Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Baker, OR
Considering a move to Baker, OR? This small city of 9,800 offers affordable living with a median home price around $213,000 and rents averaging $835. You'll enjoy a quick 14-minute commute, a strong sense of community, and 62% sunny days each year. While crime rates are moderate for the region, Baker features friendly neighborhoods, access to quality healthcare, and decent schools. Lower costs, beautiful high-desert scenery, and easy access to outdoor recreation make Baker a great choice for those seeking a slower pace and close-knit living.
Demographics - Baker, OR
Baker, Oregon is a small city of about 9,800 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 44. The community has a nearly balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming place for families and retirees alike.
Population:
9,800
Density:
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
0.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Baker, OR?
Baker offers a cost of living lower than the national average, with a median home value of $213,000 and average rents around $835. Residents benefit from affordable utilities and reasonable housing costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$213,000
Gross Rent:
$835
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$97
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,185
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.2
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
79.5
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
98.2
Health Care:
93.2
Miscellaneous:
92.5
Crime
Is Baker, OR a safe place to live?
Baker experiences moderate crime rates for its size, with a chance of property crime at about 1 in 43 and violent crime at 1 in 420. Overall, the city provides a generally safe environment, particularly for those accustomed to small-town living.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
238
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,310
Crime Index:
2,548
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 420
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Baker, OR year-round?
The climate in Baker features four distinct seasons, with warm, dry summers reaching up to 86°F and cold winters with lows around 18°F. Residents enjoy 62% sunny days each year and relatively low annual rainfall, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Baker’s residents have a median household income of $49,900 and a family income of $63,200, with a poverty rate just over 16%. Most neighbors are educated, with nearly 90% holding at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short—averaging under 14 minutes.
Median Income:
$31,800
Household Income:
$49,900
Family Income:
$63,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,700
Income Male:
$40,800
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
16.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.1%
Rent:
$835
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
13.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
19.2%
Education
How are the schools in Baker, OR?
Baker offers a mix of public and private educational opportunities, including Baker High School, South Baker Intermediate, and a Montessori school. The city is also home to a Blue Mountain Community College campus, with Eastern Oregon University just 45 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Baker High School
Street:
2500 E St
Phone:
541-524-2600
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Name:
South Baker Intermediate School
Street:
1285 Third St
Phone:
541-524-2600
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5

Private Schools
Name:
Baker Montessori School
Street:
2490 Grove St
Phone:
541-523-7490
Students:
45

Colleges
Name:
Blue Mountain Community College - Baker Center
City:
Baker City
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
200
Name:
Eastern Oregon University
City:
La Grande
State:
OR
Distance:
45 miles
Students:
3,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Baker is anchored by Saint Alphonsus Medical Center, offering general and emergency services. The city has 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of nearly 92%, ensuring good access to medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Alphonsus Medical Center – Baker City
Address:
3325 Pocahontas Rd, Baker City, OR 97814
Phone:
(541) 523-6461
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Baker, OR?
The housing market in Baker is affordable, with a median home price of $213,000 and rents for a two-bedroom averaging $850. A majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$213,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Oregon DMV branch located on Broadway Street in Baker City, offering convenient access for vehicle registration and licensing needs.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon DMV
Address:
3455 Broadway St, Baker City, OR 97814
Phone:
(541) 523-3357
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.