Prairie City, OR
Population 739 · Oregon
About Prairie City, OR
Prairie City is a small community located in Oregon with a population of 739 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,702 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.1 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 Prairie City features a median home value of $186,400, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Prairie City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $853, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 473 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (348 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (53 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Prairie City shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Prairie City have an average one-way commute time of 10.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.8% of Prairie City 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 1.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Prairie City Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Prairie City, OR
Compared to national averages, Prairie City has a median household income of $49,702 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $186,400, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $853 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Prairie City's income is 35% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 51% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Prairie City, OR?
Prairie City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $186,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $853/month, and short commute times averaging just 10.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,702) that falls below the national average. However, Prairie City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Prairie City has a population of 739 with a median age of 49.1 years. Compare Prairie City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Prairie City
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malin | 739 | $53,144 | $183,300 | Compare |
| Bayshore | 743 | $59,538 | $427,700 | Compare |
| Tetherow | 750 | $210,893 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Neotsu | 751 | $100,982 | $563,800 | Compare |
| Green Meadows | 752 | $113,295 | $344,900 | Compare |
| Prospect | 724 | $39,808 | $309,000 | Compare |
| Arlington | 720 | $75,625 | $159,200 | Compare |
| Falcon Heights | 758 | $61,275 | $181,100 | 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 Prairie City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Prairie City
What is the population of Prairie City, OR?
The population of Prairie City, OR is 739 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 Prairie City?
The median household income in Prairie City, OR is $49,702 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Prairie City?
The median home value in Prairie City, OR is $186,400, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Prairie City?
The median monthly rent in Prairie City, OR is $853, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Prairie City?
The unemployment rate in Prairie City, OR is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Prairie City, OR a good place to live?
Prairie City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 739 and a median age of 49.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Prairie City, OR?
25.8% of residents in Prairie City 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 Prairie City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Prairie City, OR: median home value is $186,400 (24% below national), median rent is $853/month, and median household income is $49,702. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Prairie City?
The poverty rate in Prairie City, OR is 15.3%, 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 Prairie City, OR?
Prairie City's population is 1.2% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.