Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rufus, OR
Thinking of moving to Rufus, OR? This peaceful Columbia River town of 285 residents offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $229,000 and average rents near $850. Rufus boasts a low violent crime rate, a relaxed average commute of 22 minutes, and a sunny, dry climate with 62% sunny days per year. While schools and amenities are limited locally, families enjoy small class sizes and scenic surroundings, with major services just a short drive away. Rufus is ideal for those seeking small-town living and outdoor adventure at a reasonable cost.
Demographics - Rufus, OR
Rufus is a close-knit community of about 285 residents, predominantly White, with a median age of 47, reflecting a mature population. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
285
Density:
410 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.4%
Black:
0.4%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rufus, OR?
Living in Rufus is affordable, with a median home value of $229,000 and average rents around $850 per month. The cost of living index is below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$229,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.1
Grocery:
97.3
Housing:
70.6
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
95.1
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Rufus, OR a safe place to live?
Rufus experiences a low violent crime rate and moderate property crime, with residents having a 1 in 830 chance of being affected by violent crime. This contributes to a generally safe and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
120
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,140
Crime Index:
1,260
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 830
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 88
Weather
What is the weather like in Rufus, OR year-round?
Residents enjoy a sunny, dry climate with about 62% sunny days yearly and only 13.5 inches of average rainfall. Summers are warm, reaching up to 88°F, while winters remain mild with lows around 27°F.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
44°F

Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F

Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
88°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Rufus have a median income of $42,300 and a poverty rate of 15.1%, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma. The average commute is a relaxed 22 minutes, and public transit use is virtually nonexistent, reflecting the town’s rural character.
Median Income:
$28,600
Household Income:
$42,300
Family Income:
$54,800
Per Capita Income:
$24,300
Income Male:
$31,400
Income Female:
$27,200
Poverty Rate:
15.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
16.5%
Education
How are the schools in Rufus, OR?
Educational opportunities in Rufus include small local public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, while higher education is accessible at Columbia Gorge Community College located 21 miles away. Families benefit from a close-knit academic environment, though options are somewhat limited locally.

Public Schools
Name:
South Sherman Elementary
Street:
65912 College Way, Moro, OR 97039
Phone:
541-565-3500
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Colleges
Name:
Columbia Gorge Community College
City:
The Dalles
State:
OR
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
1,250
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby facilities such as Mid-Columbia Medical Center, with 89.7% of residents having health insurance coverage. There are about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring basic medical access for the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Mid-Columbia Medical Center
Address:
1700 E 19th St, The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone:
(541) 296-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.7%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rufus, OR?
The housing market in Rufus is stable, with a median home price of $229,000 and owner-occupancy at 74%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have seen steady appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$229,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Rufus residents are served by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, with comprehensive resources available online or at the main office in Salem. The DMV provides all standard licensing and vehicle registration services.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1905 Lana Ave NE, Salem, OR 97314
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.