The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 97850 sells for about $350,000, or $238 per square foot.
Prices are up +2.5% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 65 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,150 a month.
ZIP 97850 — La Grande
The La Grande housing market remains stable with moderate price appreciation driven by limited inventory and steady demand. While affordability is better than the state average, rising interest rates have tempered transaction volume compared to previous years.
This ZIP is well-suited for families and professionals seeking a small-town lifestyle with access to university-town amenities and outdoor recreation.
Median prices moved up 2.5% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 65 days on market with 4.2 months of supply — a balanced-paced market.
12% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98.5% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.2% · poverty 14.5% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
Median annual property tax paid on this ZIP's residential parcels
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 6.6%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
net influx — more people moved in than out
ZCTA 97850, Union County OR
ACS 2024 5-year estimates. Aggregate published statistics for this ZIP — never individual records, and never an attribute of any individual property or resident.
Crime rates in La Grande are generally consistent with regional averages for small micropolitan cities in Eastern Oregon, with property crime being the primary concern.
The area is served by the La Grande School District, which provides a standard range of public education options that are generally considered stable for the region.
The region faces moderate wildfire risk during summer months and typical winter weather hazards, with standard insurance availability for the area.
Economic momentum is driven by Eastern Oregon University and regional healthcare services, with steady but modest development in residential subdivisions.
Property taxes are assessed by Union County based on real market value, with rates influenced by local school district levies and municipal bonds.
Most residents enjoy short commutes within the La Grande area, with I-84 serving as the primary corridor for regional travel.
The area offers significant access to outdoor recreation including the Blue Mountains, local parks, and proximity to regional trails and fishing spots.
The rental market is tight due to the presence of university students and limited new multi-family inventory, keeping vacancy rates low.
The economy is anchored by Eastern Oregon University, regional healthcare providers, and government services, with a mix of agriculture and timber-related industries.
I-84 provides the primary transit corridor, connecting the city to the broader Pacific Northwest region.
Development is focused on residential infill and small-scale expansion of existing subdivisions.
Union County Assessor maintains property valuations based on annual market analysis and state-mandated assessment cycles.
Parcels are subject to La Grande School District levies and various local utility and fire district assessments.
Property insurance remains available, though premiums are sensitive to regional wildfire risk assessments.
The area experiences modest net domestic migration, primarily attracting residents from other parts of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Oregon is a judicial and non-judicial foreclosure state with specific notice and redemption requirements.
Oregon law requires sellers to provide a property disclosure statement covering material defects.
Data retrieved from data.census.gov ZCTA-level tables.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment.
Major regional anchor institution.
Central community park with river access.
Extensive outdoor recreation and trail access.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.