RANK #697 / 996 · POP 50,334 · OR
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.0%
Lincoln County, Oregon, distinguishes itself with its dramatic Pacific coastline and notable towns like Newport, home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and Hatfield Marine Science Center, and Depoe Bay, known as the "whale watching capital of the world." Situated on the central Oregon Coast, roughly 88 miles from Portland and 58 miles from Salem, the county offers a temperate climate and a community feel that blends coastal relaxation with access to outdoor recreation. Residents and visitors enjoy miles of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and opportunities for surfing, fishing, crabbing, and hiking in areas like the Siuslaw National Forest and numerous state parks. The county's natural amenities, including its diverse landscapes and water access, are highly rated.
Life in Lincoln County is shaped by its coastal environment and a growing retiree population. While traditional industries like timber and fishing have seen a decline, tourism remains a major employer, alongside trade, services, and an emerging "Blue Economy" focused on marine science and technology. The Lincoln County School District serves approximately 5,200 students across 11 regular and 4 charter schools, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. Commute options within the county include local bus services and Dial-A-Ride in Newport and Lincoln City, with regional connections to cities like Corvallis, Albany, and Salem via the Coast to Valley Express.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.2x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lincoln County has a Boom Town Index score of 30/100, ranking #697 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $57,794, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Lincoln County is $345,300 with median rent at $1,057/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1674, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed -0.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.65% of Lincoln County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.