Median Income
$76,250
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$157,100
44% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
59/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.2%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.5%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Seneca Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population119
Median Age58.8 yrs
Density149/mi²
Male / Female35% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,250
Per Capita$35,875
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$373M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$157,100
Ownership73.5%
Zillow$308,245
Housing Units116
Rent Burden15.8%
Crime
F
Violent59/100K
Property2,239/100K
Health
Obesity32.5%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.1%
Depression28.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain13.7 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation4,661 ft (1,421 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.2%
High School+83.5%
Graduate+2.9%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 18%
Commute19 min
Broadband68.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries1
Is Seneca a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Seneca receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Seneca offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Seneca is $76,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Seneca is $157,100, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Seneca is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,239 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Seneca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Seneca has a population of 119 with a density of 149 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 58.8 years, 51% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 64.7% female and 35.3% male. The city is predominantly White (81.5%), with 11.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.8yrs
Median Age
51% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Seneca is $76,250, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,875. The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% 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 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,250 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,875 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,689 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 1.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Seneca is $157,100, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $308,245, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,143 for a one-bedroom to $1,425 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 116 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,111. 15.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $157,100 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $308,245 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 73.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.5% |
| Housing Units | 116 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,111 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.98% |
In Seneca, 32.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.0% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 18.4% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Seneca vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.0% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 28.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,039 |
| Dentists | 1:1,444 |
| Mental Health | 1:164 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.9% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,071/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Seneca has a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,239 per 100,000, 14% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 364 federally declared disasters. Overall, Seneca receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Seneca vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 58.9/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,239.3/100K |
| 14% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 110 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Seneca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 311 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 13.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 4,661 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 40.5°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,661 ft (1,421 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 149/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1352°N, 118.9763°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Grant County County |
| Nearest Airport | Grant County Regional/Ogilvie Field (JDA) 19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.7"
64% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
1.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
48 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 |
149 km |
| Mar 22, 1997 |
10 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
146 km |
| Feb 1, 2000 |
7 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Aug 31, 1999 |
Washington-Oregon border region |
M3.5 |
146 km |
| Jan 30, 2000 |
8 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Aug 27, 2000 |
16 km W of Richland, Oregon |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Apr 17, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Jul 25, 2009 |
10 km NW of Brogan, Oregon |
M3.2 |
111 km |
| Jul 13, 2000 |
7 km NW of Unity, Oregon |
M3.1 |
68 km |
| Mar 23, 1997 |
11 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.1 |
145 km |
| Mar 23, 1997 |
10 km E of Condon, Oregon |
M3.1 |
150 km |
| Oct 1, 2003 |
25 km W of Richland, Oregon |
M3.1 |
136 km |
| Oct 17, 1993 |
33 km SE of Prairie City, Oregon |
M3.1 |
41 km |
| Apr 19, 2007 |
63 km W of Hines, Oregon |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Jan 4, 1990 |
16 km E of Baker City, Oregon |
M3.0 |
128 km |
| Dec 16, 1993 |
8 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.0 |
147 km |
| Sep 4, 1999 |
10 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M2.9 |
145 km |
| Mar 21, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M2.9 |
143 km |
| Dec 18, 1993 |
9 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Aug 25, 2016 |
7 km SSE of Haines, Oregon |
M2.8 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
8 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 19, 2004 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 5, 2023 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2016 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2003 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2001 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2001 |
EF0 |
62 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 1997 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Diamond Craters (117 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Diamond Craters |
Volcanic field |
1,435 m (4,708 ft) |
-5610 |
117 km |
| Jordan Craters |
Volcanic field |
1,473 m (4,833 ft) |
-1250 |
164 km |
| Devils Garden |
Volcanic field |
1,698 m (5,571 ft) |
Unknown |
166 km |
| Newberry |
Shield |
2,434 m (7,986 ft) |
690 |
186 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 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
EGLEY COMPLEX (EGLEY) |
139,515 |
48 km |
| 2015 |
CANYON CREEK COMPLEX |
109,786 |
21 km |
| 2014 |
BUZZARD |
88,679 |
89 km |
| 1990 |
PINE SPRINGS BASIN |
71,143 |
63 km |
| 2014 |
SOUTH FORK COMPLEX |
66,743 |
41 km |
| 2007 |
MONUMENT COMPLEX (RED HILL FIRE) |
54,572 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
BENDIRE COMPLEX |
49,260 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
IRISH SPRING |
47,845 |
70 km |
| 2020 |
INDIAN CREEK |
46,275 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
RAIL |
43,813 |
55 km |
| 1996 |
BULL COMPLEX (SUMMIT) |
36,318 |
70 km |
| 2007 |
BARTLETT MOUNTAIN |
31,845 |
69 km |
| 2015 |
CORNER CREEK 0297 PR |
30,303 |
52 km |
| 2001 |
MONUMENT COMPLEX (MALLORY) |
29,095 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
JUNIPER RESERVOIR |
28,455 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
BLACK BUTTE |
24,736 |
49 km |
| 2002 |
MONUMENT-MALHEUR COMPLEX (MONUMENT) |
23,860 |
57 km |
| 1990 |
BUCK SPRINGS |
20,969 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
ELDORADO |
20,962 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| May |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
53°F (12°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| August |
61°F (16°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
53°F (12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Wettest |
Seneca has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 24°F in January to 61°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 14.2 inches, with December being the wettest month (1.9") and July the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Seneca. 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 Seneca
What is the population of Seneca?
Seneca has a population of 119 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 149 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 64.7% female and 35.3% male.
Is Seneca expensive to live in?
Seneca 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 $76,250, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $157,100 (44% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Seneca safe?
Seneca is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,239 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Seneca receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Seneca?
Seneca has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Seneca?
The job market in Seneca is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Seneca?
The median home value in Seneca is $157,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $308,245. The homeownership rate is 73.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,111.
How are the schools in Seneca?
Schools in Seneca score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.2% of adults in Seneca hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.5% have completed high school. 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Seneca?
The obesity rate in Seneca is 32.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 28.6% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 60.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,039.
What is transportation like in Seneca?
The average commute in Seneca is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Seneca?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Seneca is 81.5% White, 11.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 86.8% have health insurance coverage.