Columbia County, Oregon
8 ZIP codes · Avg score 66/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Tracking 8 ZIP codes in Columbia County reveals a mixed picture — tap water quality varies meaningfully by location.
How Columbia County Compares
How Columbia County Compares
Columbia County scores 12 points below the Oregon state average (78/100) and 2 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Columbia County, Oregon
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 13.4 (asthma 12.2%, diabetes 12.2%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,589, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.399% avg pipe failure probability, 50% of ZIPs at high risk
54.9% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2022–2025)
↑ Worsening trendEPA violation counts by year across Columbia County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2024 with 12 violations. Past 5 years: 29 total (29 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,589
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
22,482 housing units in Columbia County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Columbia County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Columbia County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Columbia County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Columbia County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City of Clatskanie, | 2,188 | 103 |
| 2 | Quincy Water Association | 300 | 103 |
| 3 | Midland Water Association | 160 | 103 |
| 4 | Lost Creek Heights Wtr Assoc | 100 | 103 |
| 5 | Marshland Water Association | 70 | 103 |
18 total water systems serve Columbia County.
All ZIP Codes in Columbia County
8 ZIP codes tracked in Columbia County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 97018 | Columbia City | 80 | B | 6 | $442K |
| 2 | 97056 | Scappoose | 77 | B | 30 (1 health) | $438K |
| 3 | 97048 | Rainier | 68 | C | 34 (6 health) | $364K |
| 4 | 97016 | Clatskanie | 64 | C | 103 (8 health) | $297K |
| 5 | 97064 | Vernonia | 64 | C | 22 (1 health) | $360K |
| 6 | 97054 | Deer Island | 63 | C | 0 | $426K |
| 7 | 97051 | Saint Helens | 55 | C | 0 | $369K |
| 8 | 97053 | Warren | 53 | D | 0 | $532K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Columbia County
Below: editorial picks, no sponsored placements.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 54.9% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Columbia County, Oregon
Overview
Columbia County in Oregon covers 8 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (66/100).
5 of 8 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 16 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Oregon water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.