Columbia County, OR Property Records
Property records in Columbia, Oregon document key details about real estate, including ownership history, parcel boundaries, assessed values, property classifications, tax information, sales data, and legal descriptions. These records are useful for buyers, homeowners, real estate professionals, researchers, and anyone verifying property ownership, reviewing tax assessments, or understanding land use and valuation trends.
Users can access official Columbia property records through Columbia County government resources, including the Assessor’s Office and related online tools for parcel and tax information. For authoritative records and search options, visit the county’s official page for Columbia property records.
Columbia County, OR Property Records & Statistics
Columbia County has a median rent of $1,065, above the Oregon median of $1,001.50 and the national figure of $840.25. Renter-occupied housing makes up only 18.84% of occupied homes, below the state share of 26.17% and the national share of 21.81%, so most households here own their homes.
The median home value is $352,150, higher than Oregon's $323,675 and about double the national median of $173,750. The median property tax rate of 0.77% is slightly above the state rate of 0.75% and the national rate of 0.74%, so owners pay a little more than average relative to value.
Income is a strength. The median household income of $79,992 is well above the state's $64,391 and the national $65,108, which supports the higher housing costs. Unemployment of 2.77% is lower than Oregon's 2.99% and the national 2.87%.
Overall, the figures describe a largely owner-occupied county with above-average home values and rents, slightly higher property taxes, strong incomes, and a healthy employment picture.
Median Rent
Median Property Tax Rate
Median Home Value
Median Income
Unemployment Rate
Renter Occupied Housing
Property Records, Assessments, and Valuations in Columbia
Columbia County property records include tax assessments, recorded deeds and mortgages, valuation data, and foreclosure filings. The county has 28,289 total parcels, including 21,867 residential and 1,185 commercial parcels, and tax records cover 95.66% of the population for the 2024 assessment year. Recorded documents include 51,681 deeds and 39,556 mortgages, with valuation data for 15,878 properties.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Parcels | 28,289 |
| Residential Parcels | 21,867 |
| Commercial Parcels | 1,185 |
| Tax Record Coverage | 95.66% |
| Assessment Year | 2024 |
| Deed Records | 51,681 |
| Mortgage Records | 39,556 |
| Properties with Valuation Data | 15,878 |
| Latest Valuation Update | August 19, 2025 |
| Notice of Trustee Sale Records | 5,949 |
Assignment and Release Records
Assignment and release records show what became of a mortgage after it was recorded. An assignment documents a transfer of the loan between lenders, and a release documents that the loan was satisfied and the lien removed.
Columbia County has 63,517 assignment and release records, including 8,545 assignment documents and 54,811 release documents, along with 161 other documents. Assignments were recorded from January 3, 2005, through August 29, 2025, and releases from December 31, 1996, through September 3, 2025.
These records help buyers and researchers follow a loan across lenders and confirm that older mortgages were released, which is valuable before a sale or refinance. Recording details are on the Columbia County Clerk recording page.
How to Search Columbia County, OR Property Records
Columbia County property records are kept by the County Clerk, which records deeds, mortgages, and other real estate documents. These records cover the county's 28,289 parcels and include ownership transfers, mortgage filings, and foreclosure notices.
The Columbia County Clerk recording page is the official starting point for information on recorded documents, copies, and how to record. Those who submit documents electronically can use Simplifile, the electronic recording service the county lists.
To research a property, gather an owner name, a date range, or details from a prior document. Contact the Clerk's office with that information to request the records you need, and review the results to confirm they match your property. If you are unsure what to ask for, staff can explain which records exist for the period you want.
The Clerk is at 230 Strand St., St. Helens, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Call 503-397-3796 for help.
Columbia Registrar of Deeds
The Columbia County Probate Office is located at 230 Strand St., St. Helens, OR, 97051 and can be reached at 503-397-3796. Office hours are Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Records can be accessed through the official website columbiacountyor.gov.
Columbia County Clerk
Columbia County Property Records FAQ
How can I search Columbia County property records by address?
Contact the Columbia County Clerk, who keeps recorded documents. Start on the Columbia County Clerk recording page and call 503-397-3796 with the address. Staff can help locate the owner and the deeds tied to the property.
How can I find property owners in Columbia County?
Owners are named on recorded deeds. Ask the Clerk's office at 230 Strand St. in St. Helens, or call 503-397-3796, to request deed records for a property. The Clerk's recording page has more on available records.
How can I check a property's assessed value in Columbia County?
Columbia County's records reflect the 2024 assessment year across 28,289 parcels. Assessed values are held by the county assessor, a different office from the Clerk. Call the Clerk at 503-397-3796 for a referral to the assessment office for a specific parcel.
Where can I find Columbia County property tax bills and payment records?
Tax statements are issued by the county tax office rather than the Clerk's recording division. Call 503-397-3796 to be directed to the right office, or visit the Columbia County Clerk page for county contact information.
How can I find deeds and other recorded documents in Columbia County?
The County Clerk keeps deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents. Visit the Clerk's recording page for instructions, or go to 230 Strand St., St. Helens, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Call 503-397-3796 with questions.
Where can I access Columbia County parcel maps and GIS information?
Parcel maps are maintained by county mapping staff, separate from the Clerk. Call the Clerk at 503-397-3796 to be pointed to the department that handles them. Maps are good for reference, but recorded deeds and surveys govern legal boundaries.
How can I check permits and zoning information in Columbia County?
Permits and zoning are handled by land development staff. The Clerk at 503-397-3796 can refer you to the right office. If the property is inside a city such as St. Helens or Scappoose, the city's planning department may also handle land use questions.
How can I create a list of property owners in Columbia County?
The Clerk's services are geared toward individual document requests. To assemble a list, request records for each property, or call 503-397-3796 to ask whether bulk records are available and how requests are handled.