CountyScore

Yamhill County

Oregon · OR

#29 in Oregon
62.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Yamhill County, Oregon

Yamhill exceeds national livability standards

Yamhill County's composite score of 62.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 26%, placing it well above the typical American county for livability. This advantage reflects a balanced profile of tax efficiency, health, and moderate income levels.

Slightly below Oregon's livability bar

Yamhill scores 62.9, placing it just below Oregon's state average of 66.6 and slightly lower than Wasco County. However, it outpaces Washington County's 59.2, positioning it in the state's middle-tier for overall livability.

Strong taxes and solid health outcomes

Yamhill County leads with a tax score of 81.2 and an effective tax rate of 0.750%—the state's lowest—making it a tax haven for Oregon residents. The health score of 73.5 and median household income of $87,084 provide a stable foundation for families seeking reasonable tax burdens.

Housing costs rising for middle-income families

The cost score of 58.3 reflects moderate affordability challenges, with a median home value of $442,700 and rent of $1,377/month—above state averages and climbing. While not as extreme as Washington County, housing costs remain the primary livability constraint for this community.

Ideal for middle-class families seeking balance

Yamhill County suits middle-income families and professionals who value low taxes and good health outcomes and can manage moderate housing costs. This county delivers balanced livability for those seeking Oregon's small-town character without extreme affordability or income challenges.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.2Cost58.3SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome40.2Risk17.1WaterComing Soon
🏛81.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼40.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡17.1
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 Yamhill County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Humboldt County
California
62.9
Median income: $61,135
Franklin County
Illinois
62.9
Median income: $53,471
Lee County
Illinois
62.9
Median income: $68,459
Saratoga County
New York
62.9
Median income: $99,653
Edgecombe County
North Carolina
62.9
Median income: $48,480

Deep Dives

Yamhill County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yamhill County

via TaxByCounty

Yamhill County taxes track near national average

Yamhill County's effective tax rate of 0.750% matches the national median exactly, placing it at the 50th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,318 is 24% higher than the national median of $2,690, driven by higher home values.

Middle of the pack in Oregon

Yamhill County's 0.750% effective rate sits just below Oregon's state average of 0.775%, ranking it in the middle of the state's 36 counties. This places Yamhill homeowners in the statewide norm for tax burden.

Yamhill sits between Wasco and Wheeler

Yamhill's 0.750% rate falls between Wheeler's 0.727% and Wasco's 0.837%, making it a moderate option regionally. At $3,318 median tax, Yamhill is more affordable than Washington County ($4,852) but higher than Wheeler ($1,884).

A $442,700 home costs $3,318 yearly

The median Yamhill County home valued at $442,700 generates $3,318 in annual property taxes at the 0.750% rate. Homeowners with mortgages pay an average of $3,483, while those without pay $2,766.

Appeal if your tax bill exceeds the median

With a median tax of $3,318, Yamhill homeowners paying significantly more may be overassessed. Many counties underestimate appeal success rates—check your assessment and consider filing if your bill is above the county typical.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yamhill County

via CostByCounty

Yamhill balances income and affordability well

Yamhill County's median household income of $87,084 exceeds the national average of $74,755, while its rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% sits just below Oregon's state average of 19.4%. This sweet spot reflects a county that has maintained relatively balanced housing costs while building solid local wage growth.

Competitive affordability in Oregon

Yamhill County ranks in the middle of Oregon's housing affordability scale with a 19.0% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 19.4% by a narrow margin. The county's median rent of $1,377 is higher than Wasco or Wheeler but significantly cheaper than Washington County's $1,773, offering a balance between accessibility and cost.

Sweet spot between rural and suburban

Yamhill's $1,377 monthly rent positions it squarely between rural Wasco ($978) and Washington County's suburban premium ($1,773), while its $87,084 median income ranks second only to Washington County. The county offers a middle ground for those seeking more services and job opportunities than Wheeler provides without absorbing Portland's steep housing premiums.

Strong wages support solid housing costs

Yamhill renters pay $1,377 monthly while owner-occupants pay $1,634, with median home values of $442,700 and median household income of $87,084. Renters dedicate 19.0% of income to housing, while mortgage costs consume roughly 23% of owner household income—a moderate burden supported by above-average local wages.

