Oregon housing costs at a glance
| Oregon | |
|---|---|
| Median home value (Zillow) | $502,000 |
| Average effective property tax | 0.79% |
| Typical rate for a new buyer (calculator default) | 0.85% |
| Average homeowners insurance ($300k dwelling) | $1,320 a year |
| 2026 conforming loan limit (one unit) | $832,750 |
Example: median-priced home
Oregon home for $502,000, 20% down, 6.5% 30-year fixed: principal and interest $2,538 + property tax $356 + insurance $110 = about $3,004 a month. Enter your own rate quote and the actual tax rate of the property for a precise figure.
Oregon property tax: the Measure 50 cap stays with the house
Under Measure 50, a home's assessed value can grow by at most 3% a year, and for most older homes it is now far below market value. Unlike in California or Michigan, the capped value does not reset when a home is sold, so you inherit the previous owner's tax bill. That makes taxes on similar houses very different; always check the current tax statement on the county assessor's website. The average effective rate is about 0.79% of market value, higher in Portland.
Other Oregon costs
- No transfer tax in almost all of Oregon (Washington County charges 0.1%); the state constitution bans new ones.
- Insurance: about $1,320 a year on average, more in wildfire-risk areas.
- See also the Oregon paycheck calculator: no sales tax, but one of the highest income taxes.
Other states
See also the Oregon paycheck calculator and mortgage costs in other states.
Frequently asked questions
Does Oregon property tax reset when a house is sold?
No. Under Measure 50 the capped assessed value stays with the property, so the buyer pays roughly what the seller paid.
What is the monthly payment on a median-priced Oregon home?
On a $502,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, principal and interest are about $2,538; with property tax at 0.85% and average insurance the total is about $3,004 a month.
Does Oregon have a real estate transfer tax?
Only Washington County, at 0.1%; the constitution prohibits new transfer taxes elsewhere.
What is the property tax rate in Oregon?
About 0.79% of market value on average, but it varies a lot from home to home because assessed values are capped.
For information only; not a loan offer. Property tax, insurance and closing costs depend on the specific property and lender.
Sources
- Oregon Department of Revenue – property tax
- FHFA – 2026 conforming loan limits
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 – real estate taxes (via NAHB / Construction Coverage)
- Zillow Home Value Index
- Insurify – home insurance by state
Rules checked: October 2026