St. Helens, OR

Average · 99

Oregon · Population 14,152 · Updated March 2026

$1,269
Median Rent / Month
$82,123
Median Income
$350,900
Median Home Value
$1,390
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in St. Helens

18.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Oregon

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

9.9%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
0%
Sales Tax
0.93%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$15,228
Annual Rent
$8,130
State Income Tax
$3,263
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

St. Helens has a cost of living close to the national average, offering a balanced mix of expenses and amenities. With a cost index of 99 (where 100 equals the national median), St. Helens residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,269/month while earning a median household income of $82,123/year.

The median home value in St. Helens, OR is $350,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,390 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Oregon's top income tax rate of 9.9% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 0% sales tax rate and 0.93% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in St. Helens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in St. Helens

What is the cost of living in St. Helens, OR?
The cost of living index in St. Helens, OR is 99 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,269, median household income is $82,123/year, and the median home value is $350,900.
Is St. Helens, OR affordable?
Yes, St. Helens is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 99. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in St. Helens, OR?
The median gross rent in St. Helens, OR is $1,269 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $15,228.
What is the median household income in St. Helens?
The median household income in St. Helens, OR is $82,123 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Oregon?
Oregon has a top income tax rate of 9.9%, a sales tax of 0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.93%.