IncomeBy County

Lake County, Oregon

Income Data

-12% vs. Oregon average
$61,222
Median Household Income
$32,783
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$61,222
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,783
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
27.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Oregon
#26 / 36
by median household income

How Lake County Compares

Lake County$61,222
Oregon Average$69,965
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$61,222
Median Household Income
$32,783
Per Capita Income
$219,400
Median Home Value
27.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Lake County, Oregon

Lake County income below U.S. median

Lake County's median household income of $61,222 falls 18% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning the sparsely populated county below typical American earnings. The $13,533 gap reflects an economy centered on ranching, timber, and natural resource sectors with limited wage growth. Lake ranks among the lower-earning counties nationally, but outpaces some rural peers.

Slightly above state bottom tier

At $61,222, Lake County inches above Josephine and Klamath but remains $8,743 below Oregon's state median of $69,965. This positioning places Lake in Oregon's lower-middle ranks, where geographic isolation and smaller population limit economic diversification. The $8,743 shortfall underscores rural Oregon's persistent income challenges.

Best performer among rural trio

Lake's $61,222 income edges ahead of both Josephine ($59,097) and Klamath ($59,353), making it the highest earner in this rural cluster. Yet all three share similar economic structures and challenges tied to natural resource dependence. Lake's slight advantage may reflect agricultural stability or smaller population size.

Most affordable housing in the region

Lake County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among its rural peers at 16.9%, indicating housing costs consume the least percentage of median income. A median home value of just $219,400—dramatically lower than state averages—means homeownership is genuinely accessible. This affordability advantage gives households more resources for savings and investment.

Affordability unlocks long-term wealth building

Lake's combination of lower income and exceptionally affordable housing creates unique wealth-building potential for disciplined savers. Households saving 15% of income after housing still have room for emergencies and retirement contributions. Consulting with a fee-only financial advisor can help maximize wealth-building in this lower-income environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Lake County, Oregon?
The median household income in Lake County, Oregon is $61,222, 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 Lake County?
The per capita income in Lake County is $32,783, 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 $61,222.
How does Lake County compare to the Oregon average?
Lake County's median household income of $61,222 is lower than the Oregon state average of $69,965. The per capita income is $32,783, compared to the state average of $37,652.
What is the per capita income in Lake County, Oregon?
The per capita income in Lake County, Oregon is $32,783, 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 Lake County a low-income area in Oregon?
Lake County's median household income of $61,222 is below the Oregon average of $69,965. The per capita income of $32,783 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 Lake County rank for income in Oregon?
Lake County ranks #26 out of 36 counties in Oregon by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $61,222 and per capita income of $32,783, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

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County median: $61,222 per year

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vs. State Average

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vs. National Median

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vs. Oregon Average▼ 12% below
vs. National Median▼ 18% below

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Perquimans County
North Carolina
$61,224
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Allegany County
New York
$61,233
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Phillips County
Kansas
$61,235
+0%
Washington County
Oklahoma
$61,205
+0%
Blaine County
Nebraska
$61,250
+0%
Stonewall County
Texas
$61,250
+0%
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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.

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