Everything You Should Know Before Moving to La Grande, OR
Considering a move to La Grande, OR? This friendly city of 13,380 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $267,000 and average rents at $910. Residents enjoy short 12-minute commutes, 59% sunny days, and access to a local university and quality healthcare at Grande Ronde Hospital. While crime rates are higher than the national average, La Grande stands out for its tight-knit community, outdoor recreation, and strong educational options from elementary to college level.
Demographics - La Grande, OR
Demographics - La Grande, OR
La Grande is a welcoming city of 13,380 residents with a median age of 34.9, offering a youthful yet diverse atmosphere. The community is predominantly White at 90%, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a modest multicultural presence.
Population:
13,380
Density:
2,082 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.9
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.1%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in La Grande, OR?
La Grande offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $267,000 and average rents around $910 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare accessible for most residents.
Median House Value:
$267,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,340
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.4
Grocery:
98.7
Housing:
82.0
Utilities:
95.6
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
98.2
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is La Grande, OR a safe place to live?
La Grande experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a 1 in 48 chance, while violent crime remains relatively low at a rate of 213 incidents per 100,000 people. Residents should stay cautious but can feel generally safe in most neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
213
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,060
Crime Index:
2,273
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 469
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in La Grande, OR year-round?
La Grande enjoys four distinct seasons, featuring warm summers with highs near 86°F and cold winters dipping to lows of 21°F. The area receives about 19 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine 59% of the year, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
37°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
61°F

Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Residents of La Grande benefit from a close-knit community, with a median household income of $54,800 and a family income of $67,400. The city has a relatively low average commute time of 12.4 minutes and a high educational attainment, with over 92% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$33,500
Household Income:
$54,800
Family Income:
$67,400
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
18.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
12.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
26.5%
Education
How are the schools in La Grande, OR?
La Grande boasts strong educational opportunities, including public schools like La Grande High School and Central Elementary, as well as private options and Eastern Oregon University right in town. With a high rate of high school completion and college access, families will find excellent support for students at every level.

Public Schools
Name:
La Grande High School
Street:
708 K Ave
Phone:
541-663-3301
Students:
770
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Name:
Central Elementary School
Street:
601 S 12th St
Phone:
541-663-3501
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1

Private Schools
Name:
La Grande Adventist Academy
Street:
2702 Adams Ave
Phone:
541-963-6203
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Eastern Oregon University
City:
La Grande
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in La Grande is anchored by Grande Ronde Hospital, which offers emergency and surgical services locally. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, the city provides reliable access to quality medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Grande Ronde Hospital
Address:
900 Sunset Dr, La Grande, OR 97850
Phone:
(541) 963-8421
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.6%
Health Care Index:
76.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in La Grande, OR?
La Grande's housing market is stable, featuring a median home price of $267,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $910. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and recent appreciation rates suggest steady, sustainable growth for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$267,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access driver and vehicle services at the local Oregon DMV branch on Island Ave, which offers comprehensive information online and by phone. The office provides convenient support for all licensing and registration needs within the city.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon DMV
Address:
3014 Island 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.