Malheur County, Oregon

Income Data

-29% vs. Oregon average
$49,902
Median Household Income
$23,814
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$49,902
-29% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$23,814
-40% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
22.5%
income as % of home value
Rank in Oregon
#35 / 36
by median household income

How Malheur County Compares

Malheur County$49,902
Oregon Average$69,965
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$49,902
Median Household Income
$23,814
Per Capita Income
$221,300
Median Home Value
22.5%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Malheur County, Oregon

Malheur faces steepest income gap

Malheur County's median household income of $49,902 represents the state's lowest and falls a dramatic 33% below the national median of $74,755. This $24,853 shortfall—the largest among the featured counties—reflects a rural economy dependent on agriculture and ranching with limited wage diversity. Nationally, Malheur ranks among the poorest-earning U.S. counties.

Oregon's lowest county income

At $49,902, Malheur County trails Oregon's state median of $69,965 by $20,063—a gap more than twice as large as any other featured county. This $20,000 disparity places Malheur at the bottom of Oregon's 36-county income ranking, creating unique economic hardship. The isolation of eastern Oregon and dependence on commodity agriculture drive this disadvantage.

Isolated economic distress in eastern Oregon

Malheur's $49,902 income trails the lowest other featured county, Josephine ($59,097), by $9,195, creating a widening gap suggesting severe regional isolation. No featured county comes close to Malheur's poverty level, reflecting eastern Oregon's distinct economic crisis. The county's remoteness from job centers compounds income challenges.

Affordable housing offers survival cushion

Malheur's rent-to-income ratio of 19.7% is among the state's most favorable, with a median home value of $221,300 offering true housing affordability. Yet this advantage becomes irrelevant when median household income falls this far short of meeting basic needs beyond housing. Water, food, healthcare, and transportation costs create acute affordability stress.

Economic development focus over individual wealth

For Malheur households earning $49,902, household financial stability precedes wealth building—focusing on emergency savings and debt reduction first proves more urgent. Many households may qualify for low-income assistance programs (LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid) that free up limited income for savings. Community development initiatives and local workforce training programs offer pathways to wage growth beyond individual investment strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Malheur County, Oregon?
The median household income in Malheur County, Oregon is $49,902, 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 Malheur County?
The per capita income in Malheur County is $23,814, 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 $49,902.
How does Malheur County compare to the Oregon average?
Malheur County's median household income of $49,902 is lower than the Oregon state average of $69,965. The per capita income is $23,814, compared to the state average of $37,652.
What is the per capita income in Malheur County, Oregon?
The per capita income in Malheur County, Oregon is $23,814, 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 Malheur County a low-income area in Oregon?
Malheur County's median household income of $49,902 is below the Oregon average of $69,965. The per capita income of $23,814 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 Malheur County rank for income in Oregon?
Malheur County ranks #35 out of 36 counties in Oregon by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $49,902 and per capita income of $23,814, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Malheur County

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Your income is above the Malheur County median

County median: $49,902 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-29%

vs. National Median

-33%

vs. Malheur County MedianAbout equal
vs. Oregon Average29% below
vs. National Median33% below

Income Adequacy

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Your monthly income ($4,159) vs. median rent ($819/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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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.