Median Income
$58,125
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$233,500
17% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.1%
14% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$833
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
38% lower than US avg
How Baker City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,177
Median Age45.2 yrs
Density1,412/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans11.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$58,125
Per Capita$34,845
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty7.7%
County GDP$855M
Commute14 min
Housing
A
Home Value$233,500
Rent$833
Ownership72.6%
Zillow$262,864
Housing Units4,642
Rent Burden28.1%
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured4.1%
Smoking14.1%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain9.1 in/yr
Elevation3,447 ft (1,051 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.1%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+6.2%
School Score5.44
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 24%
Commute14 min
Broadband90.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Baker City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Baker City receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Baker City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Baker City is $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Baker City is $233,500, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
29.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Baker City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.1 inches, including 78.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Baker City has a population of 10,177 with a density of 1,412 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age is 45.2 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.7% female and 51.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.9%), with 5.2% Hispanic, 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 11.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
10,177
Total Population
2023 Census
45.2yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Baker City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Baker City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Baker City is $58,125, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,845 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $967, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 724 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Baker City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,125 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,845 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $967 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,684 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.7% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 724 |
| County GDP | $855M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 81 |
| Manufacturing | 27 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,370 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Baker City is $233,500, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,864, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $833 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $898 for a one-bedroom to $1,047 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,642 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,370. 28.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $233,500 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $262,864 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $833 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $761 |
| 1 Bedroom | $898 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,047 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,456 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,756 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.4% |
| Housing Units | 4,642 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,370 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.44% |
In Baker City, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 17.7% report binge drinking. 18.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.1% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,404. The dentist ratio is 1:2,117. 74.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
2.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
126.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Baker City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.7% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 4.1% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,404 |
| Dentists | 1:2,117 |
| Mental Health | 1:121 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 10,080/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Baker City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 78.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. 76% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 3,447 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
69°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,447 ft (1,051 m) |
| Area | 7.2 sq mi (18.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,412/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.7749°N, 117.8320°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Baker County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grant County Regional/Ogilvie Field (JDA)
62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.1"
76% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 76.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 3 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 48.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 69.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
153 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 10, 2025.
| Feb 26, 2024 |
10 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M4.9 |
143 km |
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
140 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
140 km |
| Oct 27, 1994 |
11 km SE of Halfway, Oregon |
M4.0 |
66 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.8 |
130 km |
| Apr 6, 1995 |
11 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
144 km |
| Mar 12, 2023 |
11 km S of Donnelly, Idaho |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Sep 14, 2000 |
4 km W of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
118 km |
| Mar 1, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
12 km WSW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Apr 6, 2002 |
9 km NW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Dec 24, 1999 |
18 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Mar 12, 2024 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Aug 3, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Mar 17, 1995 |
5 km S of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Apr 6, 2024 |
9 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
20 km WSW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.4 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
16 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 2006 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1990 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2023 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
92 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2006 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF0 |
11 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2001 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1997 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1997 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1995 |
EF0 |
1 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF0 |
68 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1975 |
EF0 |
6 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Jordan Craters (183 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Jordan Craters |
Volcanic field |
1,473 m (4,833 ft) |
-1250 |
183 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COW VALLEY (134,642 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
COW VALLEY |
134,642 |
67 km |
| 2015 |
CANYON CREEK COMPLEX |
109,786 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
CORNET-WINDY RIDGE |
102,553 |
22 km |
| 2020 |
WOODHEAD |
98,995 |
84 km |
| 2000 |
JACKSON |
80,733 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
FOSTER GULCH |
52,496 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
TOWER |
50,827 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
BENDIRE COMPLEX |
49,260 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
IRISH SPRING |
47,845 |
68 km |
| 2020 |
INDIAN CREEK |
46,275 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
RAIL |
43,813 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
WILLOW CREEK |
38,585 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
BULL COMPLEX (SUMMIT) |
36,318 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
THOMPSON |
31,066 |
42 km |
| 1986 |
TUB MTN |
27,008 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
BLACK BUTTE |
24,736 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
WARM SPRINGS |
24,611 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
SNAKE ONE |
24,056 |
63 km |
| 2002 |
MONUMENT-MALHEUR COMPLEX (MONUMENT) |
23,860 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
COYOTE |
21,880 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
Wettest |
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
69°F (20°C) |
0.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
Baker City has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 29°F in December to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.5") and August the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Baker City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155-$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207-$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103-$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827-$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78-$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155-$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52-$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414-$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103-$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62-$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52-$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155-$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136-$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414-$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687-$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517-$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170-$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068-$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827-$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207-$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034-$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31-$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78-$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52-$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10-$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59-$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59-$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10-$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14-$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62-$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83-$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52-$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78-$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241-$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31-$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16-$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620-$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517-$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207-$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26-$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414-$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170-$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52-$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103-$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $854 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $699 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Baker City
What is the population of Baker City?
Baker City has a population of 10,177 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 1,412 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.7% female and 51.3% male.
Is Baker City expensive to live in?
Baker City has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $58,125, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $233,500 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Baker City?
Baker City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 9.1 inches, with 78.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Baker City?
The unemployment rate in Baker City is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $967. There are 724 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Baker City?
The median home value in Baker City is $233,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $262,864. For renters, the median monthly rent is $833. Fair market rent is $898 for a 1-bedroom and $1,047 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,370.
How are the schools in Baker City?
Schools in Baker City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.1% of adults in Baker City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 6.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Baker City?
The obesity rate in Baker City is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 18.7% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 4.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,404.
What is transportation like in Baker City?
The average commute in Baker City is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Baker City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Baker City is 91.9% White, 1.6% Black or African American, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 11.7% of the population are military veterans. 22.6% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.