Prairie City Community Profile
Phone 541-820-3605 • Fax 541-820-3566
Web Page http://www.prairiecityoregon.com • E-Mail: pchall@ortelco.net
City Location
County(ies): Grant Incorporated in 1891Location: Eastern Oregon
Nearest Major Highway and Distance: Hwy 395 | 23 miles, Located on Hwy 26
Nearest Major City and Distance:
Pendleton | 140 miles, Estimated Drive Time: 2.8 hours
Distance to Portland: 279 miles
Source: Oregon Department of Transportation, State of Oregon Map; Oregon Blue Book
Recreational Amenities
In 1910 the Sumpter Valley Railroad made Prairie City their final destination from Baker City to facilitate the hauling of timber and cattle from Grant County. The Sumpter Valley Railroad Depot has been restored and preserved as the DeWitt Depot Park Museum with an adjacent R.V. Park. Nestled at the foothills of the Strawberry Mountain, Prairie City is the gateway to the beautiful Strawaberry Mountain Wilderness Area. Hiking, fishing, camping and cycling are only a few of the many activities in close proximity to Prairie City.Planning a vacation or a tour through an area of Oregon? Visit the Oregon Tourism Commission's web site at http://www.traveloregon.com/ for more information.
Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce, local convention and visitor bureau
Climate
Elevation: 3,539' Measurement Location: John DayTemperature:
Monthly Ave. Low: 21°F Monthly Ave. High: 88°F
Hottest Month: July Coldest Month: January
Driest Month: July Wettest Month: May
Average annual precipitation: 13.380"
Humidity (Hour 10, local time):
Average July afternoon humidity: 34%
Average January afternoon humidity: 77%
Source: Oregon Climate Service
Profile Topics
Climate
Population
Community Age Groups
Housing
Industries and Products
Demographic Data
5 Largest Employers
Economic Development Orgs
Education
Financial Institutions
Taxes
Business Taxes
Public Safety
Community Communications
Planning/Zoning
Water Supply
Wastewater Treatment System
Telecommunications
Natural Gas & Electrical
Transportation
Profiles Home Page
Demographics
| Population | |||||
| 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | 2006 | ||
| City of Prairie City | 1,117 | 1,080 | 1,100 | 1,100 | |
| Grant County | 7,853 | 7,935 | 7,685 | 7,630 | |
| Grant County | 4,528 sq miles | 2 | persons/sq mile | Sources: figures based on 2006 PSU population estimates; |
| Oregon Bluebook county square mileage | ||||
Community Age Groups
| 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | |
| Under 5 years | 0 | 98 | 81 | 64 |
| 5-19 years | 0 | 0 | 264 | 234 |
| 20-44 years | 0 | 0 | 143 | 291 |
| 45-64 years | 0 | 0 | 211 | 273 |
| 65+ years | 0 | 117 | 191 | 218 |
| Median Age | 0 | 0 | 35 | 42.4 |
Housing
| Total Housing Units | 1970 | 1980 | 1990 | 2000 | Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing, 2000 |
|
| City of Prairie City | 259 | 378 | 466 | 496 | $68,100 | |
| Grant County | 2,043 | 3,110 | 3,774 | 4,004 | $79,700 | |
| City of Prairie City 2000 Housing Breakout: | Also visit Housing and Community Services Web Site: |
|||||
| Vacancy Rate: | 11.09% | Median Owner Cost | http://www.hcs.state.or.us/ | |||
| Owner Occupied: | 1,324 | (mortgaged): | $640 | |||
| Renter Occupied: | 654 | Median Gross Rent: | $463 | |||
Economic Development and Employment
Grant County—Forestry, livestock, recreation and tourism
Source: Oregon Employment Department, Covered Employment and Payroll Reports, 1998
Agricultural Products of the Area (Top 3 largest gross farm sales):
Grant County—Cattle and calves, specialty products, hays and forage
Source: Oregon State University, Extension Economic Information Office
Total Number of Manufacturing Companies in the County:
| Grant County | 46 |
Total Number of Manufacturing Companies in the City: 1
