Hermiston-Umatilla
RANK #774 / 996 NAT · #14 / 18 OR · POP 79,904
1YR FORECAST: +0.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +17%
Umatilla County, Oregon, is defined by its agricultural heritage and the prominent presence of the Columbia River and Blue Mountains. Pendleton, the county seat, is widely recognized for the annual Pendleton Round-Up rodeo, a major cultural event. Located in northeastern Oregon, the county is roughly equidistant from larger cities like Portland, Oregon, and the Tri-Cities in Washington. Commuting within the county is generally manageable, with an average travel time of 19.1 minutes. The community offers a blend of rural charm and access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping in areas like the Umatilla National Forest and along the Umatilla River.
Life in Umatilla County often centers around its smaller towns, with Hermiston being the largest and fastest-growing city. The economy, historically rooted in farming and ranching, is diversifying. Recent years have seen significant investment in sectors such as data centers and energy, particularly wind power, contributing to job growth in areas like Greater Hermiston. Public transportation options are available, with fare-free fixed routes connecting communities and providing access to essential services and educational institutions like Blue Mountain Community College.
Above national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.4x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Data Center Campuses
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
|
$1,000M | Operating |
|
Nolin Hills Energy Project (Wind, Solar, Storage)
Capital Power
|
$600M | In Development |
|
Sabey Data Centers Umatilla Campus
Sabey Data Centers
|
$520M | Planned |
|
Wagon Trail Solar and Wheatridge East Wind Projects
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$480M | Proposed |
|
Fourmile Solar Project
1 Energy Renewables
|
$90M | Approved |
|
West End Solar Project
EE West End Solar LLC (subsidiary of Eurus Solar Holdings LLC)
|
$50M | Approved |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 22/100, Umatilla County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $70,322 combined with job growth of -1.4% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Umatilla County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $236,800 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $930/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Umatilla County's job market is contracting (-1.4% YoY) while population is roughly stable (+0.5% change). Home values are +1.9% over the past 12 months. Hiring headwinds without an offsetting exodus — residents are staying, but local employers are shedding payroll.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.38% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Umatilla County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.