Klamath County, Oregon

Income Data

-15% vs. Oregon average
$59,353
Median Household Income
$32,939
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$59,353
-15% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,939
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
23.2%
income as % of home value
Rank in Oregon
#30 / 36
by median household income

How Klamath County Compares

Klamath County$59,353
Oregon Average$69,965
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$59,353
Median Household Income
$32,939
Per Capita Income
$255,700
Median Home Value
23.2%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Klamath County, Oregon

Klamath income lags national average

Klamath County's median household income of $59,353 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 21%, marking the county below most American households. The $15,402 gap reflects the economy's dependence on agriculture, timber, and outdoor recreation—sectors often offering lower average wages. Nationally, Klamath ranks in the lower quartile of U.S. county earnings.

Middle-lower ranking within Oregon

Klamath's $59,353 median sits below Oregon's state average of $69,965 by $10,612, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Oregon's 36 counties. The gap reflects both workforce demographics and limited access to high-wage industries concentrated in Portland and Salem metros. This positioning suggests economic vulnerability during regional downturns.

Part of rural Oregon's income belt

Klamath's $59,353 income clusters closely with Josephine County ($59,097), forming a peer group of rural southwestern Oregon counties. Lake County ($61,222) slightly outpaces both neighbors, though all three hover well below state averages. Per capita income here ($32,939) reflects a younger population and fewer high-earning professionals.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Klamath's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% is among the state's most favorable, suggesting housing affordability compared to Oregon peers. With a median home value of $255,700—lower than most Oregon counties—homeownership remains accessible for many households. This relative affordability provides breathing room for other essential expenses.

Lower costs enable greater savings potential

Klamath's affordable housing market creates an opportunity: households can redirect savings toward retirement accounts and investments rather than excessive rent. Even modest $100 monthly contributions to a Roth IRA grow substantially over 30 years. Local credit unions and community banks often offer financial planning resources tailored to rural economies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Klamath County, Oregon?
The median household income in Klamath County, Oregon is $59,353, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Klamath County?
The per capita income in Klamath County is $32,939, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $59,353.
How does Klamath County compare to the Oregon average?
Klamath County's median household income of $59,353 is lower than the Oregon state average of $69,965. The per capita income is $32,939, compared to the state average of $37,652.
What is the per capita income in Klamath County, Oregon?
The per capita income in Klamath County, Oregon is $32,939, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Klamath County a low-income area in Oregon?
Klamath County's median household income of $59,353 is below the Oregon average of $69,965. The per capita income of $32,939 is also lower than the state average of $37,652. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Klamath County rank for income in Oregon?
Klamath County ranks #30 out of 36 counties in Oregon by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $59,353 and per capita income of $32,939, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.