Median Income
$35,927
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$252,000
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,076
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.2%
239% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.0%
134% higher than US avg
How Cave Junction Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,701
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density945/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans17.1%
Economy
F
Median Income$35,927
Per Capita$20,401
Unemployment12.2%
Poverty29.0%
County GDP$3,924M
Commute27 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$252,000
Rent$1,076
Ownership69.3%
Zillow$298,101
Housing Units1,058
Rent Burden43.1%
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured5.2%
Smoking19.3%
Depression30.9%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI29 (Good)
Rain61.2 in/yr
Elevation1,331 ft (406 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.29
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 34%
Commute27 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations14
Libraries4
Is Cave Junction a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cave Junction receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Cave Junction has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cave Junction is $35,927, 52% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 29.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cave Junction is $252,000, 11% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,076 per month. The price-to-income ratio of 7x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Cave Junction experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 61.2 inches, including 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 29.
Cave Junction has a population of 1,701 with a density of 945 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.1% female and 42.9% male. The city is predominantly White (92.1%), with 11.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.5% of residents. 17.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,701
Total Population
2023 Census
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cave Junction vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.5%
23% above US avg
Spanish
4.6%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cave Junction vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cave Junction is $35,927, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,401 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $945, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,806 business establishments, including 231 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cave Junction vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,927 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,401 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $945 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,613 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.2% |
| 239% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.0% |
| 134% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,806 |
| County GDP | $3,924M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 231 |
| Healthcare | 311 |
| Retail | 319 |
| Manufacturing | 101 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,452 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Cave Junction is $252,000, 11% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,101, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,076 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,143 for a one-bedroom to $1,425 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,058 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $3,452. 43.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $252,000 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $298,101 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,076 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 43.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,051 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,143 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,425 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,963 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,318 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,058 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,452 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.37% |
In Cave Junction, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 26.5% are physically inactive. 30.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,359. The dentist ratio is 1:1,170. 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cave Junction vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.5% |
| Depression | 30.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.6% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.2% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,359 |
| Dentists | 1:1,170 |
| Mental Health | 1:104 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.7% |
| Premature Death | 10,791/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 311 |
Cave Junction experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 41°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 61.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 29 / among the cleanest air in the country. 78% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,331 feet.
Temperature
41°F Jan (5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 41°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,331 ft (406 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 945/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1667°N, 123.6481°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Josephine County County |
| Nearest Airport | Rogue Valley International - Medford (MFR) 42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.2"
61% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
12.95"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 29.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 77.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 8 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 49.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
544 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2025.
| Sep 21, 1993 |
27 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M6.0 |
133 km |
| Sep 21, 1993 |
22 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M5.9 |
135 km |
| Feb 13, 2012 |
26 km NNW of Willow Creek, California |
M5.6 |
114 km |
| Apr 30, 2008 |
3 km NNW of Burnt Ranch, California |
M5.4 |
149 km |