Source: City Administration
Economic Indicators
| Grant County | Oregon | ||||||||
| 2001 | 2002 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | |||||
| Population | 7,800 | 7,750 | 3,421,399 | 3,471,700 | 3,504,700 | ||||
| Labor Force | 3,769 | 3,770 | 1,802,938 | 1,793,773 | 1,840,133 | ||||
| Total Employment | 1,715,453 | 1,679,914 | 1,701,390 | ||||||
| Unemployment | 387 | 378 | 87,485 | 113,859 | 138,743 | ||||
| Unemployment Rate | 10.3% | 10% | 4.9% | 6.3% | 7.5% | ||||
| Non-Farm Payroll Employment | 2,670 | 2,640 | 1,606,800 | 1,596,100 | 1,572,500 | ||||
| Total Covered Employment | 2,725 | 2,697 | 1,607,944 | 1,596,943 | 1,573,083 | ||||
| Total Covered Payroll ($ thousands county/ $ millions state) | $66,739 | $69,603 | $52,701 | $53,021 | $52,989 | ||||
| Ave. Annual Payroll Per Employee | $24,492 | $25,808 | $32,776 | $33,202 | $33,684 | ||||
| Number of Business Units | 345 | 344 | 108,432 | 111,353 | 113,097 | ||||
| Total Personal Income ($ millions) | $179,195 | $185,679 | $94,999 | $98,500 | $101,358 | ||||
| Annual Per Capita Personal Income | $ | $24,967 | $27,649 | $28,400 | 28,792 | ||||
| Assessed Value of Property ($ millions) | $0 | $420 | $198,911 | $210,435 | $219,878 | ||||
| Residential Construction Building Permits Value ($ thousands) | 0 $0 | 0 N/A | 19,877 $2,533 | 21,049 $2,985 | 22,186 $3,347 |
||||
| Travel Expenditures ($ millions) | $0 | $11,100 | $6,133 | $6,128 | $6,208 | ||||
| Travel-Related Employment | 0 | 270 | 89,800 | 91,100 | 90,200 | ||||
Preliminary Data
Sources: Oregon Employment Department; Center for Population Research & Census, PSU; U.S. Census Bureau; Bureau of Economic Analysis; Oregon Tourism Commission; Oregon Department of Revenue; Oregon Economic and Community Development Department.
5 Largest Employers, Public and Private as of December, 2001
| Employer—Product/Service | Number of Employees |
|
| Prairie Wood Products—Lumber Products | 150 | |
| U.S. Forest Service—Forestry | ||
| Blue Mountain Nursing Home—Senior and Disabled Care | ||
| Prairie City School Dist.—Education | ||
| City of Priarie City —Municipal | 7 | |
Oregon Employment Labor Market Information
This link takes you to the Oregon Employment Department, Labor Market Analysis database. County information can be obtained here. http://olmis.emp.state.or.us/—Click on Regional Information.
Local and Regional Economic Development Organizations
| City of Prairie City—http://www.grantcounty.cc/communities/prairiec/ | 541-820-3605 |
| Grant County Chamber of Commerce—http://www.grantcounty.cc/ | 541-575-0547 |
| GEODC Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corp. | 541-575-2786 |
| Grant County Economic Development Coordinator | 541-575-1555 |
| G.R.E.A.T. Grant Resource Enhancement Action Team | 541-575-1555 |
| Prairie City Community Assn. | 541-820-4369 |
| Economic & Community Development Department Regional Development Officer—http://econ.oregon.gov/ | 541-575-1050 |
Education/Workforce
Public and Private Schools K–12
Public School District:Prairie City School District 4
PO Box 345
Prairie City, OR 97869-0345
Phone: 541-820-3314
Fax: 541-820-4352
Web site: http://www.grantesd.k12.or.us/
Staff and Enrollments:
District Certified Staff: reported October 2000—18
Total District Enrollment: reported October 2001—227
Other Schools in the School District (Private, Parochial)
To see if there are private and/or parochial schools in this district please visit http://www.ode.state.or.us/pubs/directory/Source: Oregon Department of Education
Oregon Community Colleges and Public Universities
![]() | ![]() |
For a list of public and private educational institutions in Oregon visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/ed.htm.
