Median Income
$48,854
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$162,500
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.9%
56% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$844
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.0%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.4%
106% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.4%
81% higher than US avg
How Vale Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,259
Median Age32.9 yrs
Density1,931/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans9.4%
Economy
C
Median Income$48,854
Per Capita$20,567
Unemployment7.4%
Poverty22.4%
County GDP$1,553M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$162,500
Rent$844
Ownership58.0%
Zillow$344,295
Housing Units783
Rent Burden28.4%
Health
Obesity40.0%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking15.3%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
Rain10.0 in/yr
Elevation2,243 ft (684 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.9%
High School+83.9%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score4.67
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 26%
Commute21 min
Broadband86.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Vale a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vale receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Vale offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vale is $48,854, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Vale is $162,500, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $844 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Vale experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 10.0 inches, including 15.4 inches of snow.
Vale has a population of 2,259 with a density of 1,931 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 32.9 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (81.3%), with 19% Hispanic, 1.8% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.7% of residents, while 17% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,259
Total Population
2023 Census
32.9yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.7%
7% above US avg
Spanish
17.0%
27% above US avg
The median household income in Vale is $48,854, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,567 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $937, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,135 business establishments, including 94 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,854 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,567 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $937 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,308 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.4% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.4% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,135 |
| County GDP | $1,553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 94 |
| Healthcare | 105 |
| Retail | 124 |
| Manufacturing | 29 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,344 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.06% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Vale is $162,500, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $344,295, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $254,950 with homes selling in an average of 246 days. Homes sell for 97.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $844 (27% 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. 58.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 783 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1964. The average annual property tax is $3,344. 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $162,500 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $344,295 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $254,950 |
| Median List Price | $237,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $254,950 |
| Median List Price | $237,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $182 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 246 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.3% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $844 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.4% |
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 | 58.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.0% |
| Housing Units | 783 |
| Median Year Built | 1964 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,344 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.06% |
In Vale, 40.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 15.3% are current smokers. 17.1% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,962. The dentist ratio is 1:1,275. 47.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Vale vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.0% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.3% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.2% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,962 |
| Dentists | 1:1,275 |
| Mental Health | 1:180 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.8% |
| Dental Visits | 56.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,886/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 105 |
Vale experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 10.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 15.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,243 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.9°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,243 ft (684 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,931/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.9839°N, 117.2421°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Malheur County County |
| Nearest Airport | Boise Air Trml/Gowen Field (BOI)
59 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.0"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
1.31"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
149 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.9. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 10, 2025.
| Feb 26, 2024 |
10 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M4.9 |
101 km |
| Oct 27, 1994 |
11 km SE of Halfway, Oregon |
M4.0 |
94 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Mar 12, 2023 |
11 km S of Donnelly, Idaho |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Apr 6, 1995 |
11 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
102 km |
| Sep 14, 2000 |
4 km W of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
94 km |
| Aug 3, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Dec 24, 1999 |
18 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Mar 1, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Mar 17, 1995 |
5 km S of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
109 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
12 km WSW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Mar 12, 2024 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
102 km |
| Apr 6, 2002 |
9 km NW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
110 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
20 km WSW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.4 |
93 km |
| Mar 10, 2001 |
18 km ESE of Donnelly, Idaho |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Aug 21, 2010 |
29 km NNE of Lowman, Idaho |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Sep 26, 1995 |
9 km E of McCall, Idaho |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Apr 6, 2024 |
9 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.4 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
36 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 1997 |
EF1 |
6 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1991 |
EF1 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1990 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1984 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1984 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1983 |
EF1 |
32 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1974 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1966 |
EF1 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1956 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2023 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2022 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2004 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 2004 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2003 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 2002 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2002 |
EF0 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 2001 |
EF0 |
37 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2000 |
EF0 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Jordan Craters (95 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Jordan Craters |
Volcanic field |
1,473 m (4,833 ft) |
-1250 |
95 km |
| Diamond Craters |
Volcanic field |
1,435 m (4,708 ft) |
-5610 |
156 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SODA (282,888 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
SODA |
282,888 |
80 km |
| 2024 |
PADDOCK |
186,842 |
61 km |
| 2024 |
COW VALLEY |
134,642 |
37 km |
| 2015 |
CORNET-WINDY RIDGE |
102,553 |
78 km |
| 2020 |
WOODHEAD |
98,995 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
JACKSON |
80,733 |
20 km |
| 2006 |
CHERRY |
56,773 |
70 km |
| 1996 |
BOGUS CREEK |
56,721 |
100 km |
| 2015 |
BENDIRE COMPLEX |
49,260 |
57 km |
| 2013 |
OWYHEE |
48,001 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
IRISH SPRING |
47,845 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
INDIAN CREEK |
46,275 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
STAR MOUNTAIN |
45,243 |
81 km |
| 2016 |
RAIL |
43,813 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
TRIMBLY CREEK |
43,085 |
60 km |
| 1986 |
BISSELL CK |
40,847 |
50 km |
| 1994 |
SWAMP CREEK |
40,332 |
91 km |
| 1986 |
VAN DUSEN |
39,901 |
64 km |
| 2022 |
WILLOW CREEK |
38,585 |
20 km |
| 2016 |
CHERRY ROAD |
35,219 |
47 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
0.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Vale has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 28°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.0 inches, with December being the wettest month (1.3") and August the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Vale. 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 Vale
What is the population of Vale?
Vale has a population of 2,259 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 1,931 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Vale expensive to live in?
Vale 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 $48,854, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $162,500 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $844 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Vale?
Vale has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 10.0 inches, with 15.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Vale?
The unemployment rate in Vale is 7.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $937. There are 1,135 business establishments in the area, including 94 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Vale?
The median home value in Vale is $162,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $344,295. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $254,950, with homes typically selling within 246 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $844. Fair market rent is $1,143 for a 1-bedroom and $1,425 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,344.
How are the schools in Vale?
Schools in Vale have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.9% of adults in Vale hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Vale?
The obesity rate in Vale is 40.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.3% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 47.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,962.
What is transportation like in Vale?
The average commute in Vale is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Vale?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Vale is 81.3% White, 19% Hispanic or Latino, 1.8% Asian. 83.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 17% speak Spanish. 9.4% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 92.2% have health insurance coverage.