Cost of Living in Scotts Mills, OR

With a cost of living index of 108, Scotts Mills, OR is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 8% more expensive than the national average and in line with the Oregon state average. Scotts Mills is a small community of 376 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Scotts Mills's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,234 (6% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $422,700 (39% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 6.3x the median household income — a challenging ratio that puts homeownership out of reach for many residents.

The median household income in Scotts Mills is $67,083, which is 11% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Scotts Mills. The area sees an average annual temperature of 54.8°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 43°F. Annual rainfall totals 39.6 inches spread over roughly 166 days.

Everyday prices in the Salem, OR (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.