How Property Tax Works
Umatilla County, Oregon operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, public safety, road maintenance, and special districts. Property taxes are calculated based on your property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which is expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). The effective tax rate varies significantly across different areas within Umatilla County due to the overlay of multiple special taxing districts.
For the 2025-26 tax year, property owners in Umatilla County can expect tax rates that vary by location, with some areas seeing rates around 20.8499 mills. Your actual rate depends on which special districts serve your property, such as school districts, fire districts, ambulance services, and other local improvement districts. Unlike some states, Oregon does not have a statewide assessment cap, meaning your assessed value can increase based on market conditions and improvements to your property.