Rainier, OR
Population 1,859 · Oregon
About Rainier, OR
Rainier is a small town located in Oregon with a population of 1,859 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,847 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rainier features a median home value of $310,200, which is 27% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rainier in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $866, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 835 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (400 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (397 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rainier shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rainier have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.7% of Rainier 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 4.4% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rainier Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Rainier, OR
Compared to national averages, Rainier has a median household income of $62,847 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $310,200, which is 27% above the national median. Monthly rent at $866 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Rainier's income is 18% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 19% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Rainier, OR?
Rainier offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $866/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,847) that falls below the national average. However, Rainier’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rainier has a population of 1,859 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Rainier with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Rainier
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keno | 1,853 | $71,643 | $315,900 | Compare |
| Mill City | 1,876 | $70,000 | $289,900 | Compare |
| Lakeside | 1,839 | $57,829 | $274,000 | Compare |
| Durham | 1,909 | $90,341 | $688,200 | Compare |
| Columbia City | 1,806 | $100,912 | $441,700 | Compare |
| Canyonville | 1,917 | $45,505 | $180,100 | Compare |
| Irrigon | 1,922 | $66,087 | $182,200 | Compare |
| Brownsville | 1,949 | $82,750 | $361,300 | 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 Rainier With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainier
What is the population of Rainier, OR?
The population of Rainier, OR is 1,859 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Rainier?
The median household income in Rainier, OR is $62,847 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rainier?
The median home value in Rainier, OR is $310,200, which is 27% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rainier?
The median monthly rent in Rainier, OR is $866, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rainier?
The unemployment rate in Rainier, OR is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rainier, OR a good place to live?
Rainier offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,859 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rainier, OR?
18.7% of residents in Rainier 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 Rainier?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rainier, OR: median home value is $310,200 (27% above national), median rent is $866/month, and median household income is $62,847. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rainier?
The poverty rate in Rainier, 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 Rainier, OR?
Rainier's population is 4.4% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.