Pendleton, OR
Population 17,070 · Oregon
About Pendleton, OR
Pendleton is a mid-sized city located in Oregon with a population of 17,070 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,179 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pendleton features a median home value of $276,400, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Pendleton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $938, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,103 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (3,466 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (2,719 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pendleton shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pendleton have an average one-way commute time of 12.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.3% of Pendleton 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 8.1% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pendleton Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Pendleton, OR
Compared to national averages, Pendleton has a median household income of $70,179 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $276,400, which is 13% above the national median. Monthly rent at $938 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Pendleton's income is 8% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 28% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Pendleton, OR?
Pendleton offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $938/month, and short commute times averaging just 12.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,179) that falls below the national average. However, Pendleton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pendleton has a population of 17,070 with a median age of 36.5 years. Compare Pendleton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Pendleton
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas | 17,214 | $65,647 | $355,700 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 17,408 | $81,611 | $485,200 | Compare |
| Four Corners | 16,168 | $69,232 | $313,500 | Compare |
| Canby | 18,103 | $100,268 | $479,500 | Compare |
| Troutdale | 16,000 | $84,339 | $437,700 | Compare |
| The Dalles | 15,973 | $62,830 | $318,400 | Compare |
| Coos Bay | 15,867 | $55,292 | $272,100 | Compare |
| Lebanon | 18,978 | $56,740 | $295,900 | 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 Pendleton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pendleton
What is the population of Pendleton, OR?
The population of Pendleton, OR is 17,070 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 Pendleton?
The median household income in Pendleton, OR is $70,179 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pendleton?
The median home value in Pendleton, OR is $276,400, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pendleton?
The median monthly rent in Pendleton, OR is $938, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pendleton?
The unemployment rate in Pendleton, OR is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pendleton, OR a good place to live?
Pendleton offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,070 and a median age of 36.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pendleton, OR?
25.3% of residents in Pendleton 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 Pendleton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pendleton, OR: median home value is $276,400 (13% above national), median rent is $938/month, and median household income is $70,179. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pendleton?
The poverty rate in Pendleton, OR is 14.7%, 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 Pendleton, OR?
Pendleton's population is 8.1% White, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.