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Clatsop County Tax Rates
Utilities and Land Inventory

Clatsop County is an attractive option for a wide variety of businesses - especially because of Oregon's business-friendly tax structure and low utility rates.

Comparison of Business Factors:
Oregon, California and Washington

Factor OR CA WA
Avg Industrial Electricity Rate cents/kwh(YTD Q3 2008) 4.97 10.28 4.78
Avg Industrial Natural Gas Price $/kcf (2007 annual avg) $9.31 $9.02 $9.79
Unemployment Insurance for NEW Employer rate (2007) 2.40% 3.50% 2.25%
Worker's Comp (Indexed Premium/$100 payroll, 2006) $1.97 $4.13 $2.17
Corporate State Net Income Tax Rate (2007) 6.60% 8.84%
0%
Effective Property Tax Rate on Real Property 0.85% 1.10% 1.05%
Effective Property Tax Rate on Personal Property 1.52% 1.10% 1.05%
State Sales & Use Tax Rates 0% 6.25% 6.50%
Max Local Sales and/or Use Tax Rates 0% 2.50% 2.50%
General Use Tax on Current Expenses 0% 7.95% 8.58%
Sales or Use Taxes on Construction Costs No 7.95% 8.58%
Machinery/Equipment Tax No No No
Real Estate Transfer Tax 0% 0% 1.31%
Source: Oregon Economic and Community Development, Business and Trade Development Division, 2008

Taxes

Local government revenues are collected primarily from a tax levied on real property.  Clatsop County collects all local taxes and distributes the funds to 66 Taxing districts. Oregon does not have a sales tax. Oregon does have a personal income tax.

Measure 50 was approved by voters in 1997, which changed Oregon's tax system from levy-based to rate-based. Measure 50  decreased many tax bills and made future taxes more predictable for individuals. The measure limits future taxable value increases, establishes permanent tax rate limits, allows local option levies and retains Measure 5 limits. (Tax rates cannot exceed $15 per $1,000 of real market value for operating revenues. Maximum Assessed Value (MAV) is limited to a 3% increase annually.)
FIND DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE OREGON TAX SYSTEM & CLATSOP TAXING DISTRICT RATES:
http://www.co.clatsop.or.us/default.asp?deptid=1&pageid=59

Utilities

Electricity
Oregon boasts one of the lowest industrial electrical rates in the country.

Averaging nearly 30% lower than the national average and over 50% below California's industrial users.

Electrical rates

Industrial 4.97 cents p/kwh
Commercial 7.55 cents p/kwh
Residential 8.54 cents p/kwh
All Sectors
Avg
7.27 cents p/kwh

Pacific Power is Clatsop County's primary electrical power provider.

Natural Gas
Oregon natural gas prices are very competitive . The average industrial natural gas price $/kcf (2007 average-annual) in Oregon is $9.31. Northwest Natural is the natural gas provider in Clatsop County. www.nwnatural.com

Telecommunications
Qwest Communications is the major provider of telecom services in Clatsop County.  Qwest provides voice services (toll-free and long-distance packages, PBX trunks, conferencing) and more. 

Internet Service Providers
Charter Communications
Qwest Communications
Blue Sky Satellite
Blue Mountain Internet
LOCALNET

Water and Sewer
Each incorporated city in Clatsop County has an independent water treatment and sewage system. Unincorporated rural areas operate on septic systems and well water.