Cost of Living in Gilliam County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Gilliam County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Gilliam County ranks #2,099 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 33%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Gilliam County, Oregon
Gilliam holds the middle ground nationally
Renters in Gilliam County spend 20.3% of their income on housing, slightly above Oregon's state average of 19.4% but close to the national norm. Median household income of $64,219 trails the national average, yet $1,084 monthly rent remains well below what coastal and metro areas command.
Modest rents, moderate affordability stress
Gilliam County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.3% puts it slightly above Oregon's 19.4% state average, making it a moderately affordable county within the state. Rents run $53 below the state median, reflecting its small-town character in Oregon's agricultural heartland.
Cheaper than recreation hubs, pricier than ranching towns
Gilliam's $1,084 rent sits between Grant County's bargain $840 and Deschutes' steep $1,674, offering a middle option across Oregon's interior. Home values of $158,400 are among the region's lowest, appealing to buyers seeking rural living on modest budgets.
Rent takes slightly more than mortgage
A typical Gilliam household earning $64,219 pays $1,084 in rent (20.3% of income) or $646 in owner costs (12.1% of income). Homeownership here is significantly cheaper than renting, creating a strong financial incentive to buy if you can qualify for a mortgage.
Agricultural Oregon: affordable for intentional movers
Gilliam County appeals to those seeking rural living with reasonable housing costs—rents are lower than Deschutes and homes cost far less than the state's premium destinations. Compare its $1,084 rent to nearby counties if you're drawn to Oregon's farm country and small-town pace.
Cost of Living Advisory: Gilliam County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Gilliam County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,084/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Gilliam County pay $1,084/month on average, compared to $646/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 40%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $43,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,686/year. With a median household income of $64,219, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Gilliam County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lincoln County where rent averages $1,150/month, Gilliam County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Gilliam County
Rent Burden
20.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,498
per month
Owner Cost Burden
12.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Gilliam County
Median home value is $158,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,265 vs. your max of $1,498.
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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