Union County
COUNTY SEAT: La Grande
Area (Total land acres): 1,303,641
Population (2023): 25,569
Diversity Index^: 6%
Households: 10,700
Regional Typical Annual Household Income: $61,946
POVERTY & ENERGY BURDEN
Energy Burdened* Households: 34%
Federal Poverty Level (family of three): $23,030
200% Federal Poverty Level: $46,060
Annual Energy Burden Gap**: $746
HOMES
Homes Built Before 1990: 75%
Owner-occupied Homes: 67%
Renter-occupied Homes: 33%
ENERGY
Average Annual Residential Electricity: 12,536 kWh
Average Annual Electricity Cost: $860
Average Annual Residential Natural Gas (Therms): 567
Average Annual Natural Gas Cost: $860
Electricity and Natural Gas Average Costs (percent of typical income): 3%
HOME PRIMARY HEATING
Electricity: 31%
Natural Gas: 47%
Propane: 5%
Wood: 14%
Fuel Oil: 1%
TRAVEL
Average Annual Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Per Household: 20,027
VMT Cost (fuel, maintenance, repairs): $3,091
VMT as Percent of Regional Typical Income: 5%
VMT as Percent of 200% Federal Poverty Level Income: 7%
^The Diversity Index is a measurement that describes how diverse a population is by calculating the probability that two people chosen at random will be from different race and ethnicity groups. Recognizing that data around race and ethnicity are limited and lack the nuance available in more local, culturally connected research and publications, ODOE seeks to improve these data further in future agency reports.
*An individual or family is considered energy burdened if they spend 6% or more of their income on energy costs.
** Amount needed to reduce energy costs to 6% of household income for household at 200% federal poverty level.