Workforce
Oregon Economic and Community Development Department Workforce Advocate 503–986–0207, or visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/workforce.htm. Locate local workforce assistance at http://www.worksourceoregon.org/.Financial Information
Financial Institutions
Commercial Banks: 1 Savings and Loans: 1 Credit Unions: 1Source: City Administration
Taxes
Sales Tax Oregon has no general sales tax.Property Tax
Property—Who pays? Owners of real and business personal property, according to the assessed value of taxable residential, commercial, farm, industrial, utility and timber property.
County assessors use permanent rates set for all taxing districts in fiscal year 1997–98, when taxes were significantly reduced with a statewide average 17 percent cut in tax levies. Certain types of levies are outside this reduction. The tax rates cannot exceed $15 per $1,000 of real market value. For 1997–98, all property was valued by county assessors at 90 percent of the July 1, 1995, levels. For subsequent years, assessed values are limited to a 3 percent annual growth rate. Construction since July 1, 1995, is valued at the average rate of similar properties in the area. Business personal property requires annual filing. One–third payment is due by November 15. If fully paid by November 15, a 3 percent discount is allowed. Special exemptions, tax relief programs and deferrals are available. For more information contact the Grant County assessor’s office at 541–575–0107.
Tax rates are representative of the largest tax code in the city. The rates are expressed as tax liability per $1,000 of assessed property value.
| Grant County | |||
| Average Compressed Tax Rate 1997-98 | $14.85 | ||
| Average Compressed Tax Rate 1998-99 | $14.51 | ||
| Average 1999 Housing Value | $38,258 | ||
| Ave Res Property Tax Paid on Ave House 1997-98 | $0 | ||
| Ave Res Property Tax Paid on Ave House 1998-99 | $555.12 | ||
| Average School rate 1998-99 . . . . . . . . $6.85 | |||
| Average Non-School Rate 1998-99. . . . $12.01 | |||
| Average City Rate 1998-99 . . . . . . . . . $5.55 | |||
Business Taxes
Property—see above
Income—Corporations doing or authorized to do business in Oregon pay excise tax. Corporations not doing or authorized to do business, but having income from an Oregon source, pay income tax. For more information contact the Oregon Department of Revenue, 955 Center St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503–378–4988, http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Unemployment Insurance—Employers pay this. For 2002, new employers are assigned a fixed rate of 3 percent of taxable wage base. Tax rates for existing employers are based on employers' experience and range from 1 percent to 5.4 percent of taxable wage base. Taxes are paid quarterly and are due by the end of the month following the quarter. In 2002, the tax is paid on the first $25,000 of wages paid to each employee. The rate schedule in effect depends on the balance in the Trust Fund as of August 31 each year and the amount of revenue needed to maintain the balance at a level adequate to pay benefits. For more information contact the Oregon Employment Department, 875 Union St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503–947–1488, web http://www.employment.oregon.gov/.
Utilities, Railroad, Weight-mile—Who pays? All railroads and investor-owned utilities operating with the state pay an annual fee. For-hire and private motor carriers operating into, within and through the state pay weight-mile taxes. Rates—limit of .25 percent of gross operating revenues of investor-owned utilities; .25 percent charged on 2002 revenues. Limit of .35 percent on gross operating revenues of railroads; .267 percent charged in 2002 revenues. Applications, plate fees and per-mile rates dependent on declared combined weight of vehicle. For more information contact the Oregon Public Utility Commission, 550 Capitol St., NE, Suite 215, Salem, OR 97301–2551, 503–378–6611, web http://www.oregon.gov/PUC/; Oregon Department of Transportation, Rail Section, 555 13th St., NE, Salem, OR 97310–1333, 503–986–4125, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/RAIL/; Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Transport Branch, 550 Capitol St., NE, Salem, OR 97301–3871, 503–378–6699, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/.
Incentives
Oregon's Business Incentives.
Other incentives: Enterprise Zone
Miscellaneous
Motor Vehicle Licensing, Driver Licensing, Fuels—Who pays? Owners and operators of motor vehicles. Oil companies importing fuels. Truckers using Oregon highways. Fees—Registration fees, driver license fees and renewals (contact the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services division 503–945–5000, web http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/
Hunting and Fishing Licenses—contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 59, Portland, OR 97207, general information 503–872–5268, licenses/tags/permits 503–872–5275, web http://www.dfw.state.or.us/.
