Cost of Living in Morrow County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Morrow County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Morrow County ranks #2,081 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Morrow County, Oregon
Morrow stays well below national pressure
At 15.6%, Morrow County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their earnings on housing than typical Americans. The county's median household income of $70,217 is slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain remarkably restrained.
Among Oregon's most affordable counties
Morrow County ranks as one of Oregon's most housing-friendly markets, with a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio well below the state average of 19.4%. At just $910 monthly for median rent—compared to Oregon's $1,137—renters here benefit from rural affordability without sacrificing income.
Morrow leads the eastern counties
Morrow's $910 rent undercuts nearby Umatilla County ($962) and significantly beats Wallowa County ($858) on income-adjusted affordability. With a 15.6% rent-to-income ratio, Morrow competes favorably against neighboring Sherman (19.1%) and Union (18.4%) counties.
Where your dollar stretches furthest
Morrow renters spend roughly $910 monthly while homeowners budget $951 for mortgage payments, leaving substantial income for other necessities. The median home value of $229,800 remains accessible compared to state trends, with housing consuming just 15.6% of household income.
Consider Morrow for real affordability
If housing costs drive your relocation decision, Morrow County delivers rare affordability in Oregon—rent runs $227 below state average while incomes remain competitive. Eastern Oregon's rural charm comes with financial breathing room that larger counties simply cannot match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Morrow County
Affordability Verdict
Morrow County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $910/month — about 15.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $910/month rent versus $951/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $41/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,757/year. With a median household income of $70,217, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Morrow County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Morrow County sits 5% less expensive than Umatilla County ($962/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Morrow County
Rent Burden
15.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,638
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.3%
of gross income
The median home in Morrow County may be a stretch
Median home value is $229,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,835 vs. your max of $1,638.
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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