John Day, OR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,609
4.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,891/yr
-23.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
861
11.1% year-over-year change

John Day population

How many people live in John Day

John Day is home to 1,609 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 43.3% of John Day locals are male, and 56.7% are female.

Total population
1,609
4.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
43.3%
696
Female
56.7%
913
Value Percent YoY change
Male 696 43.3% -7.7%
Female 913 56.7% 15.7%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in John Day is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.9% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 28.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.9%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
28.5%
Over 65
20.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 256 15.9% -4.5%
15 to 24 154 9.6% -0.7%
25 to 44 407 25.3% -0.7%
45 to 64 458 28.5% 8.0%
Over 65 334 20.8% 16.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In John Day, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.4% are African American and 3.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
2.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,557 96.8% 4.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 0.3% -68.8%
Non-citizens 47 2.9% 34.3%
Racial breakdown
White
86.1%
Black or African American
0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
3.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,386 86.1%
Black or African American 6 0.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 1.1%
Asian 53 3.3%
Two or more races 146 9.1%

Households in John Day

A peek inside John Day households

John Day has 785 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.8% are families, while the remaining 50.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
785
15.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
394
Family households
391
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 394 50.2% 37.3%
Family households 391 49.8% 0.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in John Day

The housing landscape of John Day

John Day's housing consists of 861 units, with 57.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 17.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
861
11.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 498 57.8%
2 units 7 0.8%
3 or 4 units 59 6.8%
5 to 9 units 113 13.1%
20 to 49 units 33 3.8%
Mobile home 151 17.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in John Day

In John Day, the median construction year is 1959. About 15.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 137 15.9% -11.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 74 8.6% -9.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 246 28.6% 127.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 112 13% 5.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 148 17.2% -16.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 52 6% -28.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 58 6.7% 20.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 26 3% 30.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8 0.9% 33.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

John Day occupancy rates

Out of the 785 occupied housing units in John Day, 50.8% are owner-occupied, while 49.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
785
15.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
386
Owner occupied
399
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 386 49.2% 40.9%
Owner occupied 399 50.8% -1.0%
Unoccupied housing units
8.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

John Day housing costs

Housing costs in John Day come to a median of $809 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $910.

Median housing costs per month
$809/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in John Day
$910/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in John Day

John Day education at a glance

About 37.5% of the population in John Day went to high school, while 30.5% pursued college studies. Another 10.1% earned an associate degree and 14% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 34 2.7% 36.0%
High school diploma 478 37.5% -2.0%
College diploma 389 30.5% 35.1%
Associate degree 129 10.1% 0.8%
Bachelor's degree 179 14% 2.9%
Graduate degree 66 5.2% -35.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in John Day

How much people earn in John Day

The average annual household income in John Day was $74,839 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,891, reflecting a -23.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in John Day
$74,839/year
-5.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in John Day
$57,891/year
-23.7% year-over-year change

John Day income by age

In John Day, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,039. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,063 overall. Overall, 87.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,039 1.1%
45 - 64 $85,063 -2.2%
Over 65 $51,037 5.5%
Above poverty level
1,341
Below poverty level
199
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,341 87.1% 6.9%
Below poverty level 199 12.9% -6.6%

Employment in John Day

Workforce and job types in John Day

The job market in John Day is powered by 788 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 54.2% are employed by private companies, and 29.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
788
11.5% year-over-year change
White collar
628
Blue collar
160
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 628 79.7% 7.0%
Blue collar 160 20.3% 33.3%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
54.2%
Governmental workers
29.1%
Not for profit companies
9.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 56 7.1% -16.4%
Private companies 427 54.2% 13.0%
Governmental workers 229 29.1% 27.2%
Not for profit companies 76 9.6% -7.3%
Unemployment rate
6.9%
176.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in John Day stands at 6.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in John Day

How people get around in John Day

In John Day, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 643 84.5% 13.0%
Walk 43 5.6% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in John Day by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
97845 2,265 1,099 $68,036 $81,774

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FAQs about John Day demographics 

What is the total population of John Day?

John Day has a total population of 1,609 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +4.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in John Day?

The gender ratio in John Day is as follows:
  • 43.3% males (696 residents)
  • 56.7% females (913 residents)

What is the median age in John Day?

The median age in John Day is 44.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in John Day?

The age distribution in John Day is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.9% (256 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (154 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (407 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.5% (458 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.8% (334 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of John Day?

The racial and ethnic makeup of John Day is as follows:
  • White: 86.1% (1,386 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.4% (6 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 3.3% (53 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (146 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in John Day are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in John Day.

How many housing units are there in John Day?

There are 861 housing units in John Day, reflecting a +11.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in John Day and what is the average household size?

John Day has a total of 785 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in John Day?

John Day has a median household income of $57,891, representing a -23.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for John Day?

The employment rate is 93.1% in John Day, with a workforce of 788 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.7% (628 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.3% (160 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (56 residents)
  • Private companies: 54.2% (427 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 29.1% (229 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.6% (76 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025