Is Umatilla Safe, Pros and cons of living in Umatilla
Umatilla, Oregon, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and proximity to natural resources, making it an appealing location for those seeking a different pace of life. Situated in Umatilla County, the city is named after the Umatilla River, which flows into the Columbia River at its edge. This strategic location provides residents with access to outdoor recreational activities and a connection to the region’s rich history.
The community is characterized by its diverse population and a cost of living that is generally lower than both the state and national averages. While Umatilla presents a compelling case for affordability, understanding its various facets, from safety and economy to education and climate, is crucial for anyone considering a move.
Is it Safe to Live in Umatilla?
Umatilla’s overall crime rate is reported to be significantly lower than the national average. Property crimes, in particular, show a rate that is considerably below the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests a generally safe environment for residents concerning theft and property damage.
However, a closer look at crime statistics reveals a more nuanced picture. While overall crime is down, violent crimes have seen an increase year-over-year (as reported by AreaVibes). Furthermore, Umatilla has a higher violent crime rate per 100,000 residents compared to the national average, though property crime rates are well below the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). It’s also noted that Umatilla has one of the nation’s higher murder rates, surpassing other cities in reported statistics (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living and Housing
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Umatilla is notably lower than the national average, with housing expenses being a significant contributing factor. The median property value in Umatilla was $238,500 in 2024, a figure considerably lower than the national median (as reported by Data USA). This affordability is further reflected in the median rent, which is also below the national average (as reported by Zumper).
Despite the overall affordability, housing costs in Umatilla are slightly higher than the Oregon state average, with a median rent of $1,350 per month (as reported by Zumper). The homeownership rate in Umatilla is 70%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Overall Cost of Living
Umatilla is considered one of America’s least expensive cities, with total monthly expenses for a single person estimated at $2,317 and $4,980 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com). This is largely due to lower costs in food, energy, transportation, and healthcare compared to national averages (as reported by Salary.com).
The cost of living in Umatilla is 0% lower than the U.S. national average and 104% lower than Oregon’s state average according to one report, though another indicates it is 6% lower than the Oregon average and 4% higher than the national average (as reported by Salary.com and AreaVibes). This discrepancy may arise from different data sources and calculation methods.
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
The economy of Umatilla is supported by a mix of industries. Agriculture is a significant job-creating sector, typical of rural Oregon (as reported by City of Umatilla). The Two Rivers Correctional Facility stands as the city’s largest employer (as reported by City of Umatilla). In recent years, Amazon has established large data campuses, creating employment opportunities (as reported by City of Umatilla).
Other significant employers in Umatilla County include Smith Frozen Foods, Fleetwood RV, and Good Shepherd Health Care System (as reported by Northeast Oregon Now). Historically, Union Pacific Railroad, Lamb Weston, and Fleetwood Travel Trailers have also been major sources of revenue and employment (as reported by East Oregonian).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Umatilla County was 6.1% in February 2026 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Data Commons). This rate has seen fluctuations, reaching a record high in the past and a low in recent years (as reported by the United States Federal Reserve). The average annual salary in Umatilla is approximately $65,644 as of May 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The median household income in Umatilla was $68,826 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA and Umatilla, OR Population 2026). While Umatilla County’s median household income was $67,700 from 2020–2024 (as reported by USAFacts), it’s important to note that the median individual income in Umatilla County was $35,318 in 2024 (as reported by Data Commons).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Precipitation
Umatilla experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons. Temperatures can range from a chilly 28°F in December to a warm 91°F in July (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The annual precipitation is around 8 inches, with most of it falling in December, while July is considerably drier (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Umatilla, OR Rainfall by Month).
The city enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine annually, with summer months being the sunniest. Winter months tend to be cloudier, with December being the wettest and snowiest, though snowfall remains light (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The best times to visit for comfortable weather are typically May to June and September (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
The Umatilla School District serves the city’s K-12 population with three schools: McNary Heights Elementary School, Clara Brownell Middle School, and Umatilla High School (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Based on available data, these schools generally perform below state averages in key academic indicators like English Language Arts and Mathematics proficiency (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Chronic absenteeism is a noted challenge across all three schools, with rates significantly exceeding the state average. Additionally, the student population is predominantly economically disadvantaged, with a high percentage receiving free or reduced-price lunch (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). Umatilla High School, specifically, ranks within the bottom 50% of Oregon high schools for overall test scores (as reported by Umatilla High School).
Demographics
Umatilla has a population of approximately 7,508 residents as of recent estimates (as reported by Data USA). The city has become more racially diverse since the 2020 Census, with a significant Hispanic population (39.0%) and a White population making up 51.5% (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Umatilla is 35.6 years (as reported by Umatilla, OR Population 2026). The foreign-born population is around 22.4%, which is close to the national average (as reported by Data USA). The majority of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 23.4 minutes (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Umatilla
Pros
Umatilla offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to both the national and state averages, particularly in housing expenses (as reported by Salary.com and AreaVibes). The city provides a generally safe environment with overall crime rates lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
The community boasts a strong sense of closeness due to its population size, fostering a friendly atmosphere. Its proximity to the Columbia River and opportunities for outdoor recreation add to its appeal for those who enjoy nature and an active lifestyle.
Cons
Despite overall lower crime rates, there has been an increase in violent crimes year-over-year, and the violent crime rate per capita is higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes and Crime Explorer). The local school district faces challenges with academic performance and high rates of chronic absenteeism (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
The job market, while supported by key industries like agriculture and logistics, may present fewer high-paying opportunities compared to larger metropolitan areas. The median household income, particularly in the county, is lower than the state and national averages (as reported by USAFacts and Data Commons).