Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fossil, OR
Thinking of moving to Fossil, OR? This small, peaceful town of 460 residents offers affordable living, with a median home price around $170,000 and rents averaging $650. Crime rates are very low, and average commutes are a quick 12.5 minutes. While educational options are limited, Fossil provides a close-knit rural atmosphere, abundant sunshine (65% sunny days), and easy access to Oregon’s scenic outdoors. Ideal for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle and lower cost of living.
Demographics - Fossil, OR
Demographics - Fossil, OR
Fossil, Oregon is a close-knit rural town with a population of just 460 residents and a high median age of 53.2, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter pace of life. The community is predominantly White, with over 94% of residents identifying as such, and has a nearly balanced gender ratio. A small percentage of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the town's welcoming but homogeneous atmosphere.
Population:
460
Density:
450 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
94.3%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fossil, OR?
Living in Fossil is notably affordable, with a median home value of $170,000 and average rents around $650 per month. Overall expenses fall below the national average, as seen in the cost of living index of 89, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals. Utilities and transportation costs are also reasonable, while Oregon's state tax rates range from 4.75% to 9.9%.
Median House Value:
$170,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,025
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.0
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
85.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Fossil, OR a safe place to live?
Fossil boasts very low crime rates, offering residents peace of mind with just 85 violent crimes and 540 property crimes per 100,000 people. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is extremely low, at about 1 in 1,175, making it a safe place to live and raise a family. Property crime rates are also well below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
85
Property Crimes Per 100k:
540
Crime Index:
625
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,175
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 185
Weather
What is the weather like in Fossil, OR year-round?
Fossil experiences a temperate climate with mild winters averaging lows of 26°F and warm summers reaching highs of 87°F. The area enjoys 65% sunny days annually and receives modest rainfall, totaling around 13.5 inches per year. This climate supports an active outdoor lifestyle and scenic beauty year-round.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
42°F
Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
The community in Fossil is friendly and tight-knit, with a median household income of $39,000 and low unemployment at 4.9%. Most residents commute just 12.5 minutes to work, and over 90% have completed high school, though fewer hold bachelor's degrees. The poverty rate is 15%, and nearly three-quarters of homes are owner-occupied, highlighting local stability.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$39,000
Family Income:
$47,500
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
15.0%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
12.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Fossil, OR?
Fossil offers small class sizes in its public schools, with Fossil Elementary and Wheeler High School serving fewer than 50 students each and maintaining low student-teacher ratios. While there are no private schools in the area, higher education opportunities are available at Blue Mountain Community College, located about 88 miles away in Pendleton. The town's schools provide a personalized educational experience in a rural setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Fossil Elementary School
Street:
404 Main St
Phone:
541-763-4175
Students:
38
Student Teacher Ratio:
10:1
Name:
Wheeler High School
Street:
600 B St
Phone:
541-763-4146
Students:
45
Student Teacher Ratio:
8:1
Colleges
Name:
Blue Mountain Community College
City:
Pendleton
State:
OR
Distance:
88 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
While Fossil's healthcare resources are limited, residents have access to Pioneer Memorial Hospital in nearby Heppner, which provides emergency services. The town has approximately 0.9 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 91% of residents are covered by health insurance. Overall, healthcare is accessible though more specialized care may require travel.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Pioneer Memorial Hospital
Address:
564 E Pioneer Rd, Heppner, OR 97836
Phone:
(541) 676-9133
Type:
Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.6%
Health Care Index:
72.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fossil, OR?
Fossil's housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $170,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 74.5%. Rental options are available at an average of $650 for a two-bedroom, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of just 0.2%. Home values have appreciated by 6.2% over the past year, indicating steady growth.
Median Home Price:
$170,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Fossil residents are served by the Oregon DMV, with the closest office located in La Grande. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and title processing, and additional information can be found on the Oregon DMV website. The office is accessible by phone for any inquiries or appointment needs.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon DMV
Address:
1301 W Adams Ave, La Grande, OR 97850
Phone:
1-503-945-5000
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.