Best counties to raise a family in Oregon
Known in other parts of the world as shires, provinces, or territories, the United States' counties (also known in certain states as boroughs or parishes) date back to the 1600s, when settlers first came to find freedom from British rule. Today, those counties remain, with the 50 states divided into several, each with its own unique makeup.
For people looking to find a home to raise a family in, choosing a county is an important decision. Most families place affordable homes, safe neighborhoods, a quality school system, and family-friendly activities at the top of their wishlists.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in Oregon using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, healthcare, recreation and weather.
The list features counties that boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season. Keep reading to explore the best counties to raise a family. Maybe you'll find one that suits your brood.
#7. Umatilla County
- Median home value: $170,900 (66% own)
- Median rent: $757 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $54,699
- Top public schools: Desert View Elementary School (B+), Rocky Heights Elementary School (B), Highland Hills Elementary School (B)
- Top private schools: Milton Stateline Seventh-day Adventist School (unavailable), Hermiston Christian Center & School (unavailable), Hermiston Junior Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Pendleton (B), Hermiston (B), Stanfield (B-)
#6. Marion County
- Median home value: $247,100 (60% own)
- Median rent: $985 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $59,625
- Top public schools: Victor Point Elementary School (A-), Evergreen Elementary School (A-), Pratum Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Blanchet Catholic School (A), Salem Academy (B), Regis St. Mary Catholic School (B-)
- Top places to live: Turner (B), Salem (B), Silverton (B)
#5. Clackamas County
- Median home value: $395,100 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,295 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $80,484
- Top public schools: Lakeridge High School (A+), Lake Oswego Senior High School (A+), West Linn High School (A+)
- Top private schools: La Salle Catholic College Preparatory (A), Portland Waldorf School (A-), North Clackamas Christian School (B)
- Top places to live: West Linn (A+), Lake Oswego (A+), Happy Valley (A)
#4. Hood River County
- Median home value: $373,600 (67% own)
- Median rent: $1,133 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $65,679
- Top public schools: Westside Elementary School (A-), May Street Elementary School (A-), Hood River Valley High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Horizon Christian School (B+), Bright Beginnings Preschool & Kindergarten (unavailable), Mid-Columbia Adventist Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Hood River (A-), Odell (B), Cascade Locks (C+)
#3. Benton County
- Median home value: $331,300 (57% own)
- Median rent: $1,081 (43% rent)
- Median household income: $62,077
- Top public schools: Hoover Elementary School (A), Corvallis High School (A), Crescent Valley High School (A)
- Top private schools: Santiam Christian School (B+), Corvallis Waldorf School (unavailable), Ashbrook Independent School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Corvallis (A), Philomath (A-), Adair Village (A-)
#2. Multnomah County
- Median home value: $386,200 (55% own)
- Median rent: $1,237 (45% rent)
- Median household income: $69,176
- Top public schools: Riverdale Grade School (A), Riverdale High School (A), Grant High School (A)
- Top private schools: Northwest Academy (A+), St. Mary's Academy (A+), Central Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: Healy Heights (A+), Eastmoreland (A+), Arlington Heights (A+)
#1. Washington County
- Median home value: $386,600 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,359 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $82,215
- Top public schools: School of Science & Technology (A+), International School of Beaverton - High School (A+), Westview High School (A)
- Top private schools: Catlin Gabel School (A+), Oregon Episcopal School (A+), Jesuit High School (A+)
- Top places to live: Bethany (A+), Cedar Mill (A+), Cedar Hills (A+)
