safety6.3Health48.2Schools36.1Income49.7Risk32.2Water15.9Weather43.132.3/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Wasco County DNA

Foverall

How Wasco County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wasco County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (6.3/100), though Income (49.7/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
49.9
Cost
26.8-21.2
Safety
6.3-48.7
Health
48.2
Schools
36.1-17.9
Income
49.7
Risk
32.2-14.799999999999997
Water
15.9-42.1
Weather
43.1-12.899999999999999
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$332,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$978/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$332,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,602/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

63.9

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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Nearby counties

Hood River County
Oregon
48.2
Sherman County
Oregon
55.3
Clackamas County
Oregon
36.5
Jefferson County
Oregon
48.1
Klickitat County
Washington
52.7
Skamania County
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57.8
Gilliam County
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44.9
Multnomah County
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44.4

Deep Dives

Wasco County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wasco County

via TaxByCounty

Wasco taxes run slightly above national norm

Wasco County's effective tax rate of 0.837% sits above the national median of 0.75%, placing it in the 65th percentile nationally. The median property tax here is $2,784, compared to the national median of $2,690, a difference of just $94 annually.

Higher than most Oregon counties

Wasco's 0.837% effective rate ranks it 8th highest among Oregon's 36 counties. The state average effective rate is 0.775%, meaning Wasco residents pay about 0.06 percentage points more than typical Oregonians.

Wasco costs more than Wheeler, less than Washington

Wasco's $2,784 median tax falls between Wheeler County ($1,884) and Washington County ($4,852). Among regional peers, Wasco's rate of 0.837% is notably higher than Wheeler's 0.727% but lower than Yamhill's 0.750% effective rate.

A $332,500 home costs $2,784 yearly

The median Wasco home valued at $332,500 generates $2,784 in annual property taxes based on the county's 0.837% effective rate. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay slightly more at $2,943, while those without pay $2,508.

You might be paying too much in taxes

Research shows many homeowners nationwide are overassessed and could recover thousands through property tax appeals. Wasco County residents paying above their county's median should consider reviewing their assessment for potential errors.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wasco County

via CostByCounty

Wasco rents less than national average

Wasco County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% sits below the national median household income of $74,755, meaning renters here spend a smaller share of earnings on housing than typical American households. This favorable ratio reflects both modest rents and solid local incomes that outpace many rural Oregon counties.

Better affordability than most Oregon counties

At 18.4%, Wasco's rent-to-income ratio beats Oregon's state average of 19.4%, positioning the county among the more affordable places to rent in the state. The median rent of $978 per month is also $159 below the statewide average, making Wasco a relative bargain for renters.

Most affordable in its region

Wasco County offers the lowest rents among nearby counties, with $978 monthly rent compared to Washington County's $1,773 and Yamhill County's $1,377. Wheeler County edges slightly cheaper at $782, but Wasco strikes a balance between affordability and access to services that its rural neighbors cannot match.

Housing costs break down clearly

Wasco renters pay $978 monthly while owner-occupants pay $1,108, with a median home value of $332,500 and median household income of $63,602. Renters dedicate 18.4% of income to housing, while mortgage costs consume roughly 21% of owner household income, making both options relatively affordable.

Consider Wasco for rural balance

If you're relocating to Oregon and want genuine affordability without sacrificing access to amenities, Wasco delivers lower rents and mortgage costs than most regional peers. Compare Wasco's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio to your current housing burden—you may find substantial monthly savings while staying connected to the wider Portland metro region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wasco County

via IncomeByCounty

Wasco lags behind national income average

Wasco County's median household income of $63,602 falls $11,153 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This positions the county in the lower-middle income tier nationally, reflecting economic patterns common to smaller rural Oregon communities.

Below Oregon average by $6,363

At $63,602, Wasco's median household income trails Oregon's state average of $69,965 by roughly 9%. The county ranks in the lower half of Oregon's 36 counties, indicating limited high-wage employment opportunities locally.

Stronger than Wheeler, weaker than Yamhill

Wasco earns $12,352 more per household than neighboring Wheeler County ($51,250), but $23,482 less than Yamhill County ($87,084). Proximity to Portland and Hood River influences income disparities across this region.

Rent remains affordable at 18.4%

Wasco's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% sits comfortably below the 30% threshold for housing affordability, suggesting renters have adequate income cushion. With a median home value of $332,500, homeownership remains moderately accessible compared to state averages.

