Cost of Living in Umatilla County, Oregon
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Umatilla County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Umatilla County ranks #2,959 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Umatilla County, Oregon
Umatilla delivers solid affordability standards
Umatilla County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits well below both the national baseline and Oregon's 19.4% state average, signaling genuine affordability. The median household income of $68,958 falls slightly below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain remarkably restrained.
Eastern Oregon's affordable haven
At 16.7%, Umatilla County ranks among Oregon's most affordable counties for renters, trailing only the most rural markets and beating the state average by nearly 3 percentage points. The $962 median rent undercuts Oregon's $1,137 average while maintaining competitive income levels.
Umatilla leads eastern Oregon value
Umatilla's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio competes closely with Morrow (15.6%) and Wallowa (15.7%) while offering better income levels than Sherman or Union counties. The $962 rent sits between Morrow ($910) and Wallowa ($858), balancing affordability with regional earning power.
Eastern Oregon balance in action
Umatilla renters spend $962 monthly while homeowners budget $1,111, with median home value of $256,100 remaining accessible for many buyers. Just 16.7% of household income goes toward rent—among Oregon's leanest housing-cost burdens.
Umatilla works for remote-first movers
Umatilla County combines strong affordability (16.7% rent-to-income ratio) with reasonable income levels ($68,958 median), making it ideal for remote workers or those relocating from higher-cost areas. The county offers genuine financial breathing room without sacrificing access to services and community that smaller rural counties cannot match.
Cost of Living Advisory: Umatilla County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Umatilla County is affordable. The median rent is $962/month against a median household income of $68,958, putting rent at 16.7% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Umatilla County is $962/month, while owner costs run $1,111/month. Renting saves approximately $149/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $47,614/year. With a median household income of $68,958, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Umatilla County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Morrow County where rent averages $910/month, Umatilla County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Umatilla County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,609
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.3%
of gross income
The median home in Umatilla County may be a stretch
Median home value is $256,100. Estimated monthly cost: $2,045 vs. your max of $1,609.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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