Median Income
$87,750
17% higher than US avg
Home Value
$396,500
41% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
95/100K
75% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.2%
10% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,367
18% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.0%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.9%
44% higher than US avg
How Saunders Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,495
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density525/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$87,750
Per Capita$41,765
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty17.9%
County GDP$3,271M
Commute27 min
Housing
A
Home Value$396,500
Rent$1,367
Ownership91.2%
Zillow$305,986
Housing Units680
Rent Burden33.9%
Crime
F
Violent95/100K
Property5,848/100K
Health
Obesity32.0%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.5%
Depression28.2%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation230 ft (70 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+37.2%
High School+96.8%
Graduate+11.6%
School Score4.78
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute27 min
Broadband95.8%
EV Stations7
Libraries8
Is Saunders Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Saunders Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, an elevated poverty rate. Saunders Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Saunders Lake is $87,750, 17% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 17.9% 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 Saunders Lake is $396,500, 41% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,367 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Saunders Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,848 per 100,000, 198% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Saunders Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Saunders Lake has a population of 1,495 with a density of 525 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.7% female and 54.3% male. The city is predominantly White (99.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 0.9% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Saunders Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Saunders Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Saunders Lake is $87,750, which is 17% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,765. The average weekly wage is $1,004, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,086 business establishments, including 175 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Saunders Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $87,750 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,765 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,004 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,170 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.9% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,086 |
| County GDP | $3,271M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 175 |
| Healthcare | 193 |
| Retail | 238 |
| Manufacturing | 58 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,041 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Saunders Lake is $396,500, 41% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,986, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,367 (18% above 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. 91.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 680 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,041. 33.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $396,500 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $305,986 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,367 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.9% |
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 | 91.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.8% |
| Housing Units | 680 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,041 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.02% |
In Saunders Lake, 32.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 18.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,204. The dentist ratio is 1:1,121. 77.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Saunders Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.4% |
| Depression | 28.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,204 |
| Dentists | 1:1,121 |
| Mental Health | 1:179 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,129/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 193 |
Saunders Lake has a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, 75% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,848 per 100,000, 198% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Saunders Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Saunders Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 94.7/100K |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,847.7/100K |
| 198% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Saunders Lake experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 230 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 53.1°F |
| 2% below US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 230 ft (70 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 525/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.5197°N, 124.2117°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Coos County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Oregon Regional (OTH) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Dec)
11.22"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
93 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 22, 2025.
| Jul 28, 2010 |
129 km WNW of Barview, Oregon |
M5.2 |
132 km |
| Oct 18, 2024 |
121 km WNW of Barview, Oregon |
M5.0 |
126 km |
| Jul 12, 2004 |
30 km W of Yachats, Oregon |
M4.9 |
93 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
19 km W of Newport, Oregon |
M4.7 |
128 km |
| Feb 26, 2009 |
37 km NW of Selma, Oregon |
M4.2 |
112 km |
| Jul 4, 2015 |
16 km ENE of Springfield, Oregon |
M4.1 |
128 km |
| May 14, 2000 |
121 km W of Winchester Bay, Oregon |
M3.9 |
122 km |
| Apr 15, 2017 |
43 km WNW of Yachats, Oregon |
M3.9 |
107 km |
| Apr 22, 2008 |
123 km W of Bandon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Jan 24, 2014 |
31 km SSE of Powers, Oregon |
M3.8 |
103 km |
| Apr 26, 2018 |
108 km WNW of Barview, Oregon |
M3.8 |
111 km |
| Mar 20, 2012 |
29 km WNW of Yachats, Oregon |
M3.7 |
98 km |
| Jul 3, 1992 |
57 km W of Waldport, Oregon |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Apr 24, 2008 |
125 km W of Bandon, Oregon |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Jul 3, 2010 |
near the coast of Oregon |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
32 km W of Yachats, Oregon |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| Mar 4, 2006 |
16 km ENE of Siletz, Oregon |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Jul 20, 2008 |
84 km W of Bandon, Oregon |
M3.2 |
108 km |
| May 6, 2014 |
22 km W of Pistol River, Oregon |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Mar 20, 2012 |
27 km WNW of Yachats, Oregon |
M3.2 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
2 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2013 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2010 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Cinnamon Butte (173 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Cinnamon Butte |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,956 m (6,417 ft) |
Unknown |
173 km |
| Crater Lake |
Caldera |
2,487 m (8,159 ft) |
-2850 |
182 km |
| Davis Lake |
Volcanic field |
2,163 m (7,096 ft) |
-2790 |
193 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
12 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NORTH RABBIT (25,085 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
NORTH RABBIT |
25,085 |
93 km |
| 2023 |
ANVIL |
22,261 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
DFPA HORSE PRAIRIE |
17,066 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
BLOSSOM |
15,247 |
94 km |
| 2023 |
COUGAR CR. #1 |
6,971 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UPPER MYRTLE CREEK |
3,992 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
FALL CREEK |
3,366 |
97 km |
| 1987 |
FROZEN CR |
3,182 |
93 km |
| 1987 |
87732084 |
2,059 |
96 km |
| 1987 |
BUCK CR |
1,596 |
97 km |
| 1999 |
AUSTA |
1,525 |
70 km |
| 2023 |
LIGHTHOUSE RD #3 |
1,286 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
10.5 in |
|
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
8.5 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
8.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
60°F (16°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
10.7 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
11.2 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Saunders Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 15°F / from 46°F in December to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 69.0 inches, with December being the wettest month (11.2") and July the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Saunders Lake. 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 | $1,033 |
| Toddler | $943 |
| Preschool | $764 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $721 |
| Preschool | $678 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Saunders Lake
What is the population of Saunders Lake?
Saunders Lake has a population of 1,495 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 525 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.7% female and 54.3% male.
Is Saunders Lake expensive to live in?
Saunders Lake 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 $87,750, 17% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $396,500 (41% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,367 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Saunders Lake safe?
Saunders Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 95 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 5,848 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Saunders Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Saunders Lake?
Saunders Lake has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Saunders Lake?
The job market in Saunders Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,004. There are 2,086 business establishments in the area, including 175 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Saunders Lake?
The median home value in Saunders Lake is $396,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $305,986. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,367. Fair market rent is $1,143 for a 1-bedroom and $1,425 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,041.
How are the schools in Saunders Lake?
Schools in Saunders Lake have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 37.2% of adults in Saunders Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.8% have completed high school. 11.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Saunders Lake?
The obesity rate in Saunders Lake is 32.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 18.4% are physically inactive. 28.2% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 77.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,204.
What is transportation like in Saunders Lake?
The average commute in Saunders Lake is 27 minutes. 90.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Saunders Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Saunders Lake is 99.6% White. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 0.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.