Moving to Oroville, Washington

by btobers · Published July 2, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Oroville is a small city located in the Okanogan County of Washington. It has a population of approximately 2,500 people, most of whom are employed in agriculture and logging. The city is situated at the foot of the Cascade Mountains and is surrounded by rolling hills, lush green forests, and meadows. The climate is generally mild with sunny days and cool nights. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit while in winter it can dip as low as 10°F.

The history of Oroville dates back to 1811 when fur traders settled in the area. In 1883, gold was discovered near what is now known as Oroville, prompting a gold rush that lasted until 1889. After that, many settlers moved into the area to start farms and businesses which helped to shape the economy of Oroville over time.

Today, Oroville’s economy relies heavily on farming and logging but also includes tourism which brings visitors to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing and camping at nearby lakes and rivers. Additionally, Oroville offers several educational opportunities including a community college and a few private schools.

As far as landmarks go, there are several notable ones in Oroville such as the Old City Hall Building which was built in 1895 and stands today as a reminder of its past history; Lake Osoyoos which offers plenty of recreational activities; The Grand Coulee Dam which provides hydroelectric power for much of Washington State; and finally there’s Chief Joseph Dam which provides irrigation water for local farmers throughout Okanogan County.

Population: 1,653. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,599 (-3.3% change)
Males: 801 (48.5%), Females: 852 (51.5%)

Okanogan County

Zip code: 98844

Demographics

Median resident age: 38.3 years
Median household income: $22,301
Median house value: $73,900

Population by Race

Races in Oroville:

White Non-Hispanic (75.8%)
Hispanic (17.1%)
Other race (9.3%)
American Indian (6.0%)
Two or more races (3.4%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: English (13.0%), German (12.5%), Irish (12.1%), United States (8.0%), French (3.4%), Norwegian (3.0%).

Elevation: 930 feet

Land area: 1.2 square miles

Population by Education

Oroville, Washington is a small town located in the north-central part of the state. It has a population of approximately 2,000 people and is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and friendly residents. The median household income in Oroville is about $45,000 per year, which is slightly lower than the national average. Housing prices are also lower than average for the area, with an average home costing around $200,000. The cost of living in Oroville is considered to be below the national average as well.

Residents of Oroville enjoy a variety of outdoor activities available to them year-round. In summer months, locals can take advantage of fishing and boating on nearby Lake Osoyoos or enjoy some time at one of the many parks or beaches in town. In winter months, skiing and snowboarding can be found at nearby resorts such as Mt. Baldy Ski Area or White Pass Ski Area. Additionally, there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking throughout town that provide stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

The community in Oroville is close knit with many organizations and events throughout the year that bring people together to celebrate local culture. There are several festivals throughout the summer such as Art on the River or Blues & Brews that draw visitors from all over Washington State for music, food trucks, art shows and more! Additionally there are community gardens where residents can grow their own food or volunteer to help others do so as well as various clubs such as 4H or Future Farmers of America that help children learn about nature and agriculture in their area.

For population 25 years and over in Oroville

High school or higher: 63.4%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.1%
Graduate or professional degree: 2.4%
Unemployed: 12.3%
Mean travel time to work: 13.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Oroville city

Never married: 21.3%
Now married: 52.6%
Separated: 2.4%
Widowed: 8.1%
Divorced: 15.5%

12.0% Foreign born (8.7% Latin America, 2.4% North America).

Population change in the 1990s: +99 (+6.4%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Oroville:

NORTH VALLEY HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; TONASKET, WA)
MID-VALLEY HOSPITAL (about 37 miles; OMAK, WA)
FERRY COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 53 miles; REPUBLIC, WA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Oroville:

PANGBORN MEMORIAL (about 120 miles; WENATCHEE, WA; Abbreviation: EAT)
GRANT CO INTL (about 120 miles; MOSES LAKE, WA; Abbreviation: MWH)
FAIRCHILD AFB (about 154 miles; SPOKANE, WA; Abbreviation: SKA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Oroville:

DOROTHY SCOTT (about 3 miles; OROVILLE, WA; Abbreviation: 0S7)
TONASKET MUNICIPAL (about 16 miles; TONASKET, WA; Abbreviation: W01)
OMAK (about 35 miles; OMAK, WA; Abbreviation: OMK)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Oroville:

WENATCHEE VALLEY COLLEGE (about 121 miles; WENATCHEE, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,074)
CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 153 miles; ELLENSBURG, WA; Full-time enrollment: 7,420)
SPOKANE FALLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 162 miles; SPOKANE, WA; Full-time enrollment: 6,284)
EASTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 162 miles; CHENEY, WA; Full-time enrollment: 7,852)
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY (about 165 miles; SPOKANE, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,860)
SPOKANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 168 miles; SPOKANE, WA; Full-time enrollment: 5,564)
YAKIMA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 178 miles; YAKIMA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,906)

Schools

Public high school in Oroville:

OROVILLE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 358; Location: 1016 IRONWOOD; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Oroville:

OROVILLE ELEMENTARY (Students: 390; Location: 808 MAIN; Grades: PK – 06)