Wasco County's composite score of 66.0 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This 32% advantage over the typical American county reflects a community with above-average tax efficiency and housing affordability relative to national standards.
2 / 5
Nearly tied with Oregon's average
Wasco ranks right at Oregon's state average composite score of 66.6, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's county livability rankings. While it matches the statewide norm, Wasco neither leads nor lags significantly compared to its Oregon neighbors.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and affordability shine
Wasco excels in tax burden with a score of 78.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.837%—among Oregon's lowest. Housing is equally attractive, with a cost score of 73.8 featuring a median home value of $332,500 and median rent of just $978/month, making homeownership and renting accessible to working families.
4 / 5
Income and environmental risk lag
Income remains a significant challenge, with a score of just 24.9 and median household income of $63,602—well below state and national peers. The risk score of 32.2 also signals environmental or hazard concerns that warrant attention for households sensitive to natural disasters or climate factors.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-conscious rural seekers
Wasco suits individuals and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes, with a rural lifestyle appeal. This county works best for those with established incomes or retirement security who value small-town living and can navigate moderate environmental risks.
Wasco County's composite score of 66.0 significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third of U.S. counties. This 32% advantage over the typical American county reflects a community with above-average tax efficiency and housing affordability relative to national standards.
Nearly tied with Oregon's average
Wasco ranks right at Oregon's state average composite score of 66.6, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's county livability rankings. While it matches the statewide norm, Wasco neither leads nor lags significantly compared to its Oregon neighbors.
Tax efficiency and affordability shine
Wasco excels in tax burden with a score of 78.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.837%—among Oregon's lowest. Housing is equally attractive, with a cost score of 73.8 featuring a median home value of $332,500 and median rent of just $978/month, making homeownership and renting accessible to working families.
Income and environmental risk lag
Income remains a significant challenge, with a score of just 24.9 and median household income of $63,602—well below state and national peers. The risk score of 32.2 also signals environmental or hazard concerns that warrant attention for households sensitive to natural disasters or climate factors.
Ideal for budget-conscious rural seekers
Wasco suits individuals and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes, with a rural lifestyle appeal. This county works best for those with established incomes or retirement security who value small-town living and can navigate moderate environmental risks.
Score breakdown
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🏛78.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Wasco County residents live to an average of 75.2 years, about 5 years less than the U.S. average of 80.1 years. Nearly 1 in 5 Wasco residents (18.7%) report poor or fair health, well above the national benchmark of 13.3%.
Below Oregon's health average
At 75.2 years, Wasco's life expectancy ranks below Oregon's state average of 77.0 years. The county's 18.7% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Oregon's typical outcomes, signaling persistent health challenges.
Wasco faces steeper health gaps
Wasco's life expectancy of 75.2 years lags its neighbors Washington County (81.1) and Yamhill County (78.1) by several years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 18.7% is higher than Yamhill's 17.0%, reflecting deeper health concerns in the local population.
Provider access limits daily care
Wasco has 105 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 722 mental health providers per 100,000—stretching thin for a rural county managing health demand. With a 10.3% uninsured rate, one in ten residents struggles to access affordable care when they need it most.
Check coverage options now
If you're among Wasco's uninsured residents, Oregon Health Plan and marketplace plans may offer affordable coverage. Visit oregonhealthcare.gov or speak with a local navigator to explore options that fit your family's budget.
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.