Cost of Living in Mount Vernon, OR

With a cost of living index of 69, Mount Vernon, OR is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 31% cheaper than the national average and 37% below the Oregon state average of 106. Mount Vernon is a small community of 429 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mount Vernon's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $708 (46% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $132,600 (57% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Mount Vernon is $44,844, which is 40% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Mount Vernon. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.7°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 37°F. Annual rainfall totals 9.8 inches spread over roughly 98 days.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.