Everything You Should Know Before Moving to The Dalles, OR
Considering a move to The Dalles, OR? This friendly city of just over 16,000 offers affordable living with a median home price around $341,000 and average rents near $1,030. Residents enjoy short commute times (about 15 minutes), plenty of sunshine, and a relaxed pace on the banks of the Columbia River. While property crime rates run higher than the national average, the area features a strong community hospital, local schools, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it a great choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Demographics - The Dalles, OR
Demographics - The Dalles, OR
The Dalles, home to just over 16,000 residents, offers a balanced community with a median age of 41 years and a density that supports both urban convenience and small-town charm. The population is predominantly White, with a notable Hispanic or Latino presence at 15%, and about 13% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
16,010
Density:
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.3%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in The Dalles, OR?
Living in The Dalles is moderately affordable, with a median home value around $341,000 and average rents near $1,030, just above national averages. Costs for utilities and groceries are close to the U.S. norm, and Oregon’s state tax rates range from 4.75% to 9.9%.
Median House Value:
$341,000
Gross Rent:
$1,030
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,110
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,780
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$535
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
102.8
Grocery:
102.3
Housing:
101.5
Utilities:
89.0
Transportation:
95.7
Health Care:
99.4
Miscellaneous:
97.1
Crime
Is The Dalles, OR a safe place to live?
The Dalles experiences a property crime rate higher than the national average, with residents having a 1 in 46 chance of property crime, while violent crime remains much lower at a 1 in 348 chance. This means extra vigilance is wise, but most crime is non-violent in nature.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
287
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,180
Crime Index:
2,467
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 348
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in The Dalles, OR year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs near 89°F and cool winters with lows around 29°F. The city receives about 18 inches of rain annually and boasts sunny days 62% of the year, perfect for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
43°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in The Dalles typically earn around $60,100, with a poverty rate of 13.8% and an unemployment rate below 5%. Most residents commute just 15 minutes to work, and the community is well-educated, with nearly 87% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$34,800
Household Income:
$60,100
Family Income:
$70,900
Per Capita Income:
$29,600
Income Male:
$44,000
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
13.8%
Non English Speakers:
13.4%
Rent:
$1,030
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
15.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.9%
Education
How are the schools in The Dalles, OR?
The Dalles supports families with public and private schools featuring manageable student-teacher ratios, plus convenient access to higher education through Columbia Gorge Community College and an Eastern Oregon University satellite campus. These educational resources make lifelong learning accessible for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
The Dalles Middle School
Street:
1100 E 12th St
Phone:
541-506-3400
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Name:
Colonel Wright Elementary School
Street:
610 W 14th St
Phone:
541-506-3360
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
21.1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary's Academy
Street:
1112 Cherry Heights Rd
Phone:
541-296-6004
Students:
170
Colleges
Name:
Columbia Gorge Community College
City:
The Dalles
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,750
Name:
Eastern Oregon University (satellite)
City:
The Dalles
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
150
Healthcare
The Dalles is served by the Mid-Columbia Medical Center, offering general and emergency care, and there are about 2 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 91% of residents have health insurance, providing solid access to healthcare services.
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:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.4%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in The Dalles, OR?
The housing market features a median home price of $341,000 and a healthy owner-occupied rate of 61%. With average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,030 and a low foreclosure rate, the area offers stability and steady appreciation for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$341,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,030
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services at 3313 Bret Clodfelter Way, making it convenient for residents to handle licensing and registration needs. The office offers standard state services and is easily accessible within the city.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
3313 Bret Clodfelter Way, The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone:
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.