countyscore
40.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 90.1Soil Quality 73.2Health 67.9

County Report Card

About Yamhill County, Oregon

Steady Performance Near the Median

Yamhill County earns a 40.9 composite score, placing it behind the national median of 50.0. Its ranking reflects a balance of high earning potential offset by rising coastal-adjacent costs.

Aligned with State Averages

The county's 40.9 score nearly mirrors the Oregon state average of 42.5. It holds its own as a reliable mid-range option for those living in the Willamette Valley region.

Strong Incomes and Favorable Taxes

Yamhill excels with an income score of 90.1 and a median household income of $87,084. A tax score of 57.7, supported by a 0.750% effective rate, helps residents keep more of their earnings.

Barriers to Housing Affordability

Housing costs are a challenge, reflected in a low cost score of 7.8 and median home values of $442,700. Additionally, the risk score of 17.1 indicates a need for better community resilience.

A Haven for Established Families

Yamhill County is best for mid-career professionals who want high income and good health services without the highest taxes. It appeals to those comfortable with a $1,377 median rent in exchange for a prosperous community.

Score breakdown

Tax57.7Cost7.8Safety26.7Health67.9Schools47.5Income90.1Risk17.1Water34Weather60.8
🏛57.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼90.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤67.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧34
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.2
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

Washington County
Oregon
41.2
Polk County
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43.3
Tillamook County
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43.5
Marion County
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Multnomah County
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Clark County
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Clackamas County
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Columbia County
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Deep Dives

Yamhill County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Yamhill County

via CrimeByCounty

Yamhill County's Impressive Safety Record

Yamhill County boasts a high safety score of 97.2, well above national standards. Its total crime rate of 1,781.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking High Among Oregon Counties

The county's safety score of 97.2 outperforms the Oregon state average of 96.3. Seven agencies collaborate to manage and report crime data, keeping the community well-informed.

Yamhill Leads the Regional Comparison

With a crime rate of 1,781.3, Yamhill is safer than neighboring Washington County and far safer than Wasco. It also sits well below the overall Oregon crime average of 2,366.2.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Violent crime is impressively low at 198.7 per 100K, while property crime is also modest at 1,582.6. These figures represent a community where crime is far less frequent than in most U.S. counties.

Keeping Your Yamhill Home Secure

To maintain these excellent safety numbers, homeowners should invest in reliable window locks and home security systems. Community awareness and reporting suspicious activity help keep Yamhill a regional safety leader.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Yamhill County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Heart of Yamhill Education

Yamhill County supports 15,089 students within a system of 33 public schools. Seven school districts oversee a diverse mix of 17 elementary schools, eight middle schools, and seven high schools.

Strong Scores and High Investment

With an 86.1% graduation rate, the county significantly outpaces the Oregon state average and nearly matches national benchmarks. Yamhill invests $8,148 per student, resulting in a composite school score of 54.0, which exceeds both state and national medians.

McMinnville and Newberg Powerhouse Districts

McMinnville SD 40 leads the county with 6,507 students, while Newberg SD 29J serves 4,201 students across nine schools. The county also maintains one charter school, providing an alternative academic path within the broader public system.

Town-Centered School Environments

Most students attend one of the 26 schools located in town settings, where the average school size is 457 students. Large institutions like McMinnville High School, with 2,319 students, contrast with smaller rural schools to offer families various learning environments.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

High graduation rates and strong per-pupil spending make Yamhill County a top choice for families moving to Oregon. Look for homes in the McMinnville or Newberg districts to benefit from the county's most established and well-funded educational programs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Yamhill County

via WeatherByCounty

A Classic Maritime Climate Profile

Yamhill County’s 53.2°F average annual temperature sits right at the national median. The region is defined by a Mediterranean-style cycle of wet winters and dry, warm summers.

Warm and Exceptionally Wet

The county is nearly 3 degrees warmer than the Oregon state average of 50.5°F. It is significantly wetter than the rest of the state, averaging 52.3 inches of rain compared to the 37.4-inch state average.

