countyscore
55.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 92.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Wheeler County, Oregon

Exceeding the National Median

Wheeler County stands out with a composite score of 55.3, comfortably surpassing the national median of 50.0. Its unique rural profile offers a higher level of overall livability than many urban counterparts.

A High Performer in Oregon

With a 55.3 score, Wheeler significantly outpaces the Oregon state average of 42.5. It represents a top-tier choice for residents prioritizing safety and environmental quality within the state.

Leading in Safety and Security

The county shines with a safety score of 97.5 and a risk score of 92.9. Residents also enjoy clean water, scored at 86.0, and affordable housing with a median home value of $259,000.

Limited Income and School Access

Economic opportunity is low with an income score of 17.3, and the school score sits at just 0.4. The median household income of $51,250 reflects a small, specialized local economy.

Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers

Wheeler County is perfect for those who prioritize peace, safety, and a $782 median rent over career growth. It suits lifestyle-seekers who do not rely on local school systems or high-intensity job markets.

Score breakdown

Tax60Cost57Safety97.5Health46.1Schools0.4Income17.3Risk92.9Water86Weather43.7
🏛60
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓0.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤43.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.5
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

Crook County
Oregon
48.1
Gilliam County
Oregon
44.9
Morrow County
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Sherman County
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Jefferson County
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Grant County
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Wasco County
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Deschutes County
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Deep Dives

Wheeler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wheeler County

via TaxByCounty

Wheeler County offers below-average tax rates

Wheeler County's effective tax rate of 0.727% is slightly below the national median of 0.75%, placing it in the 45th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $1,884 sits 30% below the national median of $2,690.

Lowest-taxing county in Oregon

Wheeler County ranks last among Oregon's 36 counties with an effective tax rate of 0.727%, well below the state average of 0.775%. This makes Wheeler one of Oregon's most tax-efficient properties for homeowners.

Wheeler offers the region's lowest burden

Wheeler County's 0.727% effective rate and $1,884 median tax are significantly lower than all nearby counties. Compared to Wasco ($2,784), Yamhill ($3,318), and Washington ($4,852), Wheeler properties face substantially lighter tax burdens.

A $259,000 home costs $1,884 yearly

The median Wheeler County home valued at $259,000 generates just $1,884 in annual property taxes using the county's 0.727% rate. Mortgaged homes average $2,010, while owned homes average $1,708 annually.

Even low taxes deserve a review

Even in lower-tax counties like Wheeler, homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate. If your tax bill deviates significantly from the county median, an appeal could confirm you're not overpaying.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wheeler County

via CostByCounty

Wheeler offers the deepest affordability

Wheeler County's median household income of $51,250 falls well below the national average of $74,755, yet its 18.3% rent-to-income ratio remains competitive nationally despite rural poverty levels. At just $782 monthly, Wheeler's rents are among Oregon's cheapest, making this sparsely populated county an exceptional value for budget-conscious renters.

Oregon's most affordable rental market

Wheeler County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio matches Wasco's affordability and beats Oregon's 19.4% state average, while its $782 median rent is the lowest among all four counties studied. Despite the lowest median household income at $51,250, Wheeler residents spend the smallest share of earnings on housing in this comparison.

Rural gem for budget renters

Wheeler County's $782 rent undercuts every regional peer—Wasco at $978, Yamhill at $1,377, and Washington County at $1,773—making it Oregon's bargain basement for housing costs. The tradeoff is sparse population (roughly 1,400 residents) and limited services, but renters willing to embrace rural isolation find unmatched affordability.

Modest income, minimal housing burden

Wheeler renters pay just $782 monthly while owner-occupants pay $856, with median home values of $259,000 and median household income of $51,250. Renters dedicate only 18.3% of income to housing, while mortgage costs consume roughly 20% of owner household income—the lowest housing burden in this four-county analysis.

Wheeler rewards remote workers and retirees

If you earn income from outside the county—through remote work, freelancing, or retirement savings—Wheeler County's $782 rents and $259,000 median homes offer exceptional purchasing power. Compare Wheeler's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio to your current housing costs and consider whether its rural character suits your lifestyle before making the move to this sparsely populated corner of Oregon.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wheeler County

via IncomeByCounty

Wheeler faces steepest national income gap

Wheeler County's median household income of $51,250 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $23,505—a 31% gap. This represents Oregon's most economically challenged county by household income, reflecting limited employment diversity in this sparsely populated rural region.

Lowest-earning Oregon county

Wheeler ranks last among Oregon's 36 counties, earning just $51,250 versus the state average of $69,965—a shortfall of $18,715. The county's small population and limited job market make economic development a persistent challenge.

Significantly trails all nearby counties

Wheeler's $51,250 median falls $12,352 below Wasco, $35,834 below Yamhill, and $53,184 below Washington County. The county's remote location and resource-dependent economy create the widest income gaps in this four-county comparison.