Yamhill splits the difference smartly

If you're relocating within Oregon and want more services than Wheeler offers without Washington County's pricing, Yamhill delivers a pragmatic middle path with $87,084 median income and 19.0% rent-to-income ratio. Compare Yamhill's $1,377 rent and $442,700 median home price to your current housing costs and consider whether the county's blend of rural character and suburban services matches your lifestyle needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yamhill County

via IncomeByCounty

Yamhill earns above national average

Yamhill County's median household income of $87,084 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $12,329—a 16% advantage. The county benefits from agricultural employment, small manufacturing, and proximity to Portland's suburban job market.

Upper-middle tier among Oregon counties

At $87,084, Yamhill ranks well above Oregon's state average of $69,965 by $17,119. The county places in Oregon's top tier of earners, reflecting a blend of rural agricultural and suburban Portland economic activity.

Strong showing between tier counties

Yamhill's $87,084 income positions it $23,482 ahead of Wasco County and $35,834 above Wheeler, but trails Washington County's $104,434. The county represents a middle ground between rural Eastern Oregon and the Portland metro tech hub.

Housing affordability solid at 19.0%

Yamhill's rent-to-income ratio of 19.0% indicates healthy affordability, with median home values of $442,700 remaining accessible to its income level. Households here enjoy better housing cost balance than Washington County while earning more than rural neighbors.

Build on strong income foundation

Yamhill residents benefit from moderate housing costs and above-average earnings, creating opportunity for meaningful wealth accumulation. Investing in retirement accounts and exploring real estate diversification can capitalize on the county's economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Yamhill County

via HealthByCounty

Yamhill slightly above national health

Yamhill County residents live to 78.1 years, just slightly below the U.S. average of 80.1 years. With 17.0% of the population reporting poor or fair health versus 13.3% nationally, the county shows room for improvement in community wellness.

Middling Oregon health outcomes

At 78.1 years, Yamhill's life expectancy exceeds Oregon's state average of 77.0 years by about a year. The county's 17.0% poor/fair health rate sits slightly above state norms, placing it in the middle range for Oregon counties.

Closer to peers than outliers

Yamhill's 78.1-year life expectancy falls between Wasco County (75.2) and Washington County (81.1), positioning it as a moderate performer. At 17.0% poor/fair health, it's healthier than Wasco (18.7%) and Wheeler (20.2%) but trails Washington County (14.7%).

Fewer primary care providers

Yamhill has only 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among profiled counties—potentially limiting access to routine care. At 8.4% uninsured, Yamhill's rate sits slightly above Oregon's 8.1% average, and combined with limited provider availability, can strain the healthcare system.

Find affordable coverage today

Yamhill residents without insurance can explore Oregon Health Plan and marketplace options at oregonhealthcare.gov or by calling 1-855-268-3767. Open enrollment occurs annually, and life changes like job loss or new children may qualify you for coverage anytime.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yamhill County

via RiskByCounty

Yamhill County faces moderate national risk

Yamhill County scores 82.86 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Moderate category and noticeably above the national median. This score indicates that Yamhill residents experience meaningful disaster exposure across multiple hazard types.

Upper-middle tier risk for Oregon

Yamhill's 82.86 composite score substantially exceeds Oregon's state average of 63.43, ranking it among the higher-risk counties statewide. Only Washington County scores higher overall, making Yamhill one of Oregon's two most hazard-prone counties.

Yamhill's earthquake risk rivals Washington County

Yamhill's earthquake risk (96.88) nearly matches Washington County's (99.01) and significantly exceeds Wasco's (82.98), reflecting shared proximity to major seismic zones. However, Yamhill's flood risk (74.11) falls between Wasco (59.22) and Washington (93.86), positioning it as a middle ground in the region's flood vulnerability.

Earthquakes and floods threaten Yamhill most

Yamhill County faces exceptional earthquake risk (96.88) from its location near the Cascadia Subduction Zone, making major seismic events a critical planning concern. Flood risk (74.11) ranks second, driven by the county's river valleys and agricultural lands that concentrate water during heavy precipitation events.

Comprehensive earthquake and flood coverage required

Yamhill residents must add earthquake insurance to their standard homeowners policies—one of the state's highest seismic risks demands this protection even though most policies exclude it. Flood insurance is equally critical for properties in the county's river corridors and low-lying agricultural areas to avoid catastrophic financial loss.

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.