Wheeler
Oregon

What stands out

What stands out about Wheeler County: the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), home internet speed is in the bottom 4% of American counties (63 Mbps), and rainfall is in the bottom 5% of American counties (14 inches a year). Within Oregon it ranks 4th of 36 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Wheeler County, Oregon. 1,407 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +14).

Oregon has no sales tax and a graduated income tax that reaches 9.9% at modest incomes, plus an estate tax that begins at $1 million, the lowest threshold in the country. Portland adds regional income taxes for homeless services and preschool. Statewide land-use rules limit sprawl, which keeps home prices high in the Willamette Valley. The state does not tax Social Security.

Money

The typical household here brings in $50,774 a year, lower than 77% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,630. Unemployment runs 3.4%, lower than 51% of American counties. 15% of workers work from home.

Oregon takes 8.1% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,124 a year.

Home

The median home costs $319K, pricier than 73% of American counties, about 3.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $733 a month. Property tax is 0.85% of home value, roughly $1,649 a year on that median home, lower than 51% of American counties. 69% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 59% of American counties.

There are 0 active physicians in the county, about 0.0 per 10,000 people; the nearest doctor is in another county. 8.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 49 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 85% of eligible voters turned out. Under Oregon law you need local approval to carry a concealed handgun, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 62 and lows near 38, colder than 76% of American counties. About 14 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 34 out of 100, safer than 66% of American counties; the county has had 14 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 63 Mbps down, slower than 96% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1 National Park Service site.