Wasco, OR
Population 523 · Oregon
About Wasco, OR
Wasco is a small community located in Oregon with a population of 523 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.6 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 Wasco features a median home value of $204,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Wasco in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,158, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 240 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (151 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (57 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wasco shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 20.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wasco have an average one-way commute time of 24.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.5% of Wasco 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 3.6% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 0.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wasco, OR
Compared to national averages, Wasco has a median household income of $60,000 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,300, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,158 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Wasco's income is 21% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 47% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Wasco, OR?
Wasco offers affordable housing with a median home value of $204,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,158/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,000) that falls below the national average. However, Wasco’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wasco has a population of 523 with a median age of 47.6 years. Compare Wasco with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Wasco
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairview | 523 | $45,321 | $269,300 | Compare |
| Mapleton | 527 | $53,333 | $352,600 | Compare |
| Crawfordsville | 528 | $0 | $404,500 | Compare |
| O'Brien | 528 | $29,141 | $145,900 | Compare |
| Seventh Mountain | 530 | $137,885 | $1,133,100 | Compare |
| Brooks | 501 | $120,813 | $348,200 | Compare |
| Bonanza | 550 | $92,750 | $235,200 | Compare |
| Nesika Beach | 496 | $87,712 | $369,700 | 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 Wasco With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wasco
What is the population of Wasco, OR?
The population of Wasco, OR is 523 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 Wasco?
The median household income in Wasco, OR is $60,000 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wasco?
The median home value in Wasco, OR is $204,300, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wasco?
The median monthly rent in Wasco, OR is $1,158, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wasco?
The unemployment rate in Wasco, OR is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wasco, OR a good place to live?
Wasco offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 523 and a median age of 47.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wasco, OR?
7.5% of residents in Wasco 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 Wasco?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wasco, OR: median home value is $204,300 (17% below national), median rent is $1,158/month, and median household income is $60,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wasco?
The poverty rate in Wasco, OR is 20.5%, 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 Wasco, OR?
Wasco's population is 3.6% White, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.4% of residents are foreign-born.