Cost of Living in Linn County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Linn County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Linn County ranks #2,874 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Linn County, Oregon
Linn Balances Income and Affordability Well
Linn County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% slightly exceeds Oregon's 19.4% average but sits comfortably within manageable ranges, buoyed by household income of $73,396—nearly matching the national median of $74,755. This alignment between income and housing costs creates the region's more balanced affordability profile.
Slightly Above State Average
Linn County's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks modestly above Oregon's 19.4% average, reflecting its mid-Willamette Valley position between affordable rural areas and pricier urban centers. The county's stronger incomes relative to many peers help offset slightly higher housing costs.
Premium Over South, Discount vs. North
Linn's median rent of $1,273 exceeds most southern Oregon counties but trails Marion to the south by just $60, reflecting similar mid-valley market dynamics. Linn residents earn notably more than southern Oregon peers, making even higher rents more manageable on a percentage-of-income basis.
Income Strength Supports Higher Rents
Monthly rent averages $1,273 while homeownership costs run $1,333, with median home values at $344,600, and households earning $73,396 annually. Housing costs consume 20.8% of income for renters—near the state average—thanks to incomes that outpace most Oregon counties outside major metros.
Solid Middle Ground for Relocators
Linn County offers reasonable housing affordability paired with competitive incomes, making it attractive for those balancing cost concerns with employment opportunities. Compared to Lane's urban premium or southern Oregon's affordability, Linn provides mid-Willamette access without either extreme.
Cost of Living Advisory: Linn County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Linn County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,273/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Linn County is $1,273/month, while owner costs run $1,333/month. Renting saves approximately $60/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $50,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $57,129/year. With a median household income of $73,396, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Linn County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Oregon, Linn County is more affordable than Columbia County by roughly 4% ($1,273/mo vs $1,221/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Linn County
Rent Burden
20.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,713
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.8%
of gross income
The median home in Linn County may be a stretch
Median home value is $344,600. Estimated monthly cost: $2,751 vs. your max of $1,713.
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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