Low rent ratio masks income strain

Wheeler's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% suggests affordable housing, but the county's low baseline income means households have limited discretionary spending despite manageable housing costs. A median home value of $259,000 remains elevated relative to local earning power.

Prioritize emergency savings in tight economy

Wheeler County households should focus on building cash reserves first, given income constraints and limited local job alternatives. Exploring remote work opportunities and skills-based education can help residents expand earning potential beyond the local market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wheeler County

via CrimeByCounty

Wheeler County Achieves Perfect Safety Scores

Wheeler County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, with a recorded crime rate of 0.0 per 100K in 2022. This puts the county significantly below the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

A Rare Safest-in-State Status

While the Oregon average safety score is 96.3, Wheeler leads the state with its score of 100.0. Three agencies report data for the county, though current figures show zero incidents for the period.

Comparing Peaceful Wheeler to Nearby Counties

Wheeler’s lack of reported crime makes it far safer than neighboring Wasco, which faces 3,209.6 crimes per 100K. The county stands as a statistical outlier for safety in the region.

Understanding the Absence of Reported Crime

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0 per 100K, which may reflect a quiet environment or reporting limitations in a small population. In practical terms, this indicates an exceptionally low-risk environment for residents.

Maintaining Your Community's High Safety

Residents in high-safety areas should remain vigilant to preserve their community's status. Basic security measures like outdoor lighting ensure that your home remains unattractive to potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wheeler County

via HealthByCounty

Wheeler faces serious health gaps

Wheeler County data on life expectancy is limited, but one in five residents (20.2%) reports poor or fair health—the highest rate among our profiled counties and well above the national average of 13.3%. This signals substantial health challenges that deserve closer attention.

Oregon's most vulnerable county

Wheeler County's 20.2% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds Oregon's typical outcomes, indicating residents face greater health burdens than most of the state. Limited life expectancy data makes full comparison difficult, but the high poor/fair health rate flags serious regional disparities.

Wheeler's health challenges run deep

Wheeler's 20.2% poor/fair health rate far exceeds Wasco County (18.7%), Yamhill County (17.0%), and Washington County (14.7%). Life expectancy data for Wheeler isn't available, but the population's self-reported health struggles suggest significant barriers to care and wellness.

Limited primary care, real gaps

Data on primary care providers in Wheeler is not currently available, but the county does have 279 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. With a 9.2% uninsured rate, nearly 1 in 10 Wheeler residents lack coverage, compounding access challenges in this underserved rural county.

Enrollment support available

If you're uninsured in Wheeler County, Oregon Health Plan covers preventive care at no cost. Contact your local community health center or call 1-800-699-9075 to connect with enrollment assistance and discover plans that work for your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wheeler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education in Wheeler County

Wheeler County operates a unique educational landscape consisting of just three public schools serving 1,880 students. Three separate districts manage these facilities, which all utilize a non-traditional grade structure to serve the sparsely populated region.

Identifying Performance Challenges

The county faces significant hurdles with a graduation rate of 33.6% and a composite school score of 19.2. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $4,865, which is roughly 37% of the national average, reflecting the unique fiscal pressures on this rural community.

The Impact of Charter Learning

Fossil SD 21J is home to the Fossil Charter School, which enrolls 1,778 students and accounts for a third of the county's schools. This charter model dominates the local enrollment data, while Mitchell SD 55 manages four different school sites for a smaller student body.

A Truly Rural Learning Experience

Every school in Wheeler County is classified as rural, creating a tight-knit educational environment far from the city bustle. Student experiences vary wildly in scale, from the large 1,778-student Fossil Charter School to the tiny Mitchell School, which serves only 37 students.

Explore Homes in a Unique Setting

Families looking for a rural lifestyle and specialized charter education will find Wheeler County offers a singular environment. Consider local property options if you value small-town connectivity and the flexibility of non-traditional school structures.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wheeler County

via RiskByCounty

Wheeler County has very low disaster risk

Wheeler County scores just 7.16 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and among the safest counties nationally. This exceptionally low score reflects Wheeler's relatively isolated geography and limited exposure to most major natural disasters.

Oregon's lowest-risk county

Wheeler County's 7.16 composite score sits far below Oregon's state average of 63.43, making it the state's least hazard-prone county by a substantial margin. This position reflects the county's unique geography and demographic profile compared to more developed areas of Oregon.

Wheeler stands apart as the safest county

Wheeler County's overall risk (7.16) is dramatically lower than Wasco (67.81) and Yamhill (82.86), and it ranks last among regional peers across almost every hazard category. Wildfire presents Wheeler's only meaningful comparative vulnerability at 88.74, though even this score remains below Wasco's 98.09.

