Median Income
$75,917
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$199,400
29% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.5%
33% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$942
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How John Day Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,543
Median Age42.9 yrs
Density683/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$75,917
Per Capita$35,070
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$373M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$199,400
Rent$942
Ownership59.5%
Zillow$270,942
Housing Units778
Rent Burden18.4%
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured6.2%
Smoking13.8%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain12.3 in/yr
Elevation3,076 ft (938 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.5%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 18%
Commute18 min
Broadband94.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is John Day a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, John Day receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. John Day stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in John Day is $75,917, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. Only 2.8% 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 John Day is $199,400, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
22.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
John Day experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches, including 9.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.
John Day has a population of 1,543 with a density of 683 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 42.9 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.1% female and 48.9% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,543
Total Population
2023 Census
42.9yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in John Day is $75,917, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,070. The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 340 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,917 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,070 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,689 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 340 |
| County GDP | $373M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,111 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in John Day is $199,400, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,942, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $942 (19% 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. 59.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 778 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,111. 18.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $199,400 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $270,942 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $942 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.4% |
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 | 59.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.5% |
| Housing Units | 778 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,111 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.56% |
In John Day, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 17.8% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 6.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,039. The dentist ratio is 1:1,444. 60.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: John Day vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.2% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,039 |
| Dentists | 1:1,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:164 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 60.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,071/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
John Day experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49. 52% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 3,076 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 46.8°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,076 ft (938 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 683/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.4181°N, 118.9563°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grant County Regional/Ogilvie Field (JDA)
1 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.3"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
1.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 49.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 51.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 19 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 30.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
66 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 10, 2025.
| Jan 30, 2000 |
6 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M4.1 |
127 km |
| Mar 22, 1997 |
10 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
123 km |
| Feb 1, 2000 |
7 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.6 |
125 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Aug 31, 1999 |
Washington-Oregon border region |
M3.5 |
124 km |
| Jan 30, 2000 |
8 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.4 |
124 km |
| Aug 27, 2000 |
16 km W of Richland, Oregon |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Jul 25, 2009 |
10 km NW of Brogan, Oregon |
M3.2 |
108 km |
| Apr 17, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Aug 17, 2000 |
14 km NE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.2 |
131 km |
| Jul 13, 2000 |
7 km NW of Unity, Oregon |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| Oct 17, 1993 |
33 km SE of Prairie City, Oregon |
M3.1 |
44 km |
| Oct 1, 2003 |
25 km W of Richland, Oregon |
M3.1 |
121 km |
| Mar 23, 1997 |
10 km E of Condon, Oregon |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Mar 23, 1997 |
11 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.1 |
122 km |
| Apr 19, 2007 |
63 km W of Hines, Oregon |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Mar 8, 2023 |
8 km WSW of Richland, Oregon |
M3.0 |
138 km |
| Dec 16, 1993 |
8 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.0 |
124 km |
| Jan 4, 1990 |
16 km E of Baker City, Oregon |
M3.0 |
112 km |
| Mar 21, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M2.9 |
120 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
9 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 19, 2004 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2023 |
EF0 |
4 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2016 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2003 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2001 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2001 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1995 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Diamond Craters (148 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Diamond Craters |
Volcanic field |
1,435 m (4,708 ft) |
-5610 |
148 km |
| Devils Garden |
Volcanic field |
1,698 m (5,571 ft) |
Unknown |
183 km |
| Jordan Craters |
Volcanic field |
1,473 m (4,833 ft) |
-1250 |
186 km |
| Newberry |
Shield |
2,434 m (7,986 ft) |
690 |
197 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BATTLE MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (184,979 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
BATTLE MOUNTAIN COMPLEX |
184,979 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
EGLEY COMPLEX (EGLEY) |
139,515 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
CANYON CREEK COMPLEX |
109,786 |
16 km |
| 2015 |
CORNET-WINDY RIDGE |
102,553 |
99 km |
| 1990 |
PINE SPRINGS BASIN |
71,143 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
SOUTH FORK COMPLEX |
66,743 |
43 km |
| 2007 |
MONUMENT COMPLEX (RED HILL FIRE) |
54,572 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
TOWER |
50,827 |
72 km |
| 2015 |
BENDIRE COMPLEX |
49,260 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
IRISH SPRING |
47,845 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
RAIL |
43,813 |
49 km |
| 1996 |
BULL COMPLEX (SUMMIT) |
36,318 |
40 km |
| 2007 |
BARTLETT MOUNTAIN |
31,845 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
CORNER CREEK 0297 PR |
30,303 |
55 km |
| 2001 |
MONUMENT COMPLEX (MALLORY) |
29,095 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
JUNIPER RESERVOIR |
28,455 |
95 km |
| 2021 |
BLACK BUTTE |
24,736 |
58 km |
| 2002 |
MONUMENT-MALHEUR COMPLEX (MONUMENT) |
23,860 |
55 km |
| 1996 |
WHEELER POINT |
22,669 |
90 km |
| 1990 |
BUCK SPRINGS |
20,969 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
0.4 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
John Day has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 30°F in December to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (1.8") and July the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in John Day. 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 John Day
What is the population of John Day?
John Day has a population of 1,543 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 683 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.1% female and 48.9% male.
Is John Day expensive to live in?
John Day 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 $75,917, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $199,400 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $942 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in John Day?
John Day has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.3 inches, with 9.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.
How is the job market in John Day?
The job market in John Day is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 340 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in John Day?
The median home value in John Day is $199,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,942. For renters, the median monthly rent is $942. Fair market rent is $1,143 for a 1-bedroom and $1,425 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,111.
How are the schools in John Day?
Schools in John Day score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.5% of adults in John Day hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is John Day?
The obesity rate in John Day is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 6.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 60.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,039.
What is transportation like in John Day?
The average commute in John Day is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 69.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of John Day?
The racial and ethnic makeup of John Day is 87.5% White, 3% Asian. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.