Wheeler County, Oregon

Income Data

-27% vs. Oregon average
$51,250
Median Household Income
$33,337
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,250
-27% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,337
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
19.8%
income as % of home value
Rank in Oregon
#34 / 36
by median household income

How Wheeler County Compares

Wheeler County$51,250
Oregon Average$69,965
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,250
Median Household Income
$33,337
Per Capita Income
$259,000
Median Home Value
19.8%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Wheeler County, Oregon

Wheeler faces steepest national income gap

Wheeler County's median household income of $51,250 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $23,505—a 31% gap. This represents Oregon's most economically challenged county by household income, reflecting limited employment diversity in this sparsely populated rural region.

Lowest-earning Oregon county

Wheeler ranks last among Oregon's 36 counties, earning just $51,250 versus the state average of $69,965—a shortfall of $18,715. The county's small population and limited job market make economic development a persistent challenge.

Significantly trails all nearby counties

Wheeler's $51,250 median falls $12,352 below Wasco, $35,834 below Yamhill, and $53,184 below Washington County. The county's remote location and resource-dependent economy create the widest income gaps in this four-county comparison.

Low rent ratio masks income strain

Wheeler's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% suggests affordable housing, but the county's low baseline income means households have limited discretionary spending despite manageable housing costs. A median home value of $259,000 remains elevated relative to local earning power.

Prioritize emergency savings in tight economy

Wheeler County households should focus on building cash reserves first, given income constraints and limited local job alternatives. Exploring remote work opportunities and skills-based education can help residents expand earning potential beyond the local market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Wheeler County, Oregon?
The median household income in Wheeler County, Oregon is $51,250, 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 Wheeler County?
The per capita income in Wheeler County is $33,337, 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 $51,250.
How does Wheeler County compare to the Oregon average?
Wheeler County's median household income of $51,250 is lower than the Oregon state average of $69,965. The per capita income is $33,337, compared to the state average of $37,652.
What is the per capita income in Wheeler County, Oregon?
The per capita income in Wheeler County, Oregon is $33,337, 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 Wheeler County a low-income area in Oregon?
Wheeler County's median household income of $51,250 is below the Oregon average of $69,965. The per capita income of $33,337 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 Wheeler County rank for income in Oregon?
Wheeler County ranks #34 out of 36 counties in Oregon by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,250 and per capita income of $33,337, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Wheeler County

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Your income is above the Wheeler County median

County median: $51,250 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-27%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Wheeler County MedianAbout equal
vs. Oregon Average27% below
vs. National Median31% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.5x

Your monthly income ($4,271) vs. median rent ($782/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.