Cost of Living in Douglas County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Douglas County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Douglas County ranks #2,773 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Douglas County, Oregon
Douglas County beats national affordability
With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.2%, Douglas County sits slightly above Oregon's state average but remains more affordable than many American counties. Median household income of $58,983 is below the national average of $74,755, yet renters here spend just $995 monthly—well below the national median.
Middle-of-the-road affordability for Oregon
Douglas County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% places it in Oregon's middle range, slightly above the state average of 19.4%. Compared to higher-cost counties like Deschutes, Douglas offers breathing room for renters with a median rent $142 cheaper per month.
Most affordable in the southern corridor
Douglas County's $995 monthly rent undercuts all its regional peers, from Jackson County's $1,310 to Gilliam's $1,084. Both renters and homebuyers find the best value here compared to the mountain and valley counties that surround it.
Balanced housing costs across tenure types
Households in Douglas County earning $58,983 annually pay $995 in rent or $883 in owner costs—about 17–20% of gross income. This relatively balanced split between rent and mortgage costs offers flexibility for families deciding whether to buy or rent.
Southern Oregon's affordability sweet spot
If you're relocating to southern Oregon, Douglas County delivers better affordability than Jackson County ($1,310 rent) while maintaining a decent income base. The county's moderate housing costs make it worth comparing if you're seeking small-town living without premium pricing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Douglas County
Affordability Verdict
Douglas County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $995/month — about 20.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Douglas County is $995/month, while owner costs run $883/month. Owning saves approximately $112/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,843/year. With a median household income of $58,983, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Douglas County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Douglas County sits 9% more expensive than Morrow County ($910/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Douglas County
Rent Burden
20.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,376
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
The median home in Douglas County may be a stretch
Median home value is $283,200. Estimated monthly cost: $2,261 vs. your max of $1,376.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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