Build financial resilience in rural Oregon

Wasco residents can leverage their relatively manageable housing costs to save and invest for long-term wealth. Starting an emergency fund and exploring retirement accounts early helps offset the region's lower wage environment.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wasco County

via CrimeByCounty

Wasco County's Safety Profile vs. National Benchmarks

Wasco County reports a total crime rate of 3,209.6 per 100K, which is notably higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county maintains a high safety score of 94.9 out of 100.

Wasco County Safety Rank in Oregon

The county's safety score of 94.9 sits slightly below the Oregon state average of 96.3. Four local reporting agencies provide data that helps law enforcement track these trends across the region.

Comparing Wasco to Regional Neighbors

With 3,209.6 crimes per 100K, Wasco has a higher incident rate than the state average of 2,366.2. This rate is also significantly higher than nearby Washington and Yamhill counties.

Breaking Down Violent and Property Crime

Property crime is the primary concern here at 2,774.1 per 100K, exceeding the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime accounts for 435.5 incidents per 100K, which is also above the national average.

Strengthening Your Home Security

Since property crime is higher than average, residents should prioritize motion-sensor lighting and secure entry points. Building strong neighborhood networks remains a key strategy for maintaining community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Wasco County

via SchoolsByCounty

Wasco’s Education Infrastructure

Wasco County supports 3,412 students across 11 public schools, including six elementary and two high schools. Three districts manage this network, ensuring that academic resources reach every corner of the county's varied terrain.

Investment and Outcomes in Wasco

The county maintains an 83.1% graduation rate, outperforming the state average of 82.3% but trailing the 87% national benchmark. While per-pupil spending of $7,620 is lower than both state and national levels, the composite school score of 51.2 remains competitive with the Oregon average.

Leading Districts and Charter Options

North Wasco County SD 21 serves as the educational hub, enrolling 2,841 students across seven different schools. The county also offers school choice through one charter school, which represents approximately 9.1% of all local educational facilities.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

Wasco County schools are split between six town-based and five rural locales, with an average enrollment of 310 students per school. Students attend facilities ranging from the 810-student The Dalles High School to the more intimate Dufur School, which serves 329 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Find a Home Near Quality Schools

With graduation rates exceeding the state average, Wasco County is an attractive destination for families prioritizing education. Explore homes near top-rated schools like Dry Hollow Elementary to secure a place in this high-performing rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wasco County

via RiskByCounty

Wasco ranks low on national risk scale

Wasco County scores 67.81 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category and sitting above the national median. This score reflects a county where disaster risk exists but remains manageable compared to the highest-risk counties nationwide.

Moderate risk for Oregon

Wasco's 67.81 composite score sits above Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the mid-tier counties in the state for overall natural disaster risk. While not among Oregon's most vulnerable counties, Wasco still experiences notably elevated risk in specific hazards.

Wasco faces unique earthquake and fire threats

Among its neighboring counties, Wasco's wildfire risk (98.09) far exceeds Wheeler County's (88.74) and significantly outpaces Yamhill's (52.13). Wasco also carries much higher earthquake risk (82.98) than Wheeler (17.88), reflecting its proximity to major geological fault zones.

Wildfires and earthquakes dominate Wasco's threat landscape

Wasco County faces an exceptional wildfire risk score of 98.09—among the highest statewide—driven by the county's extensive grasslands and proximity to active fire corridors. Earthquake risk ranks second at 82.98, reflecting Wasco's location near the Cascadia Subduction Zone and local fault systems that pose significant structural threats.

Prepare now for fire and seismic events

Wasco residents should prioritize wildfire mitigation through defensible space maintenance and comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wildfire damage. Earthquake insurance is critical—standard policies exclude seismic damage, so most Wasco homeowners need supplemental coverage to protect against the county's elevated seismic risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Wasco County

via WaterByCounty

Wasco County faces drinking water challenges

Wasco County earns a Grade F for drinking water safety, recording 41 health violations over five years. Its violation rate of 185.2 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the Oregon state average of 65.5.

Watershed health data remains unavailable

Federal Clean Water Act assessments do not yet cover the water bodies within Wasco County. These local watersheds are not included in the current §303(d) reporting cycle.

Dense chemical monitoring tracks local quality

Scientists maintain 30 monitoring sites that have recorded 32,647 measurements in the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on organics and pesticides to track chemical presence across the county.

High flows on the Columbia River

The Columbia River at The Dalles is flowing at 236,000 cfs, which is 125% of its long-term mean. This high volume indicates a robust seasonal surge for the region's primary drainage.

