OregonPop. 56,839Smaller cities
Is Albany a Good Place to Live? Albany, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Albany ranks #866 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #364 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21 min, #119 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (76.3%, #396 of 437) and high unemployment (5.5%, #408 of 476).
Albany by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Albany's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Albany?
Albany's cost of living index is 102.1, 2% above the US level of 100 and #802 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,372/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $434,335, 12% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Albany | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.1#802 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $434,335#700 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,738/mo#537 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $389,200#766 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,372/mo#605 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5x#842 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.1%#573 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Albany housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Albany is in the Albany-Lebanon, OR metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Albany safe?
Albany recorded 164 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% below the US rate of 328 and 47% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #266 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #123 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Albany Police Department. Property crime runs 1,549 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Albany | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 164#266 of 1,085 | 311 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,549#501 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Albany?
The median household in Albany earns $78,114, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Albany | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $78,114#651 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.5%#929 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13.5%#765 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Albany?
The median resident of Albany is 37.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #815 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 37.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.4%#815 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Albany's schools and health?
Albany's 19 public schools graduate 76.3% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 1,375.5 students per teacher and $14,894 spent per pupil. 38% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Albany | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 76.3%#967 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 1,375.5#1188 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,894#599 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 38%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9.1%#536 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,253 students are enrolled in Albany's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Albany?
The average commute in Albany is 21 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 0.5% of workers take transit and 14.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Albany scores 13.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.4°F and winters 41.4°F, with 43 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Albany | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21 min#422 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.8%#687 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.3% | 65.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 2.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.4% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 1.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14.2% | 17.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.8#187 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 47.4 | 34.3 | 6.5 |
| Feb | 51.3 | 34.8 | 4.8 |
| Mar | 56.1 | 37 | 5 |
| Apr | 60.9 | 39.5 | 3.3 |
| May | 68.1 | 44.5 | 2.3 |
| Jun | 73.8 | 48.6 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 82.9 | 52.1 | 0.3 |
| Aug | 83.7 | 51.4 | 0.4 |
| Sep | 77.6 | 48.2 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 65 | 42 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 53.2 | 37.6 | 6.5 |
| Dec | 46.7 | 33.9 | 7.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Corvallis State Univ.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 52.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 65.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 41.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 43 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Corvallis State Univ.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Albany?
Linn County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Linn County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 27#46 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.21%#961 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Linn County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Linn County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.084% | 96% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0054% | 77% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.096% | 66% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Albany compare with similar-size cities?
Albany is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #364 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,839.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #866 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 | 21 min |
| Sarasota, FLPop. 56,970 | #584 | 56.9 | $72,105 | $1,684/mo | 380 | 20.7 min |
| Marana, AZPop. 56,938 | #157 | 65.9 | $112,606 | $1,818/mo | 61 | 27.7 min |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #445 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 | 24.4 min |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #319 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 | 30.8 min |
| Kyle, TXPop. 56,823 | #367 | 60.7 | $90,323 | $1,752/mo | 135 | 36.4 min |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #169 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 | 21.3 min |
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | #1075 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 | 30.4 min |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #191 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 | 29.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Albany compare with the rest of Oregon?
Albany ranks #14 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 8% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Oregon home.
| City | Rank in OR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #1 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #2 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #3 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #4 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #5 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #6 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #7 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #8 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #9 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #10 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #11 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #12 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #13 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #14 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #15 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #16 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #17 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #18 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #19 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 |
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #20 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 |
All 20 Oregon cities we track, by overall score. Oregon statewide: median income $85,220, violent crime 311.2 per 100,000.
How is Albany's score calculated?
Albany scores 52.2 out of 100, #866 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Oregon's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Albany. Similar-size median 55.5.
45.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Albany's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
85.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Albany. Similar-size median 58.9.
45.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Albany's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
28.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Albany's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
63.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Albany. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Albany. Similar-size median 42.4.
31.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Albany. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Albany's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
67.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
55.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Albany's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Albany has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Albany
Is Albany, OR a good place to live?
Albany ranks #866 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #364 of 524 smaller cities and #14 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (21 min, #119 of 524), and trails on low graduation rates (76.3%, #396 of 437) and high unemployment (5.5%, #408 of 476).
What is the cost of living in Albany?
Albany's cost of living index is 102.1, 2% above the US level of 100 and #802 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,372/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $434,335, 12% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Albany?
Albany recorded 164 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% below the US rate of 328 and 47% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #266 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #123 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Albany Police Department. Property crime runs 1,549 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Albany?
The median household in Albany earns $78,114, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5.5% (US 4.3%). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Albany?
Median rent in Albany is $1,372/mo (Census), #605 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,738/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Albany?
The typical home value in Albany is $434,335, up 0.2% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $389,200.
How are the public schools in Albany?
Albany's 19 public schools graduate 76.3% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 1,375.5 students per teacher and $14,894 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Albany?
The average commute is 21 minutes, #422 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 5.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Albany?
Albany averages 52.9°F over the year, 65.4°F in summer and 41.4°F in winter, with 43 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Albany walkable?
Albany scores 13.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #187 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Albany at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Linn County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Albany?
Linn County's air had a median air quality index of 27, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Albany?
Albany has 56,839 residents. The median resident of Albany is 37.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #815 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Albany compare with the rest of Oregon?
Albany ranks #14 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 8% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 47% below the statewide rate. Homes are 12% below the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Albany?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Albany's population of 56,839 are Sarasota, FL (#584 overall), Marana, AZ (#157 overall), Bartlett, TN (#445 overall), Oak Lawn, IL (#319 overall), and Kyle, TX (#367 overall). Albany is #866.