The Heart of Wine Country Weather

Yamhill is notably wetter than its neighbor Washington County, receiving about 11 more inches of rain per year. This extra moisture and mild 53.2°F temperature make it a premier region for viticulture.

Lush Winters and Mild Harvest Summers

July is comfortable at 68.0°F with 18 days of extreme heat annually. Winters are chilly and damp, averaging 41.3°F and producing 7.2 inches of snowfall alongside heavy seasonal rains.

Prepare for Persistent Seasonal Rainfall

Invest in heavy-duty rain gear and ensure your property has excellent drainage to handle 52.3 inches of rain. While winters average 41.3°F, keep a shovel ready for the 7.2 inches of snow that usually arrives.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Yamhill County

via SoilByCounty

Gravelly Textures with High Potential

Yamhill County features stratified sand-to-gravel textures with an average pH of 5.31. This pH is slightly more basic than the state average of 5.26 but remains well below the national median of 6.5. A soil score of 73.2 indicates these lands are superior to the Oregon average of 70.2.

Silty Foundation for Strong Growth

The soil contains 53.9% silt and 24.8% clay, with sand making up the remaining 19.9%. This silty texture is the backbone of the county's famous agricultural productivity. The presence of gravel ensures that the heavy silt and clay don't become overly compacted.

Rich Organic Matter for Farming

Organic matter levels sit at 19.46%, which is nearly ten times higher than the national average of 2.0%. However, the available water capacity of 0.251 in/in falls slightly below the Oregon state average of 0.275. These soils provide a nutrient-dense foundation for deep-rooted crops.

Complex Subsurface Water Flow

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not formally specified in the current dataset. The stratified sand and gravel texture suggests that vertical drainage is likely faster than in pure clay soils. Homeowners should still test for seasonal saturation before beginning large construction projects.

The Vineyard Heart of Zone 8b

Yamhill's Zone 8b climate and unique gravelly soils make it the premier destination for Oregon Pinot Noir. The soil’s ability to drain while providing high organic nutrients is perfect for viticulture and hazelnut orchards. Your garden will thrive here with just a bit of summer watering.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Yamhill County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Growing in Yamhill

Yamhill County's lawn difficulty score of 43.2 sits comfortably above the Oregon state average of 38.9. While it falls slightly below the national median of 50.0, the 8b hardiness zone offers a long and productive growing season. Residents benefit from a climate that is naturally more hospitable to greenery than many eastern neighbors.

Abundant Water for Lush Lawns

The county receives a generous 52.3 inches of rain annually, which actually exceeds the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. This abundance reduces the need for summer watering but may lead to drainage issues during the peak of winter. With only 18 heat days, the risk of sun scorch is lower than the state average of 23 days.

Navigating Acidic and Clay Soils

The soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.31, which is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. A texture of 24.8% clay mixed with stratified sand and gravel means drainage is variable and compaction is a frequent risk. Regular lime applications and core aeration are essential tasks for maintaining a healthy Yamhill lawn.

Preparing for Periodic Dryness

Despite heavy annual rains, 65% of the county is currently abnormally dry after 29 weeks of drought last year. Even in this high-precip zone, installing a smart irrigation controller can help manage the transition into dry summer months. Proper soil amendment will help your lawn retain the moisture it receives during the wet winters.

Early Starts in the Willamette Valley

A blend of Perennial Ryegrass and Fine Fescue is ideal for Yamhill's climate and 8b hardiness zone. You can start planting as early as the last frost on April 5, giving the grass months to mature before the November 7 frost. The high rainfall and mild heat provide a fantastic head start for any new lawn project.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yamhill County's county score?
Yamhill County, Oregon has a composite county score of 40.9 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 Yamhill County rank among counties in Oregon?
Yamhill County ranks #20 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 Yamhill County, Oregon?
The median annual property tax in Yamhill County is $3,318, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Yamhill County a tax score of 57.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yamhill County?
The median household income in Yamhill County, Oregon is $87,084 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yamhill County earns an income score of 90.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yamhill County, Oregon a good place to live?
Yamhill County scores 40.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Oregon. The best way to evaluate Yamhill 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 Yamhill County with other counties side by side.

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