Median Income
$71,687
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$223,900
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
327/100K
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.7%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$926
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.4%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Dayton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,695
Median Age51.3 yrs
Density1,872/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans10.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,687
Per Capita$43,058
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$498M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$223,900
Rent$926
Ownership76.9%
Zillow$232,289
Housing Units1,482
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent327/100K
Property4,901/100K
Health
Obesity32.4%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking12.8%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain17.6 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation1,617 ft (493 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.7%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 27%
Commute18 min
Broadband71.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Dayton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Dayton receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Dayton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Dayton is $71,687, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Dayton is $223,900, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $926 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Dayton is below the national average at 327 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,901 per 100,000, 150% above the national average.
Education
22.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Dayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 273 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches, including 8.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Dayton has a population of 2,695 with a density of 1,872 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 51.3 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (76.3%), with 9.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.3yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
The median household income in Dayton is $71,687, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,058. The average weekly wage is $1,290. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 184 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,687 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,058 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,290 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,476 |
| Gini Index | 0.467 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 184 |
| County GDP | $498M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 15 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,767 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Dayton is $223,900, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,289. Monthly rent averages $926 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,482 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $3,767. 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $223,900 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $232,289 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $926 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,482 |
| Median Year Built | 1943 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,767 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.68% |
In Dayton, 32.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 18.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,347. The dentist ratio is 1:1,342. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Dayton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.4% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.4% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 30.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,347 |
| Dentists | 1:1,342 |
| Mental Health | 1:290 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.6% |
| Dental Visits | 65.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,105/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Dayton has a violent crime rate of 327 per 100,000 residents, 14% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,901 per 100,000, 150% above the U.S. average. Overall, Dayton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Dayton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 326.7/100K |
| 14% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,900.6/100K |
| 150% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Dayton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 273 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 17.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 8.4 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,617 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 273 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,617 ft (493 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,872/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.3168°N, 117.9768°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Walla Walla Regional (ALW)
21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.6"
54% below US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
2.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 43.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
117 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.9 on Sep 23, 2024.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
45 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
44 km |
| Aug 7, 1992 |
8 km WSW of Irrigon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
134 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
86 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
11 km SSW of Benton City, Washington |
M3.7 |
122 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
14 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.7 |
99 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
81 km |
| Jan 13, 1994 |
11 km SW of Lind, Washington |
M3.4 |
84 km |
| Oct 15, 2011 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Jun 17, 2004 |
11 km SSE of Washtucna, Washington |
M3.4 |
44 km |
| Nov 6, 1997 |
22 km SE of Desert Aire, Washington |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Dec 15, 1991 |
6 km SSW of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M3.3 |
45 km |
| May 11, 2001 |
4 km NNW of Moses Lake North, Washington |
M3.3 |
146 km |
| May 27, 1997 |
15 km W of Othello, Washington |
M3.3 |
121 km |
| Jun 19, 1990 |
11 km W of Othello, Washington |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| May 1, 2011 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| Feb 28, 2004 |
10 km WSW of Wallula, Washington |
M3.3 |
86 km |
| Apr 22, 1990 |
20 km SE of Desert Aire, Washington |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Jun 12, 1995 |
13 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.3 |
99 km |
| Jun 16, 2019 |
11 km SW of Royal City, Washington |
M3.3 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
27 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1966 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1962 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1958 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2000 |
EF1 |
2 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1973 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1969 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
EF0 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2002 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF0 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1991 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MALONEY CREEK (131,397 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
MALONEY CREEK |
131,397 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
COLUMBIA COMPLEX |
118,865 |
21 km |
| 2021 |
SHOVEL CREEK |
109,829 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
LICK CREEK |
80,376 |
44 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
44 km |
| 2012 |
CACHE CREEK |
75,521 |
95 km |
| 2014 |
BIG COUGAR |
65,397 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
TEEPEE BUTTE |
59,565 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
SCHOOL |
51,701 |
28 km |
| 2007 |
CHIMNEY COMPLEX |
50,646 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
POWERLINE |
45,449 |
98 km |
| 2021 |
GREEN RIDGE |
44,604 |
32 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH/STARVATION |
37,064 |
80 km |
| 2021 |
ELBOW CREEK |
23,103 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
21,130 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
WALKER CANYON |
20,764 |
47 km |
| 2010 |
EUREKA |
19,811 |
46 km |
| 2023 |
HAT ROCK |
17,264 |
90 km |
| 2020 |
KAHLOTUS |
16,738 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
16,737 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
40°F (5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
0.6 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
Dayton has a seasonal temperature swing of 38°F / from 31°F in December to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 21.2 inches, with November being the wettest month (2.8") and July the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Dayton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161–$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214–$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107–$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856–$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80–$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161–$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27–$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54–$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428–$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107–$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64–$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54–$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161–$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280–$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428–$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885–$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535–$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350–$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140–$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856–$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214–$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070–$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80–$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21–$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68–$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68–$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21–$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28–$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64–$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86–$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43–$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54–$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80–$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284–$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32–$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32–$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642–$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535–$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214–$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428–$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350–$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54–$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32–$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21–$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161–$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107–$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,171 |
| Toddler | $899 |
| Preschool | $899 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $865 |
| Preschool | $865 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dayton
What is the population of Dayton?
Dayton has a population of 2,695 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 1,872 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Dayton expensive to live in?
Dayton is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $71,687, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $223,900 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $926 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Dayton safe?
Dayton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 327 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,901 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Dayton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Dayton?
Dayton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.6 inches, with 8.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Dayton?
The job market in Dayton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,290. There are 184 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Dayton?
The median home value in Dayton is $223,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $232,289. For renters, the median monthly rent is $926. Fair market rent is $1,180 for a 1-bedroom and $1,472 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,767.
How are the schools in Dayton?
Schools in Dayton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.7% of adults in Dayton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Dayton?
The obesity rate in Dayton is 32.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 18.4% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,347.
What is transportation like in Dayton?
The average commute in Dayton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Dayton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Dayton is 76.3% White, 9.3% Hispanic or Latino. 90.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 10.9% of the population are military veterans. 23.6% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
