Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mill City, OR
Planning a move to Mill City, OR? This friendly small town of about 1,950 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $322,000 and average rents near $1,060. Enjoy a relaxed pace, with commute times averaging 31 minutes and low violent crime rates (178 per 100k). Outdoor lovers will appreciate the mild summers, lush forests, and proximity to the Santiam River. Local schools are close-knit, and the cost of living is lower than the national average—making Mill City a charming, budget-friendly choice for families or remote workers.
Demographics - Mill City, OR
Demographics - Mill City, OR
Mill City is a small community of around 1,950 residents, with a median age of just over 39, reflecting a mix of families and working adults. The city has a predominantly White population and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, offering a close-knit and welcoming environment. Population density is moderate, giving residents space while still fostering a neighborly feel.
Population:
1,950
Density:
1,340 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
8.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mill City, OR?
Mill City offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $322,000 and average rents around $1,060. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, making it a budget-friendly choice for families and individuals alike. Utilities and daily expenses are generally manageable, supporting a balanced and comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$322,000
Gross Rent:
$1,060
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,470
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.5
Grocery:
101.7
Housing:
89.5
Utilities:
96.3
Transportation:
98.1
Health Care:
95.4
Miscellaneous:
99.0
Crime
Is Mill City, OR a safe place to live?
Residents of Mill City benefit from a low violent crime rate of 178 incidents per 100,000 people, providing a sense of safety in daily life. Property crime is somewhat higher, but remains in line with what is typical for small towns. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 561, which contributes to the area’s overall appeal for families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
178
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,590
Crime Index:
1,768
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 561
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Mill City, OR year-round?
Mill City experiences mild, wet winters with lows in the mid-30s and warm, pleasant summers reaching into the low 80s. The area receives about 58 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate lush greenery and outdoor activities. Residents can expect comfortable temperatures throughout the seasons.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
48°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $54,300 and a poverty rate of 13.8%, with most residents commuting about 31 minutes to work. Educational attainment is solid, with nearly 87% holding at least a high school diploma. Most residents drive, and public transit use is minimal, reflecting the rural character of the area.
Median Income:
$36,800
Household Income:
$54,300
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,060
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
31.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
14.6%
Education
How are the schools in Mill City, OR?
Mill City is served by close-knit public schools such as Santiam Junior/Senior High and Santiam Elementary, offering small class sizes and personalized attention. Higher education opportunities are easily accessible, with Chemeketa Community College and Oregon State University located within an hour’s drive. Families benefit from supportive educational resources and community involvement.

Public Schools
Name:
Santiam Junior/Senior High School
Street:
265 SW Evergreen St
Phone:
503-897-2311
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.6
Name:
Santiam Elementary School
Street:
450 SW Evergreen St
Phone:
503-897-2368
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8

Colleges
Name:
Chemeketa Community College
City:
Salem
State:
OR
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
10,400
Name:
Oregon State University
City:
Corvallis
State:
OR
Distance:
46 miles
Students:
33,400
Healthcare
Mill City residents have access to quality healthcare, including nearby Santiam Hospital, which offers emergency and general medical services. The city boasts a high health insurance coverage rate at over 91%, with approximately 1.8 physicians available per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are accessible and cater well to the needs of the local population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Santiam Hospital
Address:
1401 N 10th Ave, Stayton, OR 97383
Phone:
(503) 769-2175
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.2%
Health Care Index:
78.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mill City, OR?
The housing market in Mill City is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $322,000 and a strong owner-occupancy rate of 64%. Rental options are available, with an average two-bedroom rent of $1,060 and a low vacancy rate. Home values have appreciated steadily, making the area attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$322,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,060
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access Oregon DMV services at the Salem office, located about 30 miles away, for licensing, registration, and other vehicle needs. The office provides comprehensive information and resources both in person and online. This central location ensures that essential DMV services are within reach for Mill City locals.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon DMV
Address:
955 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301
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.