Prioritize filtration and source awareness

Given the high rate of health violations, residents should consider point-of-use filtration and review local water reports. High streamflow on the Columbia can also shift the concentration of local runoff pollutants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wasco County

via WeatherByCounty

A Bridge Between Coastal and Continental Climates

Wasco County’s 52.0°F average annual temperature sits just below the national median. This region experiences a semi-arid climate that serves as a transition zone between the wet coast and the dry interior.

Warmer and Drier Than the Oregon Average

At 52.0°F, the county is 1.5 degrees warmer than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It is significantly drier than the rest of the state, receiving only 13.8 inches of rain compared to the 37.4-inch state average.

A Drier Choice Than Western Neighbors

Wasco is far more arid than neighboring Hood River County to the west. While it shares a similar heat profile with Sherman County, its location near the Columbia Gorge creates unique wind and weather patterns.

Hot Summers and Snowy Winter Stints

Summers are intense with 41 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 71.4°F. Residents also navigate a true winter, which brings 13.5 inches of annual snowfall and a December-February average of 36.0°F.

Prepare for Heat Waves and Winter Dustings

High-efficiency cooling is a must to handle the 41 annual extreme heat days. You should also keep snow tires or shovels ready for the 13.5 inches of snow that typically falls during the colder months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wasco County

via SoilByCounty

A Landscape of Unmapped Geological Variety

Detailed records for Wasco County's dominant soil texture and taxonomic order remain unrecorded in this dataset. While the national median pH sits at 6.5, specific local measurements are unavailable for this period. Residents often work with diverse volcanic soils that vary significantly by elevation.

Waiting for the Breakdown

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently missing from the county's digital survey. Without these metrics, precise assessments of drainage and nutrient retention require on-site testing. Local growers typically manage a mix ranging from river-bottom silts to rocky upland slopes.

Productivity Beyond the Data

Current data does not provide figures for organic matter or available water capacity in Wasco. This contrasts with Oregon's high state average of 29.41% organic matter and 0.275 available water capacity. Despite these gaps, the county maintains a reputation for high-value agricultural output.

Managing Water in the Basin

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic groups for the county are not currently specified. This lack of data makes site-specific percolation tests essential for new building projects or irrigation setups. Understanding your local slope remains the best way to predict water movement.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7b

Wasco County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 7b, supporting world-famous cherry orchards and vast wheat fields. Even without complete soil data, the climate allows for a productive growing season for those who irrigate wisely. Grab a shovel and start your garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wasco County

via LawnByCounty

A Desert Challenge for Wasco Lawns

Wasco County earns a lawn difficulty score of 37.6, making it significantly more challenging to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. While the hardiness zone 7b is manageable, the local environment is slightly tougher than the Oregon state average of 38.9. Homeowners face a persistent battle against dry air and high desert conditions.

Intense Heat and Minimal Rainfall

With only 13.8 inches of annual precipitation, local lawns receive less than half of the 30-50 inches recommended for healthy growth. The county endures 41 extreme heat days per year, which is nearly double the state average of 23 days. These conditions require rigorous irrigation schedules to prevent grass from entering summer dormancy prematurely.

Working with Undocumented Soil Profiles

Local soil data for pH and composition is currently limited for this region. Residents should conduct a professional soil test to determine if their specific lot leans toward the acidic side common in Oregon. Establishing a healthy foundation is critical before navigating the high 2641 growing degree days seen here.

Managing Constant Drought Pressure

Every acre of Wasco County is currently classified as abnormally dry, and the region spent 25 weeks in drought over the past year. To conserve water, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent soaking early in the morning. This strategy encourages deep root growth and minimizes evaporation during the hot afternoon hours.

Timing Your Wasco County Turf

For this 7b zone, drought-resistant Tall Fescue or Fine Fescue blends are the most reliable choices for surviving the heat. Aim to seed or sod after the last spring frost on May 12 or wait until the cooling temperatures of early September. Starting your project in the fall allows roots to establish before the next 41-day heat cycle begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wasco County's county score?
Wasco County, Oregon has a composite county score of 32.3 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 Wasco County rank among counties in Oregon?
Wasco County ranks #32 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 Wasco County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Wasco County is $2,784, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Wasco County a tax score of 49.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wasco County?
The median household income in Wasco County, Oregon is $63,602 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wasco County earns an income score of 49.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wasco County, Oregon a good place to live?
Wasco County scores 32.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Wasco 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 Wasco 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.