OregonPop. 59,960Smaller cities
Is Corvallis a Good Place to Live? Corvallis, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Corvallis ranks #600 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.1 min, #17 of 524), and trails on high poverty (24.3%, #493 of 524) and low household income ($65,012, #394 of 524).
Corvallis by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Corvallis'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 Corvallis?
Corvallis's cost of living index is 104, 4% above the US level of 100 and #919 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,391/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $560,117, 13% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Corvallis | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 104#919 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $560,117#901 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 | $1,718/mo#527 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $502,900#990 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,391/mo#627 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.7x#1202 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.7%#1065 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.
Corvallis 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. Corvallis is in the Corvallis, OR metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Corvallis safe?
Corvallis recorded 173 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 328 and 44% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #292 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #136 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Corvallis Police Department. Property crime runs 2,188 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Corvallis | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 173#292 of 1,085 | 311 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 2,188#756 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 Corvallis?
The median household in Corvallis earns $65,012, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 24.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Corvallis | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $65,012#924 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 24.3%#1222 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 Corvallis?
The median resident of Corvallis is 27.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 61.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #114 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Corvallis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 27.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 61.4%#114 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 41.7% | 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 Corvallis's schools and health?
Corvallis's 10 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 20.4 students per teacher and $17,566 spent per pupil. 25.8% of adults are obese and 7.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Corvallis | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 20.4#955 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $17,566#372 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 25.8%#172 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 7.8%#88 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.6%#1219 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 8%#372 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. 4,843 students are enrolled in Corvallis's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Corvallis?
The average commute in Corvallis is 16.1 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 2.1% of workers take transit and 18.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Corvallis scores 14.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #100 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 | Corvallis | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 16.1 min#100 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 56% | 65.2% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.1% | 2.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 9.9% | 3.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 5.3% | 1.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 18.9% | 17.1% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.4#100 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 | Corvallis | 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 Corvallis?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Corvallis's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Benton County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Corvallis | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.21%#964 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 Benton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Benton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.1% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.085% | 55% 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 Corvallis compare with similar-size cities?
Corvallis is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #268 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 59,960.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #600 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 | 16.1 min |
| Great Falls, MTPop. 60,329 | #997 | 50.1 | $63,373 | $900/mo | 631 | 14.9 min |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #908 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 | 17.1 min |
| Madison, ALPop. 60,106 | #28 | 72.1 | $134,655 | $1,453/mo | 152 | 20.2 min |
| Revere, MAPop. 60,012 | #394 | 60.2 | $86,969 | $2,076/mo | 314 | 34.2 min |
| Blue Springs, MOPop. 59,965 | #348 | 61.0 | $88,920 | $1,277/mo | 228 | 25.7 min |
| Hanford, CAPop. 59,754 | #956 | 50.8 | $76,461 | $1,309/mo | 345 | 22.6 min |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #305 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 | 21 min |
| Burlington, NCPop. 59,610 | #1087 | 48.1 | $56,880 | $1,051/mo | 640 | 23.7 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 Corvallis compare with the rest of Oregon?
Corvallis ranks #10 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 24% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 44% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above 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 Corvallis's score calculated?
Corvallis scores 56.7 out of 100, #600 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Corvallis. Similar-size median 55.5.
46.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Corvallis's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
79.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Corvallis. Similar-size median 58.9.
65.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Corvallis's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
56.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Corvallis's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
57.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Corvallis. Similar-size median 56.1.
23.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Corvallis. Similar-size median 42.4.
44.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Corvallis. Similar-size median 50.0.
77.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Corvallis's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
70.5 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
24.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Corvallis'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 Corvallis 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 Corvallis
Is Corvallis, OR a good place to live?
Corvallis ranks #600 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #268 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (16.1 min, #17 of 524), and trails on high poverty (24.3%, #493 of 524) and low household income ($65,012, #394 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Corvallis?
Corvallis's cost of living index is 104, 4% above the US level of 100 and #919 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,391/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $560,117, 13% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Corvallis?
Corvallis recorded 173 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 47% below the US rate of 328 and 44% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #292 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #136 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Corvallis Police Department. Property crime runs 2,188 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Corvallis?
The median household in Corvallis earns $65,012, 22% below the US figure of $83,163 and 24% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 24.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Corvallis?
Median rent in Corvallis is $1,391/mo (Census), #627 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,718/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Corvallis?
The typical home value in Corvallis is $560,117, up 0.3% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $502,900.
How are the public schools in Corvallis?
Corvallis's 10 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 20.4 students per teacher and $17,566 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Corvallis?
The average commute is 16.1 minutes, #100 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Corvallis?
Corvallis 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 Corvallis walkable?
Corvallis scores 14.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #100 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 Corvallis at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Benton County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
Who lives in Corvallis?
Corvallis has 59,960 residents. The median resident of Corvallis is 27.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 61.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #114 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 41.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Corvallis compare with the rest of Oregon?
Corvallis ranks #10 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 56.7 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 24% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 44% below the statewide rate. Homes are 13% above the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Corvallis?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Corvallis's population of 59,960 are Great Falls, MT (#997 overall), Owensboro, KY (#908 overall), Madison, AL (#28 overall), Revere, MA (#394 overall), and Blue Springs, MO (#348 overall). Corvallis is #600.