Amusement Device Tax—An excise tax is imposed upon every person who operates an amusement device in Oregon. An amusement device is a video lottery game terminal. More information from the Oregon Lottery Commission, 500 Airport Rd SE, Salem, 97301, web http://www.oregonlottery.org/.
Emergency Communications (9–1–1) Tax—Telephone companies providing local exchange access services in Oregon Collect this tax from their customers. The tax, which is $0.75 per line per month, is reported and paid quarterly. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Hazardous Substance Fee—Paid by possessors of nonpetroleum hazardous substance. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Petroleum Load Fee—Paid by petroleum suppliers and importers to Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Timber Severance Tax—Paid by timber owners on harvested timber’s value. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Forest Products Harvest Tax—Paid on timber cut from any land in Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Dry Cleaning Tax—Paid by operators of dry cleaning facilities. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Alcoholic Beverages—Manufacturers and/or import wholesalers of malt beverages and wines pay a privilege tax. Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of distilled spirits, malt beverages and wines pay license fees. Employees who serve alcoholic beverages pay for service permits. For more information contact the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, PO Box 22297, Portland, OR 97222, 503–872–5000 or 1–800–452–6522 (in Oregon), web http://www.oregon.gov/OLCC/.
Tobacco Products—Cigarette and tobacco products distributors are required to purchase tax stamps for cigarettes or pay a percentage of the wholesale price on other tobacco products. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Transit Payroll Tax–paid by employers in the Tri-Met (Portland area) and Lane Transit District (Eugene) for mass transit systems. Administered by the Department of Revenue, web http://www.oregon.gov/DOR/.
Many local governments in Oregon collect other taxes, such as hotel-motel taxes. Contact the city or county in which you are interested for more complete information about taxes in that area.Source: Oregon Department of Revenue, “A Summary of Taxes,” January 2002; County information–County Assessor’s Office
Community Services and Resources
Public Safety/Emergency Services
Fire Station(s) serving community: Prairie City Fire Department, 1 stationNumber of paid and volunteer firefighters: 28*
Rating by Insurance Services Organization (ISO): 8-9-10
Comments: 1996 or prior data; *number of firefighters unreported in directory-last reported numbers
Source: Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Fire Service Resource Directory 2000
Police Department: Prairie City Police Department
Number of paid and reserve officers: 2
Nearest Hospital and distance: Blue Mountain Hospital, 13 miles in John Day
Regional Hospital and distance: Blue Mountain Hospital, 13 miles in John Day
Emergency services to community: Ambulance Service & Air Life of Oregon
General Clinic(s): 0
Source: City Administration
Communications Resources
Local Newspapers: Blue Mountain EagleRegional Newspapers: East Oregonian, Oregonian
Radio Stations: KJDY AM and FM, KGNR FM
TV Stations: Blue Mountian TV Cable
Available Cable Television: Blue Mountain TV Cable
Telephone Service Provider(s): Oregon Telephone Co.
Local Internet Service Provider(s): Yes
Number of Internet Service Providers: Data unavailable at this time.
Source: City Administration
Library System
Grant County Public Library - John DaySource: City Administration
Planning Service/Regulatory
| Regulatory System | Year Acknowledged | Year Last Revised | Year of Periodic Review | Comments |
| Comprehensive Plan | 1985 | 2004 | ||
| Zoning Ordinance | 1995 | |||
| Building Permit System | ||||
| Subdivision Ordinance | ||||
| Strategic Plan | 1998 |
Territory Covered by Zoning
Municipality Yes County Yes
Source: City Administration
Industrial Lands
Does the Community seek industrial development? Yes
Access Statewide industrial lands database—http://www.oregonprospector.com/
Source: Economic and Community Development Department
Special Districts and Associations (ports, water, sewer, etc.)
Name of Special District and the Oregon Revised Statute it was created under:
Blue Mountain Hospital Dist., Grant County E.S.D., Grant County Extension Service Dist. 4-H, Grant County Transportation Dist., Grant S.W.C.D.
