RentData

Average Rent in Malheur County, OR↓ Rents falling 6.2% YoY🔻 Cheapest in OR

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 31,701

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Malheur County, OR has rental prices ranging from $711/month to $1,695/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $931/month — 33% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $49,902/year, spending $931/month on a 1-bedroom represents 22% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Malheur County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,014/month, Malheur County ranks #33 most expensive of the 33 cities tracked in Oregon — more affordable than 63% of all US cities in our data.

The Malheur County Rental Market

The Malheur County, OR area has a population of about 31,701 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Malheur County, OR have fallen by $67/month (6.2%) over the past year, from $1,081 to $1,014. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Malheur County, OR without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $37,240. The local median household income of $49,902 exceeds that threshold by $12,662, making Malheur County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Malheur County, OR has an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 0.3 percentage points below the national average of 3.9%. Strong employment conditions typically sustain rental demand, as workers relocate to the area and local residents maintain stable housing.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$711
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$931
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,014
↓6.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,404
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,695
Expensive
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Is Malheur County, OR Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$40,560/year
Local median income: $49,902
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,014/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in ORlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Portland$1,527$1,633$1,878$2,550—
Salem$1,285$1,294$1,692$2,341—
Eugene$1,157$1,182$1,546$2,141—
Bend$1,438$1,447$1,893$2,621—
Medford$1,076$1,243$1,539$2,131—
Albany$1,202$1,413$1,726$2,380—

Rent or Buy in Malheur County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Malheur County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,014/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,014/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Malheur County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Malheur County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Malheur County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in OR

See how Malheur County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Malheur County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋OR Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections