The Dalles, OR
Population 15,973 · Oregon
About The Dalles, OR
The Dalles is a mid-sized city located in Oregon with a population of 15,973 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,830 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in The Dalles features a median home value of $318,400, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. This positions The Dalles in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $956, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,812 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (4,010 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,372 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in The Dalles shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in The Dalles have an average one-way commute time of 15.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.3% of The Dalles 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 19.6% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 8.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How The Dalles Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in The Dalles, OR
Compared to national averages, The Dalles has a median household income of $62,830 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $318,400, which is 30% above the national median. Monthly rent at $956 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, The Dalles's income is 18% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 17% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in The Dalles, OR?
The Dalles offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $956/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,830) that falls below the national average. However, The Dalles’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
The Dalles has a population of 15,973 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare The Dalles with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near The Dalles
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troutdale | 16,000 | $84,339 | $437,700 | Compare |
| Coos Bay | 15,867 | $55,292 | $272,100 | Compare |
| Four Corners | 16,168 | $69,232 | $313,500 | Compare |
| Pendleton | 17,070 | $70,179 | $276,400 | Compare |
| Dallas | 17,214 | $65,647 | $355,700 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 17,408 | $81,611 | $485,200 | Compare |
| St. Helens | 14,152 | $82,123 | $350,900 | Compare |
| Canby | 18,103 | $100,268 | $479,500 | 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 The Dalles With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about The Dalles
What is the population of The Dalles, OR?
The population of The Dalles, OR is 15,973 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 The Dalles?
The median household income in The Dalles, OR is $62,830 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in The Dalles?
The median home value in The Dalles, OR is $318,400, which is 30% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in The Dalles?
The median monthly rent in The Dalles, OR is $956, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in The Dalles?
The unemployment rate in The Dalles, OR is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is The Dalles, OR a good place to live?
The Dalles offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 15,973 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is The Dalles, OR?
22.3% of residents in The Dalles 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 The Dalles?
Key cost-of-living indicators for The Dalles, OR: median home value is $318,400 (30% above national), median rent is $956/month, and median household income is $62,830. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in The Dalles?
The poverty rate in The Dalles, OR is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is The Dalles, OR?
The Dalles's population is 19.6% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 8.9% of residents are foreign-born.