Special Districts Association of Oregon—727 Center St., NE Salem, OR 97301, 503–371–8667 or 800–285–5461 http://www.sdao.com/
Source: City Administration
Infrastructure/Transportation
Water Supply
Operator: City of Prairie CityDistrict: N/A
Source: Ground Water; Wells and Springs
Supply: Treated; Capacity (MGD)–0.40 ; Pressure (PSI)–100.00
Current Water Utilization on Meter Size (MGD): 0.30 MGD
Water Costs per thousand gallons: Base rate per/thousand = $14.00/mo. residential (min. charge 5,000 gallons)
Water Costs for Total Consumption of Residential: Based on 7,000 gallons = $20.18
Age of Water System: 1975
Water System Comment(s): Hook up fees: $225.00. System improvement planned for 2003.
Compliance Issues: DEQ requirement to meet safe drinking water standards.
Water debt repayment included as part of tax assessment? No
Date of Current Master Plan: 1998
Plans for Upgrading or Expanding: Construction of a sand filtration system & development of at least one additional well to augment water supply during peak demand.
Source: City Administration
Wastewater Treatment System
Operator: Prairie City Age of Wastewater Collection System: 1981District: N/A
System Design Capacity (MGD): 0.06 MGD System Utilization (MGD): 0.04 MGD
Collection System Fees: $30.00/res. unit Hook-up or Connection Fee: $200.00
Access Fee or System Development Fee: None
Comment(s) on Wastewater System: Collection and pumping updated 2002. Sewage lines throughout City in need of replacement.
Compliance Issues: Compliance issued resolved in 2002 by replacement of main lift station, addition of booster station and installation of center pivot irrigation at sewage lagoons.
Date of Last Facility Plan:
Plans for Upgrade/Expansion: Completed 2002
Storm Drain: No Storm Water Discharge Fee:
Fees or issues related to storm drains:
Source: City Administration
Utilities
Telecommunications
|
|
For Oregon Telecommunications information and resources, visit http://www.oregon4biz.com/inn.htm.
Natural Gas—Provider: None
Lines and Feed:
Rate Structure:
Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:
Electrical—Provider: Oregon Trail Electric Consumer Co-op
Lines and Feed:
Rate Structure Residential: $0.0523/kw + $8.00/month
Commercial: $0.06408/kw + power cost adjust .01424
Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:
Solid Waste Management: Prairie City
Permit Status: Active
Utility Expansion Plans: None
Utilities Source: City Administration; PGE information supplied by PGE. Note: We update utility rates periodically. Actual rates may change more often than that. For the most current rate for any carrier please consult the Public Utilities Commission web site at http://www.puc.state.or.us/commsion/default.htm Click on the Statistics 200x label (x being the most recent year).
Transportation
Highways Hwy 26 E/W route, local access Transportation Access Fee: $0| Community Air Service No | Grant County Regional Airport - No commercial service | If no local service, list closest Air Facility |
| Air Passenger Service: No | ||
| Airport Freight Service: No | Redmond, OR Pendleton, OR Boise, ID | |
| Air Service Comments: | ||
Rail Service: No
Freight Service: Passenger Service:
If no local service, list closest Rail Service: Freight Service: Baker City Passenger Service: Chemult
Marine No
Transportation issues which might confront development, such as non-attainment air shed, etc.:
Public Transportation Comment:
Bus Service Available in the Community: No People Mover - 3 times a week to Bend/John Day
Scheduled Bus Service Available: Buses Per Day:
Local Charter Services:
Distance to Nearest Bus Service: 67 miles to Baker C ity/Greyhound
Trucking Service
Scheduled Freight Carrier Services: Yes Eastern Oregon Fast Freight and UPS
Overnight Express Parcel Service Available: Yes Fedex, Roadrunner, Airborne Express, UPS, Post Office
Overnight Express Mail Service Available: Yes
Transportation Comments:
For more information relating to transportation topics please visit the Department of Transportation web site. Airports (maps and general information) http://www.tripcheck.com/About/airport.htm; Bicycle and Pedestrian Route information http://www.tripcheck.com/About/bicycle.htm; Public Transportation, bus and rail http://www.tripcheck.com/About/busrail.htm.Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce (proprietary information)









