Rockaway Beach, OR
Population 1,577 · Oregon
About Rockaway Beach, OR
Rockaway Beach is a small town located in Oregon with a population of 1,577 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,188 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.2 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 Rockaway Beach features a median home value of $341,100, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rockaway Beach in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,308, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,842 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (563 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (158 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rockaway Beach 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 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rockaway Beach have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.1% of Rockaway Beach 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 2.8% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rockaway Beach, OR
Compared to national averages, Rockaway Beach has a median household income of $55,188 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $341,100, which is 39% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,308 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Rockaway Beach's income is 28% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 11% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Rockaway Beach, OR?
Rockaway Beach offers a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,188) that falls below the national average. However, Rockaway Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rockaway Beach has a population of 1,577 with a median age of 51.2 years. Compare Rockaway Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Rockaway Beach
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stafford | 1,572 | $182,372 | $1,119,400 | Compare |
| Prineville Lake Acres | 1,589 | $67,216 | $415,200 | Compare |
| Elgin | 1,592 | $53,750 | $180,900 | Compare |
| Chenoweth | 1,543 | $62,204 | $246,300 | Compare |
| John Day | 1,543 | $75,917 | $199,400 | Compare |
| Coburg | 1,541 | $89,250 | $461,200 | Compare |
| Boring | 1,616 | $101,250 | $649,000 | Compare |
| Cascade Locks | 1,529 | $65,357 | $330,800 | 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 Rockaway Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rockaway Beach
What is the population of Rockaway Beach, OR?
The population of Rockaway Beach, OR is 1,577 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 Rockaway Beach?
The median household income in Rockaway Beach, OR is $55,188 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rockaway Beach?
The median home value in Rockaway Beach, OR is $341,100, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rockaway Beach?
The median monthly rent in Rockaway Beach, OR is $1,308, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rockaway Beach?
The unemployment rate in Rockaway Beach, 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 Rockaway Beach, OR a good place to live?
Rockaway Beach offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,577 and a median age of 51.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rockaway Beach, OR?
23.1% of residents in Rockaway Beach 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 Rockaway Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rockaway Beach, OR: median home value is $341,100 (39% above national), median rent is $1,308/month, and median household income is $55,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Rockaway Beach?
The poverty rate in Rockaway Beach, OR is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rockaway Beach, OR?
Rockaway Beach's population is 2.8% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.