Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prineville, OR
Considering a move to Prineville, OR? This welcoming high-desert city of 11,600 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $335,000 and average rents near $1,210. Residents enjoy abundant sunshine (73% sunny days) and short average commutes of just 18 minutes. Prineville has a small-town feel, a strong sense of community, and access to quality healthcare and local schools, making it a great choice for those seeking an active, affordable lifestyle in central Oregon.
Demographics - Prineville, OR
Demographics - Prineville, OR
Prineville, with a population of 11,600, features a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.7, reflecting a mix of young families and mature residents. The community is predominantly White at 86%, with a small but present diversity and nearly 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Residents enjoy a friendly, small-town environment with moderate population density.
Population:
11,600
Density:
1,330 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.2%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
12.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prineville, OR?
Living in Prineville is relatively affordable, with a cost of living index just below the national average and a median home value of $335,000. Renters pay about $1,210 per month, and everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare are in line with or slightly below statewide averages. Oregon’s income tax rates apply, but housing and transportation costs remain attractively modest for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$335,000
Gross Rent:
$1,210
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$105
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.5
Grocery:
99.1
Housing:
96.5
Utilities:
95.3
Transportation:
94.7
Health Care:
100.4
Miscellaneous:
97.2
Crime
Is Prineville, OR a safe place to live?
Prineville experiences a lower violent crime rate compared to many cities, with just 236 incidents per 100,000 residents. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 42 chance, but overall the city maintains a safe, community-oriented atmosphere. Most residents feel secure thanks to active local law enforcement and engaged neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
236
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
2,636
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 424
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Prineville, OR year-round?
Prineville offers a sunny, high-desert climate with 73% of days clear and pleasant. Winters are chilly with lows averaging 23°F, while summers are warm and dry, reaching up to 87°F. Residents enjoy low annual rainfall and four distinct seasons, ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
Households in Prineville typically earn around $52,400, with a poverty rate of 16.2% and an unemployment rate of 5.8%. Most residents have completed high school, and commute times are short at just over 18 minutes on average. The town has a welcoming, close-knit feel, and most people get around by car rather than public transit.
Median Income:
$29,700
Household Income:
$52,400
Family Income:
$60,900
Per Capita Income:
$26,800
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
16.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$1,210
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.4%
Bachelors or More:
15.8%
Education
How are the schools in Prineville, OR?
Prineville offers solid public education through local schools like Crook County High School and Crooked River Elementary, complemented by a local campus of Central Oregon Community College. Student-teacher ratios are reasonable, supporting personalized learning, and higher education is accessible both in town and in nearby Bend. Families appreciate the community’s commitment to supporting lifelong learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Crook County High School
Street:
1100 SE Lynn Blvd
Phone:
541-447-6228
Students:
780
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.6
Name:
Crooked River Elementary School
Street:
1400 SE 2nd St
Phone:
541-447-7746
Students:
580
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2
Colleges
Name:
Central Oregon Community College - Prineville Campus
City:
Prineville
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
250
Name:
Oregon State University - Cascades
City:
Bend
State:
OR
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
1,374
Healthcare
Healthcare in Prineville is anchored by St. Charles Prineville, a full-service hospital offering emergency care and general medical services. The community enjoys high health insurance coverage at nearly 90% and a solid supply of physicians for a city of its size. Access to quality care is convenient and reliable for local residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Charles Prineville
Address:
384 SE Combs Flat Road, Prineville, OR 97754
Phone:
(541) 447-6254
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
73.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prineville, OR?
The Prineville housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $335,000 and a healthy 59.5% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by over 8% in the past year, making it a potentially attractive market for buyers and investors. Rental options are available with moderate vacancy rates, and new construction is gradually adding more choices.
Median Home Price:
$335,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,210
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access the Oregon DMV conveniently at the local office on NE Hickey Farms Road for licensing, registration, and other vehicle needs. The DMV provides standard state services, and staff are available by phone or online for assistance. This ensures easy access to essential transportation documentation for Prineville locals.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon DMV
Address:
305 NE Hickey Farms Road, Prineville, OR 97754
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.