La Grande, OR
Population 13,059 · Oregon
About La Grande, OR
La Grande is a mid-sized city located in Oregon with a population of 13,059 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,409 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in La Grande features a median home value of $244,200, which is 0% below the national median of $244,900. This positions La Grande in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $970, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,766 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (2,735 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (2,687 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Grande shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in La Grande have an average one-way commute time of 13 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.0% of La Grande residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 4.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How La Grande Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in La Grande, OR
Compared to national averages, La Grande has a median household income of $56,409 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $244,200, which is 0% below the national median. Monthly rent at $970 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, La Grande's income is 26% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 36% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in La Grande, OR?
La Grande offers affordable housing with a median home value of $244,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $970/month, and short commute times averaging just 13 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,409) that falls below the national average. However, La Grande’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Grande has a population of 13,059 with a median age of 32.5 years. Compare La Grande with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near La Grande
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy | 12,738 | $102,201 | $450,200 | Compare |
| Oatfield | 12,709 | $103,483 | $523,900 | Compare |
| Cornelius | 13,700 | $90,071 | $419,000 | Compare |
| Gladstone | 11,986 | $90,395 | $463,600 | Compare |
| St. Helens | 14,152 | $82,123 | $350,900 | Compare |
| Ontario | 11,728 | $43,887 | $217,500 | Compare |
| Oak Hills | 11,464 | $124,594 | $632,600 | Compare |
| Prineville | 11,187 | $72,058 | $364,600 | Compare |
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 La Grande With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Grande
What is the population of La Grande, OR?
The population of La Grande, OR is 13,059 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Oregon.
What is the median household income in La Grande?
The median household income in La Grande, OR is $56,409 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Grande?
The median home value in La Grande, OR is $244,200, which is 0% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Grande?
The median monthly rent in La Grande, OR is $970, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Grande?
The unemployment rate in La Grande, OR is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is La Grande, OR a good place to live?
La Grande offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,059 and a median age of 32.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is La Grande, OR?
25.0% of residents in La Grande 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 La Grande?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Grande, OR: median home value is $244,200 (0% below national), median rent is $970/month, and median household income is $56,409. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in La Grande?
The poverty rate in La Grande, OR is 21.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is La Grande, OR?
La Grande's population is 4.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.