Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rainier, OR
Considering a move to Rainier, OR? This riverside community of 2,210 offers small-town charm with affordable living—median home prices sit around $310,000 and average rents near $1,120. Residents enjoy a relaxed pace, average commute of 29.7 minutes, and access to local schools and regional healthcare. While crime rates are moderate, Rainier’s scenic Columbia River views, mild climate, and friendly neighborhoods make it an inviting option for those seeking a peaceful Oregon lifestyle.
Demographics - Rainier, OR
Demographics - Rainier, OR
Rainier, Oregon is a small community of 2,210 residents with a median age of 41.2, reflecting a mix of families and older adults. The population is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, creating a close-knit and familiar local atmosphere.
Population:
2,210
Density:
820 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
90.0%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
8.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rainier, OR?
Rainier offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $310,000 and average rents at $1,120. Essentials like utilities, healthcare, and groceries are near or below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$310,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,480
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.6
Grocery:
100.1
Housing:
89.5
Utilities:
97.3
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
97.0
Crime
Is Rainier, OR a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Rainier are moderate, with a violent crime chance of about 1 in 474 and property crime at 1 in 59. While residents should exercise normal precautions, the overall safety level is typical of a small Oregon town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
211
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,690
Crime Index:
1,901
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 474
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Rainier, OR year-round?
Rainier experiences a mild Pacific Northwest climate, with summer highs reaching the upper 70s and winter lows in the mid-30s. The area receives about 54 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 43% of the year, offering comfortable seasons and lush surroundings.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
46°F

Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
78°F

Fall
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Typical households in Rainier have a median income of $56,400, with about 14% living below the poverty line. Most residents are high school graduates, and the local community enjoys a relaxed pace and longer commute times, reflecting its rural character.
Median Income:
$33,900
Household Income:
$56,400
Family Income:
$65,700
Per Capita Income:
$27,800
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
14.4%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
29.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Rainier, OR?
Rainier provides local public schools with manageable student-teacher ratios, and nearby higher education opportunities include Lower Columbia College and Portland Community College. Families benefit from accessible K-12 education and regional college options.

Public Schools
Name:
Rainier Jr/Sr High School
Street:
28170 Old Rainier Rd
Phone:
503-556-4215
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Hudson Park Elementary
Street:
20435 Old Rainier Rd
Phone:
503-556-0196
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2

Colleges
Name:
Lower Columbia College
City:
Longview
State:
WA
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
3,800
Name:
Portland Community College
City:
Portland
State:
OR
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
27,000
Healthcare
Residents of Rainier have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals and emergency services located nearby in St. Helens and Longview. Health insurance coverage is high at over 92%, and physician access is comparable to other small communities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Legacy St. Helens Hospital
Address:
475 S Columbia River Hwy, St Helens, OR 97051
Phone:
(503) 397-1791
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
Address:
1615 Delaware St, Longview, WA 98632
Phone:
(360) 414-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
70.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rainier, OR?
The housing market in Rainier is affordable, with a median home price of $310,000 and steady appreciation. About 63% of residents own their homes, and rental options remain accessible with a vacancy rate of nearly 7%.
Median Home Price:
$310,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
DMV services for Rainier residents are conveniently handled through the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, with the nearest office located just across the river in Longview, WA. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle needs both in person and online.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1730 Industrial Way, Suite A, Longview, WA 98632 (nearest to Rainier)
Phone:
1-503-299-9999
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.