Fossil, OR
Population 448 · Oregon
About Fossil, OR
Fossil is a small community located in Oregon with a population of 448 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,438 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.7 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fossil features a median home value of $143,800, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fossil one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $752, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 265 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (184 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (53 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fossil shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fossil have an average one-way commute time of 11.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.0% of Fossil residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.3% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fossil Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Fossil, OR
Compared to national averages, Fossil has a median household income of $48,438 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $143,800, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $752 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Fossil's income is 36% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 62% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Fossil, OR?
Fossil offers affordable housing with a median home value of $143,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $752/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,438) that falls below the national average. However, Fossil’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fossil has a population of 448 with a median age of 53.7 years. Compare Fossil with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Fossil
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fossil With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fossil
What is the population of Fossil, OR?
The population of Fossil, OR is 448 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Fossil?
The median household income in Fossil, OR is $48,438 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fossil?
The median home value in Fossil, OR is $143,800, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fossil?
The median monthly rent in Fossil, OR is $752, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fossil?
The unemployment rate in Fossil, OR is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Fossil, OR a good place to live?
Fossil offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 448 and a median age of 53.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fossil, OR?
23.0% of residents in Fossil aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fossil?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fossil, OR: median home value is $143,800 (41% below national), median rent is $752/month, and median household income is $48,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fossil?
The poverty rate in Fossil, OR is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fossil, OR?
Fossil's population is 0.0% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.