Everything You Should Know Before Moving to John Day, OR
Considering a move to John Day, OR? This friendly town of around 1,650 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $213,000 and average rents about $780. Commute times are short—just 11.5 minutes on average—and crime rates are notably lower than the national average. Enjoy 74% sunny days each year, access to local schools, and community-focused amenities. Discover the relaxed pace and scenic beauty of John Day as you plan your move.
Demographics - John Day, OR
Demographics - John Day, OR
John Day is a small, close-knit community of about 1,650 people, where the median age is just over 51, indicating a mature population. The city is predominantly White, with over 93% of residents identifying as such, and has a nearly even gender balance. Non-English speakers make up a small portion of the population, contributing to the town’s friendly, familiar atmosphere.
Population:
1,650
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in John Day, OR?
Living in John Day is affordable, with a cost of living index below the national average and median home values around $213,000. Renters can expect average monthly rents of about $780, while utilities and other expenses remain manageable. Residents also benefit from relatively low property taxes and overall reasonable daily costs.
Median House Value:
$213,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$355
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.4
Grocery:
97.8
Housing:
78.3
Utilities:
92.5
Transportation:
91.2
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
95.4
Crime
Is John Day, OR a safe place to live?
John Day boasts low crime rates, making it a safe choice for families and retirees alike. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 793, much lower than national norms, and property crime risks are also comparatively minimal. These factors contribute to a secure, welcoming environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
126
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,040
Crime Index:
1,166
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 793
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 96
Weather
What is the weather like in John Day, OR year-round?
Residents enjoy a climate with four distinct seasons, including warm, sunny summers and crisp, snowy winters. The city experiences about 74% sunny days annually and receives a modest 12.6 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Seasonal temperatures range from winter lows in the upper teens to summer highs in the upper 80s.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
The typical household in John Day earns around $46,000, with a family median income of $57,200 and a poverty rate near 16%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and commute times are short, averaging just over 11 minutes. The community is known for its warm, small-town feel and low reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$46,000
Family Income:
$57,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,400
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$27,600
Poverty Rate:
15.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.0%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
11.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
22.7%
Education
How are the schools in John Day, OR?
John Day offers educational opportunities through local public schools, including Grant Union Junior/Senior High and Humbolt Elementary, both featuring small class sizes for personalized attention. The city also hosts a center for Blue Mountain Community College, supporting higher education locally. The community values education, with a high percentage of residents holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Grant Union Junior/Senior High School
Street:
911 S Canyon Blvd
Phone:
541-575-1799
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Humbolt Elementary School
Street:
329 N Humbolt St
Phone:
541-575-0454
Students:
270
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2

Colleges
Name:
Blue Mountain Community College (John Day Center)
City:
John Day
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
Approx. 100
Healthcare
Healthcare access in John Day is robust for its size, anchored by Blue Mountain Hospital, which provides general and emergency services. With a physician rate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents and over 92% having health insurance coverage, locals can expect reliable care. The city’s healthcare index indicates solid overall access and quality.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Blue Mountain Hospital
Address:
170 Ford Rd, John Day, OR 97845
Phone:
(541) 575-1311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in John Day, OR?
The housing market in John Day is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $213,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $800. Most homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy rates remain low, signaling a balanced market. Home values have appreciated modestly, offering potential for long-term investment.
Median Home Price:
$213,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can conveniently access Oregon's DMV services at the local John Day office on Main Street. The office provides essential services such as license renewals and vehicle registration, with further information and forms available through the Oregon DMV website. Local support ensures a straightforward process for new and current residents.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
595 W Main St, John Day, OR 97845
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.