OregonPop. 39,311Small cities
Is Grants Pass a Good Place to Live? Grants Pass, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Grants Pass ranks #1122 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #177 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.2 min, #50 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (6.5%, #180 of 184) and low graduation rates (72%, #181 of 191).
Grants Pass by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Grants Pass'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 Grants Pass?
Grants Pass's cost of living index is 97.8, 2% below the US level of 100 and #571 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,217/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $399,421, 19% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Grants Pass | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 97.8#571 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $399,421#626 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,677/mo#481 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $382,600#748 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,217/mo#455 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 24.5%#945 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Grants Pass 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. Grants Pass is in the Grants Pass, OR metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Grants Pass safe?
Grants Pass recorded 369 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 328 and 19% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #679 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #114 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grants Pass Police Department. Property crime runs 2,257 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Grants Pass | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 369#679 of 1,085 | 311 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,257#778 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Grants Pass?
The median household in Grants Pass earns $59,646, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 6.5% (US 4.3%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Grants Pass | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $59,646#1054 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 6.5%#1005 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 14.4%#822 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Grants Pass?
The median resident of Grants Pass is 40.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1185 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Grants Pass | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.8 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 19.3%#1185 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 57% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Grants Pass's schools and health?
Grants Pass's 11 public schools graduate 72% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $15,268 spent per pupil. 34.1% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Grants Pass | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 72%#1013 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 18.4#865 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $15,268#556 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 34.1%#709 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 10.5%#718 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,530 students are enrolled in Grants Pass's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Grants Pass?
The average commute in Grants Pass is 18.2 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 0.5% of workers take transit and 10% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Grants Pass scores 14.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #142 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 70.7°F and winters 42.2°F, with 31.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Grants Pass | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 18.2 min#204 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 3.9%#370 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 73.7% | 65.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.5% | 2.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.9% | 1.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10% | 17.1% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.1#142 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 47.6 | 35.3 | 5.1 |
| Feb | 53.9 | 35.6 | 4 |
| Mar | 59.6 | 36.9 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 65.4 | 39.8 | 2.3 |
| May | 74.1 | 45.7 | 1.4 |
| Jun | 81.2 | 50.5 | 0.7 |
| Jul | 90.5 | 56.3 | 0.4 |
| Aug | 90.6 | 54.9 | 0.3 |
| Sep | 83.9 | 48.3 | 0.6 |
| Oct | 69.8 | 41.1 | 2.1 |
| Nov | 53.8 | 38.5 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 45.7 | 35.1 | 6.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Grants Pass.
| Measure | Grants Pass | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 55.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 70.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 42.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 31.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Grants Pass.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Grants Pass?
Josephine County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Josephine County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Grants Pass | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 33#100 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 8#805 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.38%#1171 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Josephine County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Josephine County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Wildfire | 0.12% | 99% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.18% | 94% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.046% | 91% 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 Grants Pass compare with similar-size cities?
Grants Pass is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #177 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 39,311.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #1122 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 | 18.2 min |
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #1307 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 | 19.3 min |
| Hutchinson, KSPop. 39,709 | #1003 | 50.0 | $58,687 | $881/mo | 608 | 15.6 min |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #166 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 | 19.8 min |
| Kailua (Honolulu County), HIPop. 39,640 | #115 | 68.0 | $148,582 | $3,093/mo | no data | 29.1 min |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #95 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 | 20.8 min |
| Prattville, ALPop. 39,482 | #553 | 57.3 | $81,337 | $1,313/mo | 255 | 23.9 min |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #387 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 | 21.5 min |
| Spartanburg, SCPop. 38,910 | #1274 | 40.1 | $51,964 | $1,099/mo | 1,478 | 20.2 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 Grants Pass compare with the rest of Oregon?
Grants Pass ranks #20 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 47.5 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 30% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate. Homes are 19% 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 Grants Pass's score calculated?
Grants Pass scores 47.5 out of 100, #1122 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Grants Pass. Similar-size median 52.9.
31.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Grants Pass's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
67.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Grants Pass. Similar-size median 52.2.
44.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Grants Pass's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
38.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Grants Pass's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
68.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Grants Pass. Similar-size median 46.7.
39.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Grants Pass. Similar-size median 44.2.
29.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Grants Pass. Similar-size median 47.3.
51.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Grants Pass's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
68.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
40.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Grants Pass's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Grants Pass 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 Grants Pass
Is Grants Pass, OR a good place to live?
Grants Pass ranks #1122 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #177 of 208 small cities and #20 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.2 min, #50 of 208), and trails on high unemployment (6.5%, #180 of 184) and low graduation rates (72%, #181 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Grants Pass?
Grants Pass's cost of living index is 97.8, 2% below the US level of 100 and #571 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,217/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $399,421, 19% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Grants Pass?
Grants Pass recorded 369 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 328 and 19% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #679 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #114 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grants Pass Police Department. Property crime runs 2,257 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Grants Pass?
The median household in Grants Pass earns $59,646, 28% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 6.5% (US 4.3%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Grants Pass?
Median rent in Grants Pass is $1,217/mo (Census), #455 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,677/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Grants Pass?
The typical home value in Grants Pass is $399,421, up 0.1% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $382,600.
How are the public schools in Grants Pass?
Grants Pass's 11 public schools graduate 72% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $15,268 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Grants Pass?
The average commute is 18.2 minutes, #204 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 3.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Grants Pass?
Grants Pass averages 55.6°F over the year, 70.7°F in summer and 42.2°F in winter, with 31.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Grants Pass walkable?
Grants Pass scores 14.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #142 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 Grants Pass at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Josephine County's biggest natural hazard losses in wildfire, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Grants Pass?
Josephine County's air had a median air quality index of 33, and 68% of measured days were rated good; 8 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Grants Pass?
Grants Pass has 39,311 residents. The median resident of Grants Pass is 40.8 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 19.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1185 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Grants Pass compare with the rest of Oregon?
Grants Pass ranks #20 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 47.5 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 30% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Grants Pass?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Grants Pass's population of 39,311 are Pine Bluff, AR (#1307 overall), Hutchinson, KS (#1003 overall), Bettendorf, IA (#166 overall), Kailua (Honolulu County), HI (#115 overall), and Menomonee Falls, WI (#95 overall). Grants Pass is #1122.