Wildfire is Wheeler's primary natural hazard

Wheeler County's wildfire risk of 88.74 dominates its disaster exposure, reflecting the county's vast rangeland and forest acreage vulnerable to seasonal burning. All other hazards—earthquake (17.88), flood (12.31), and tornado (1.24)—pose minimal threat, making wildfire the clear priority for emergency preparedness.

Wildfire insurance and defensible space matter most

Wheeler County residents should verify their homeowners policies include wildfire coverage and create defensible space around structures through vegetation management and fuel reduction. Given the county's low overall risk profile, residents typically need less extensive coverage than those in higher-risk Oregon counties, but wildfire preparedness remains essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Wheeler County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler High-Desert Living

Wheeler County’s average annual temperature of 48.0°F is notably cooler than the national median. This high-altitude, semi-arid climate features crisp air and significant daily temperature swings.

Cooler and Drier Than the State Average

The county sits 2.5 degrees below the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It is one of the state's driest regions, recording just 14.4 inches of precipitation annually compared to the 37.4-inch state average.

A Typical Central Oregon Profile

Wheeler shares the dry, sun-drenched characteristics of neighboring Grant and Gilliam counties. Its lower precipitation levels set it apart from the wetter forest zones found in the Cascades to the west.

Sharp Temperature Swings Throughout the Year

July averages a pleasant 66.1°F, though the county still sees 22 days of extreme heat over 90°F. While snowfall data is currently unavailable, the winter average of 34.3°F indicates a consistently cold season.

Dress in Layers for Desert Shifts

The gap between the 63.2°F summer average and 22 extreme heat days requires versatile clothing layers. Homeowners should focus on winterizing pipes to protect against the 34.3°F average winter temperatures.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Wheeler County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Terrain with Unspecified Stats

Wheeler County lacks specific digital data for taxonomic order, dominant texture, and pH levels. While the national median pH is 6.5, the local chemistry remains unmapped in this survey. The county's landscape is defined more by its prehistoric fossils and basalt cliffs than by current soil records.

Missing Compositional Data

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unavailable for Wheeler County's soil profiles. This data gap reflects the county's sparse population and rugged, often inaccessible geology. Gardeners should conduct individual soil tests to understand their specific land composition.

Challenging Regional Benchmarks

The county's organic matter and water capacity levels are not recorded, leaving them uncompared to the state's 29.41% organic matter average. This absence of data makes it difficult to assign a formal soil score. However, local rangelands continue to support resilient native vegetation.

Natural Drainage in High Relief

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unclassified for Wheeler County. The steep terrain generally promotes fast runoff, making water conservation a primary concern for local land managers. Site-specific observation is necessary for any infrastructure development.

Hardy Growth in Zone 7a

Wheeler County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, where short growing seasons require resilient plant choices. Despite the missing soil data, drought-tolerant species and native grasses thrive in this environment. Plant a garden featuring hardy perennials to match the local climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wheeler County

via LawnByCounty

Oregon's Toughest Turf Environment

Wheeler County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of just 27.5, the lowest in this group. This score is far below the national median of 50.0 and the state average of 38.9. The 7a hardiness zone combined with arid conditions makes traditional lawn maintenance a high-effort endeavor.

Low Rain and Short Seasons

Annual precipitation is sparse at just 14.4 inches, necessitating heavy supplemental irrigation to keep grass alive. The county records 1751 growing degree days, indicating a slower growth rate compared to its neighbors. Lawn owners must carefully manage their resources to counteract the dry climate and 22 annual extreme heat days.

Planning Around Soil Uncertainty

Comprehensive soil data is currently unavailable for Wheeler County's specific drainage and texture profiles. Given the local climate, residents should test for high alkalinity or mineral imbalances that often occur in arid regions. Establishing a baseline through testing is the first step toward overcoming the county's low difficulty score.

Severe Drought Endurance Requirements

The county spent a grueling 38 weeks in drought over the past year, and the entire area remains abnormally dry today. Water conservation is mandatory for success, so consider low-water alternatives or xeriscaping for portions of your yard. If maintaining turf, use mulch-mowing to return moisture and nitrogen to the soil surface.

A Narrow Window for Success

Hardy, cool-season grasses like Buffalo grass or Wheatgrass are better suited for this 7a zone than traditional mixes. With a late spring frost on June 3 and an early fall frost on October 4, the planting window is exceptionally tight. Ensure your irrigation system is fully operational before you seed to support the grass through the dry summer months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wheeler County's county score?
Wheeler County, Oregon has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Wheeler County rank among counties in Oregon?
Wheeler County ranks #6 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 Wheeler County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Wheeler County is $1,884, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Wheeler County a tax score of 60/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wheeler County?
The median household income in Wheeler County, Oregon is $51,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wheeler County earns an income score of 17.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wheeler County, Oregon a good place to live?
Wheeler County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Wheeler 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 Wheeler 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.