Vale, OR
Population 2,259 · Oregon
About Vale, OR
Vale is a small town located in Oregon with a population of 2,259 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,854 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Vale features a median home value of $162,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Vale in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $844, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 900 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (459 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (333 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Vale shows an unemployment rate of 7.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Vale have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.9% of Vale 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 15.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 4.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Vale Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Vale, OR
Compared to national averages, Vale has a median household income of $48,854 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $162,500, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $844 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Vale's income is 36% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 57% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Vale, OR?
Vale offers affordable housing with a median home value of $162,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $844/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,854) that falls below the national average. However, Vale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Vale has a population of 2,259 with a median age of 32.9 years. Compare Vale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Vale
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heceta Beach | 2,220 | $77,778 | $458,500 | Compare |
| Willamina | 2,216 | $56,211 | $265,300 | Compare |
| Culver | 2,211 | $85,481 | $294,500 | Compare |
| Clatskanie | 2,198 | $81,307 | $300,000 | Compare |
| Harbor | 2,154 | $57,778 | $316,600 | Compare |
| Mulino | 2,146 | $103,375 | $698,000 | Compare |
| Enterprise | 2,145 | $56,975 | $298,400 | Compare |
| Carlton | 2,378 | $94,227 | $400,600 | 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 Vale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Vale
What is the population of Vale, OR?
The population of Vale, OR is 2,259 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 Vale?
The median household income in Vale, OR is $48,854 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Vale?
The median home value in Vale, OR is $162,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Vale?
The median monthly rent in Vale, OR is $844, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Vale?
The unemployment rate in Vale, OR is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Vale, OR a good place to live?
Vale offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,259 and a median age of 32.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Vale, OR?
14.9% of residents in Vale 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 Vale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Vale, OR: median home value is $162,500 (34% below national), median rent is $844/month, and median household income is $48,854. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Vale?
The poverty rate in Vale, OR is 18.9%, 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 Vale, OR?
Vale's population is 15.9% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.6% of residents are foreign-born.