Median Income
$84,321
12% higher than US avg
Home Value
$287,900
2% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
65.5%
94% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Wallowa Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population116
Median Age55.4 yrs
Density63/mi²
Male / Female74% / 26%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$84,321
Per Capita$57,441
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$627M
Housing
A+
Home Value$287,900
Ownership62.4%
Zillow$486,646
Housing Units320
Rent Burden26.5%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,338/100K
Health
Obesity31.0%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking10.9%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain16.9 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation4,434 ft (1,351 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+65.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+41.7%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 31%
Broadband85.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Wallowa Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wallowa Lake receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Wallowa Lake stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wallowa Lake is $84,321, 12% 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%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wallowa Lake is $287,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Wallowa Lake is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,338 per 100,000, 32% below the national average.
Education
Wallowa Lake is a highly educated community / 65.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Wallowa Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.9 inches, including 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Wallowa Lake has a population of 116 with a density of 63 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age is 55.4 years, 42% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 25.9% female and 74.1% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.4yrs
Median Age
42% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wallowa Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Wallowa Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wallowa Lake is $84,321, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $57,441 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% 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 455 business establishments, including 42 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. 58.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wallowa Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $84,321 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $57,441 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,148 |
| Gini Index | 0.455 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 455 |
| County GDP | $627M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 42 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,119 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 35.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 58.5% |
The median home value in Wallowa Lake is $287,900, 2% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $486,646, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,143 for a one-bedroom to $1,425 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 320 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,119. 26.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $287,900 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $486,646 |
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 | 62.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.6% |
| Housing Units | 320 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,119 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.08% |
In Wallowa Lake, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 26.5% have high blood pressure. 10.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 17.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:580. The dentist ratio is 1:1,532. 58.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wallowa Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 26.5% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 10.9% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.2% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 27.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:580 |
| Dentists | 1:1,532 |
| Mental Health | 1:240 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.2% |
| Dental Visits | 65.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,462/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Wallowa Lake has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,338 per 100,000, 32% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Wallowa Lake receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Wallowa Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,337.6/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Wallowa Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 27°F in January while summers reach 64°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 16.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 54.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 4,434 feet.
Temperature
27°F Jan (-3°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 44.2°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 27°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,434 ft (1,351 m) |
| Area | 1.5 sq mi (4.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 63/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3005°N, 117.2152°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Wallowa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Walla Walla Regional (ALW)
75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.9"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
3.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 83.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.1 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
177 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 |
134 km |
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
115 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
115 km |
| Oct 27, 1994 |
11 km SE of Halfway, Oregon |
M4.0 |
57 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.8 |
117 km |
| Jun 28, 1998 |
3 km SE of Genesee, Idaho |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Apr 6, 1995 |
11 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Sep 14, 2000 |
4 km W of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| Mar 12, 2023 |
11 km S of Donnelly, Idaho |
M3.7 |
117 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Mar 17, 1995 |
5 km S of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
130 km |
| Apr 6, 2002 |
9 km NW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
117 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
12 km WSW of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Mar 12, 2024 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
136 km |
| Aug 3, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
134 km |
| Dec 24, 1999 |
18 km WNW of New Meadows, Idaho |
M3.5 |
64 km |
| Mar 1, 2024 |
8 km N of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Apr 6, 2024 |
9 km NNW of Smiths Ferry, Idaho |
M3.4 |
134 km |
| Oct 4, 2002 |
15 km W of Cascade, Idaho |
M3.4 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
14 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 2006 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1968 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2016 |
EF0 |
26 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2013 |
EF0 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 2006 |
EF0 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2004 |
EF0 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF0 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1995 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 1992 |
EF0 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF0 |
66 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1975 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DOUBLE CREEK (171,012 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
DOUBLE CREEK |
171,012 |
50 km |
| 1994 |
CORRAL CREEK-BLACKWELL COMPLEX |
140,101 |
95 km |
| 2000 |
MALONEY CREEK |
131,397 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
SHOVEL CREEK |
109,829 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
CORNET-WINDY RIDGE |
102,553 |
89 km |
| 2020 |
WOODHEAD |
98,995 |
71 km |
| 2015 |
TEPEE SPRINGS |
94,878 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE CREEK |
79,418 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
BATTLE CREEK COMPLEX (BATTLE CREEK) |
79,114 |
47 km |
| 2012 |
CACHE CREEK |
75,521 |
72 km |
| 2014 |
BIG COUGAR |
65,397 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
POE CABIN |
59,704 |
69 km |
| 1988 |
TEEPEE BUTTE |
59,565 |
66 km |
| 2006 |
FOSTER GULCH |
52,496 |
50 km |
| 2012 |
SHEEP |
50,769 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
CHIMNEY COMPLEX |
50,646 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
SALT COMPLEX (SALT CREEK) |
50,250 |
58 km |
| 2017 |
POWERLINE |
45,449 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
GRANITE COMPLEX |
37,332 |
52 km |
| 1986 |
JOSEPH/STARVATION |
37,064 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
37°F (3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
44°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
64°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
53°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
46°F (8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
38°F (3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.1 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Wallowa Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 44°F / from 21°F in December to 64°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.0 inches, with December being the wettest month (3.1") and July the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Wallowa 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 | $854 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $719 |
| Preschool | $675 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wallowa Lake
What is the population of Wallowa Lake?
Wallowa Lake has a population of 116 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 63 people per square mile, spread across 1.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 25.9% female and 74.1% male.
Is Wallowa Lake expensive to live in?
Wallowa 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 $84,321, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $287,900 (2% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wallowa Lake safe?
Wallowa Lake is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,338 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wallowa Lake receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wallowa Lake?
Wallowa Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 27°F in January, while summers reach an average of 64°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.9 inches, with 54.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Wallowa Lake?
The job market in Wallowa Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 455 business establishments in the area, including 42 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Wallowa Lake?
The median home value in Wallowa Lake is $287,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $486,646. The homeownership rate is 62.4%. The average annual property tax is $3,119.
How are the schools in Wallowa Lake?
Schools in Wallowa Lake score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 65.5% of adults in Wallowa Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 41.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wallowa Lake?
The obesity rate in Wallowa Lake is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 10.9% of adults are smokers. 17.2% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 58.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:580.
What are the demographics of Wallowa Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wallowa Lake is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.3% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
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