| Dec 4, 1993 |
20 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M5.1 |
136 km |
| Jan 18, 1990 |
27 km ESE of Orick, California |
M4.9 |
111 km |
| Feb 6, 2019 |
13km ESE of Blue Lake, CA |
M4.4 |
148 km |
| Jan 23, 2024 |
16 km WSW of Klamath, CA |
M4.3 |
87 km |
| Sep 21, 1993 |
25 km SW of Chiloquin, Oregon |
M4.3 |
134 km |
| May 15, 2002 |
9 km W of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M4.3 |
144 km |
| Jul 29, 1991 |
38 km W of Crescent City, California |
M4.3 |
94 km |
| Jan 19, 1994 |
15 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M4.3 |
141 km |
| Jan 9, 1994 |
12 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M4.3 |
143 km |
| Jan 20, 2023 |
16km WSW of Weitchpec, CA |
M4.3 |
117 km |
| Feb 26, 2009 |
37 km NW of Selma, Oregon |
M4.2 |
46 km |
| Oct 15, 1998 |
4 km SSW of Trinity Village, California |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Apr 17, 2012 |
25 km WSW of Trinidad, California |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Sep 23, 1993 |
23 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M4.1 |
132 km |
| Dec 31, 1993 |
14 km WNW of Klamath Falls, Oregon |
M4.1 |
142 km |
| Jul 23, 1997 |
13 km ENE of Trinity Village, California |
M4.0 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 30, 1992 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Dec 11, 1992 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2010 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 9, 2002 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jan 20, 1996 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jan 20, 1996 |
EF0 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1983 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1960 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1958 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.1 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1873 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
3.1 m |
- |
35 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Shasta (147 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Shasta |
Stratovolcano |
4,317 m (14,163 ft) |
1250 |
147 km |
| Crater Lake |
Caldera |
2,487 m (8,159 ft) |
-2850 |
151 km |
| Cinnamon Butte |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,956 m (6,417 ft) |
Unknown |
174 km |
| Medicine Lake |
Shield |
2,412 m (7,913 ft) |
1060 |
184 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BISCUIT COMPLEX (BISCUIT) (495,308 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
BISCUIT COMPLEX (BISCUIT) |
495,308 |
37 km |
| 2017 |
CHETCO BAR |
194,877 |
34 km |
| 2018 |
KLONDIKE |
178,311 |
34 km |
| 2020 |
SLATER |
157,784 |
28 km |
| 2014 |
HAPPY CAMP COMPLEX |
118,491 |
63 km |
| 2008 |
SISKIYOU-BLUE 2 COMPLEX (BLUE 2) |
100,823 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
SILVER |
96,698 |
33 km |
| 2021 |
MCCASH |
95,762 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
OAK |
95,692 |
47 km |
| 2023 |
KELLY |
90,267 |
33 km |
| 2008 |
PANTHER |
71,448 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
KING TITUS |
71,390 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
ISLAND |
62,931 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
MCKINNEY |
60,592 |
78 km |
| 2018 |
TAYLOR CREEK |
57,505 |
36 km |
| 1987 |
YELLOW 2 |
53,626 |
88 km |
| 2008 |
BEAR WALLOW COMPLEX (UKONOM) |
40,029 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
NATCHEZ |
38,800 |
31 km |
| 2018 |
KLAMATHON |
38,188 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
FORT COPPER |
36,333 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
41°F (5°C) |
11.4 in |
|
| February |
44°F (7°C) |
8.5 in |
|
| March |
47°F (9°C) |
8.6 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
0.3 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
8.0 in |
|
| December |
40°F (4°C) |
13.0 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Cave Junction has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 40°F in December to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (13.0") and July the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Cave Junction. 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 | $1,131 |
| Toddler | $1,030 |
| Preschool | $827 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $699 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cave Junction
What is the population of Cave Junction?
Cave Junction has a population of 1,701 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 945 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.1% female and 42.9% male.
Is Cave Junction expensive to live in?
Cave Junction 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 $35,927, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $252,000 (11% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,076 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 7x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Cave Junction?
Cave Junction has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 41°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 61.2 inches, with 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 29.
How is the job market in Cave Junction?
The job market in Cave Junction faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $945. There are 2,806 business establishments in the area, including 231 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cave Junction?
The median home value in Cave Junction is $252,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $298,101. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,076. Fair market rent is $1,143 for a 1-bedroom and $1,425 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.3%. The average annual property tax is $3,452.
How are the schools in Cave Junction?
Schools in Cave Junction score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.6% of adults in Cave Junction hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cave Junction?
The obesity rate in Cave Junction is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 26.5% are physically inactive. 30.9% of residents report depression. 5.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 70.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,359.
What is transportation like in Cave Junction?
The average commute in Cave Junction is 27 minutes. 58.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cave Junction?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cave Junction is 92.1% White, 11.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.6% speak Spanish. 17.1% of the population are military veterans. 22.9% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.