Cost of Living in Philomath, OR

Population 5,537 · Oregon · Data vintage 2023

117
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Philomath a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $376,000.

Philomath is about 30 miles southwest of Salem, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Salem's $382,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 123
Rent 108

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Philomath

The median home value in Philomath is $375,600 — 23% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,415/month, 8% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,373/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Oregon's top state income tax rate is 9.9% and the combined sales tax is 0.0%. The climate averages highs of 62.9°F and lows of 41.5°F. Overall, Philomath has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$375,600
23% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$197,685
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,415/mo
8% above avg
Zillow Rent
$1,853/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
22.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$903
1 BR
$1,003
2 BR
$1,252
3 BR
$1,754
4 BR
$2,023
Owner-occupied 66.4%
Renter-occupied 33.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,415
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,029/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
26.4 min
2% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.3%
Carpooled
9.4%
Walked
2.9%
Bicycle
3.4%
Work from home
11.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 9.9%
Total Sales Tax 0.0%
State rate 0.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$83,373
12% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,921
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
36% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Labor Force Participation
73.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.8%
Graduate degree 20.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.5
Male median age 31.4
Female median age 39.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
62.9°F
Avg Low
41.5°F
Annual Precip
41.5"
30° 45° 60° 75° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 475155606773828277645246
Low °F 343537394347515147423734
Precip" 6.245.184.583.302.091.000.270.291.293.136.127.98

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
17.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
1,656
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Philomath, OR?

Philomath has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.

What is average rent in Philomath, OR?

The median gross rent in Philomath is $1,415 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Philomath?

The median home value in Philomath is $375,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Philomath?

The median household income in Philomath is $83,373 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Philomath, OR?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Philomath is 0.0%. The Oregon state income tax top rate is 9.9%.

Is Philomath, OR affordable?

Philomath is above average in cost of living, with an index of 117 — about 17% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Philomath?

Philomath has average high temperatures of 62.9°F and average lows of 41.5°F. Annual precipitation is 41.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Philomath at a Glance

Population
5,537
Median Income
$83,373
Home Value
$375,600
Median Rent
$1,415/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
62.9°F
Sales Tax
0.0%
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🗺️ County data for Oregon

Explore county-level cost of living data

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