Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Joseph, OR
Considering a move to Joseph, OR? This scenic small town of 1,150 offers affordable living with median home prices around $385,000 and average rents at $925. Residents enjoy low crime rates, short 13-minute commutes, and a relaxed pace of life surrounded by the beautiful Wallowa Mountains. While the climate brings cold winters and plenty of sunny days, Joseph boasts a high rate of high school graduates and a tight-knit community vibe—perfect for those seeking tranquility and outdoor adventure.
Demographics - Joseph, OR
Demographics - Joseph, OR
Joseph, Oregon is a close-knit community of about 1,150 residents, characterized by a predominantly White population and a median age of 51. The town's population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to its small-town charm, while a low percentage of non-English speakers highlights its homogeneity.
Population:
1,150
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.5%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Joseph, OR?
The cost of living in Joseph is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $385,000 and average rent at $925. Essentials like groceries and utilities remain affordable, making it a practical choice for those seeking mountain-town living without big-city prices.
Median House Value:
$385,000
Gross Rent:
$925
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.5
Grocery:
97.8
Housing:
108.3
Utilities:
95.7
Transportation:
99.2
Health Care:
104.6
Miscellaneous:
98.3
Crime
Is Joseph, OR a safe place to live?
Joseph is known for its low crime rates, with violent crime being especially rare and property crime chances significantly below national averages. Residents can feel secure in this peaceful, rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
62
Property Crimes Per 100k:
780
Crime Index:
842
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,613
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 128
Weather
What is the weather like in Joseph, OR year-round?
Joseph experiences distinct seasons, featuring cold winters with lows around 16°F and warm summers reaching up to 78°F. With 63% sunny days and moderate annual rainfall, the climate supports year-round outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
31°F
Max:
56°F

Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
27°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
The community boasts a median household income of $57,400 and a poverty rate under 10%, with nearly 93% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. Residents enjoy short commutes, low unemployment, and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$57,400
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$29,800
Income Male:
$39,600
Income Female:
$32,700
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
3.2%
Rent:
$925
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
13.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
28.5%
Education
How are the schools in Joseph, OR?
Joseph is home to Joseph Charter School, offering education with a low student-teacher ratio, and is located within reach of Eastern Oregon University for higher education. The town shows strong educational attainment, with nearly 93% of adults holding a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Joseph Charter School
Street:
400 E Williams Ave
Phone:
541-432-7311
Students:
255
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1

Colleges
Name:
Eastern Oregon University
City:
La Grande
State:
OR
Distance:
70 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Joseph is served by Wallowa Memorial Hospital in neighboring Enterprise and has a solid physician presence of 1.5 per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of residents are insured, ensuring good access to healthcare in this rural area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Wallowa Memorial Hospital
Address:
601 Medical Parkway, Enterprise, OR 97828
Phone:
(541) 426-3111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.3%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Joseph, OR?
Joseph's housing market features a median home price of $385,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 69%. With steady home appreciation and low vacancy and foreclosure rates, it offers stability for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$385,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$925
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle their motor vehicle needs at the Oregon DMV branch in nearby Enterprise, easily accessible and supported by the state’s comprehensive online services. The office provides all standard licensing and registration services for Oregon drivers.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
190 E Ln, Enterprise, OR 97828
Phone:
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.