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Prineville

Prineville

Located in Crook County

$428,575 Average Value
$315 Average Price per Sq Ft
31 Homes For Sale

Prineville—the oldest city in Oregon

Prineville, established in 1870—making it the oldest city in Oregon—has a vibrant pioneer history still evident in the city of just over 11,000. Though homesteads once drew settlers to the area, its outdoor recreation and climate keep residents around today. “They want to be in the high desert and enjoy the 300 plus days of sunshine that we get on average every single year without the harsh winters,” says Nick Holmboe, a real estate agent with eXp Realty. “It’s a great option if you’re wanting the Central Oregon lifestyle but not really wanting to deal with cold weather.”

Prineville is Oregon's oldest city.
Prineville is Oregon's oldest city.
Residents of Prineville enjoy outdoor activities and 300 plus days of sunshine.
Residents of Prineville enjoy outdoor activities and 300 plus days of sunshine.
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Pioneer history evident in city events and downtown

Downtown Prineville captures the spirit of the city’s pioneer beginnings. Antique and thrift stores, boutiques, specialty shops and restaurants make up the historic downtown district, while the Bowman Museum preserves the stories of the region’s early settlers, housed in the old Crook County Bank building. “It has lots of brick buildings and Old Western vibes,” Holmboe says. “It’s kind of like you had gone back in time in a sense.”

Nearby Pioneer Park is the city’s oldest park and one of its main gathering spaces. It hosts events like Picnic in the Park and Western Daze, which feature local vendors and live music. Every August, the Crook County Historical Society coronates its new “Pioneer Queen,” a woman whose descendants moved to the county before 1916 and helped settle the area.

Downtown Prineville is full of a variety of shops, restaurants and boutiques.
Downtown Prineville is full of a variety of shops, restaurants and boutiques.
Prineville's Bowman Museum tells stories of the early settlers and the city's rich history.
Prineville's Bowman Museum tells stories of the early settlers and the city's rich history.
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Year-round golf and trout fishing in Prineville

Central Oregon is renowned for its natural beauty and rugged outdoors, and Prineville is no exception. Crooked River Park is the city’s largest green space, with several athletic fields, a covered amphitheater and access to its namesake river. The river flows into the lake-like Prineville Reservoir, and the surrounding state park was the first to be named an International Dark Sky Park in Oregon for its clear views of the night sky. “It’s a great place to go hang out in the summer,” Holmboe says. “My friends and I like to go up there, set up speakers and have a day party.” The Meadow Lakes Golf Course in southwestern Prineville was one of the first to receive “Golf Digest’s” National Environmental Leaders Award. “It’s open year-round, which I love,” Holmboe says.

Crooked River Park has a covered amphitheater and hosts a variety of events for residents of Prineville to enjoy.
Crooked River Park has a covered amphitheater and hosts a variety of events for residents of Prineville to enjoy.
The Crooked River meets Prineville Reservoir at the Bowman Dam.
The Crooked River meets Prineville Reservoir at the Bowman Dam.
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Homes on acreage with a lower median price

Prineville’s housing stock is a mix of old and new. Cottages and ranch-style homes from the first half of the 20th century are interspersed with new traditional homes from the 1990s and 2000s as well as newer constructions. Many homes come with acreage, while those near the Crooked River may be at an increased risk of flooding. Prineville’s median home sales price is just below $440,000—significantly less than the median prices of both nearby Redmond and Bend, which sit around $515,000 and $759,000, respectively.

Ranch-style homes are commonly found around Prineville.
Ranch-style homes are commonly found around Prineville.
A number of homes in Prineville have acreage and open land.
A number of homes in Prineville have acreage and open land.
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From timber to technology in Prineville

Once home to mining, lumber and farming industries, Prineville has more recently attracted the attention of technology industry vanguards. Facebook and Apple have both built data centers in the city, and the former was the No. 1 employer in Crook County in 2024. Les Schwab Tire Centers, which is headquartered in nearby Bend and maintains manufacturing and distribution facilities in Prineville, took third place that year. The Saint Charles Health System is the region’s largest employer, with some providers based in Prineville.

Prineville was once home to a large lumber industry.
Prineville was once home to a large lumber industry.
Prineville is the original home of Les Schwab Tire Centers, which now has its headquarters in nearby Bend, Oregon.
Prineville is the original home of Les Schwab Tire Centers, which now has its headquarters in nearby Bend, Oregon.
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Facebook helps fund STEM and technology programs

The Crook County School District serves more than 3,200 students across three elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools—one of which is alternative—one charter school and two schools that serve rural communities. The district earns an overall B-minus grade from Niche.

With Facebook’s presence in Prineville, the company has helped fund a K-12 robotics program and establish a one-to-one technology ratio across the district. Crook County High School, which also receives a B-minus, is the district’s traditional secondary school.

Pioneer Secondary Alternative High School is located in Prineville, Oregon.
Pioneer Secondary Alternative High School is located in Prineville, Oregon.

Highways connect to Redmond and Bend

United States Route 26 passes through the heart of Prineville, traveling northwest to Portland and carving through the Ochoco National Forest toward Boise. Oregon state Route 126 connects to the city of Redmond, which is a straight shot about 17 miles south to Bend. The Cascades East Transit system also maintains a route that connects Prineville to Redmond.

Falling property crime and a high desert climate

From 2020 to 2023, Prineville saw a little over a 32% decrease in property crime reports, down from 299 to 202. Over the same span, violent crime in the city trended upward by over 7%, from 181 to 194 reported cases.

Prineville has a cool, semi-arid climate, characterized by warmer days and cooler nights with little precipitation. The drier weather puts the region at an increased risk of possible wildfires.

Julia Straka
Written By
Julia Straka
Photography Contributed By
Lester Tsai
Jacob Branchaud
Video By
Jacob Branchaud

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Annie Wayland, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Prineville Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$505,122
Median Sale Price
$424,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$470,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
146
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-8%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$315

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,225
Number of Homes for Sale
31
Median Year Built
1995
Months of Supply
2.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,579
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,851
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Open Houses

  • 0 SE Thomas Rd Unit 220193322, Prineville, OR 97754

    $92,000

    • 0 SE Thomas Rd
    • Unit 220193322
    • New 11 hours ago

    Peaceful and private five acre lot with views of the Cascade Mountains and the valley below. Build your dream home or getaway cabin and enjoy the views and abundant wildlife in an area that is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Just a few miles from Prineville Reservoir. Power is conveniently located nearby for easy development. There are over 600 acres of state land directly across the road. Owner

    Agent Photo
    Traci Utterback
    Coldwell Banker Sun Country
    (458) 235-4803
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  • 1414 NW Pinecrest Dr, Prineville, OR 97754

    $685,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,012 Sq Ft
    • 1414 NW Pinecrest Dr
    • New 6 days ago

    Stunning single level home, nestled in a serene, wooded setting near Powell Butte, and less than a mile off the paved road. Boasting over 2,000 sqft, this well designed home features three generous bedrooms, a large, versatile office/den or fourth bedroom, and a light filled great room and kitchen with sweeping mountain and valley views that extend through the primary suite. The dream kitchen is

    Agent Photo
    Traci Utterback
    Coldwell Banker Sun Country
    (458) 218-8314
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  • 1502 SE Akins Dr, Prineville, OR 97754

    $250,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,421 Sq Ft
    • 1502 SE Akins Dr
    • New 8 days ago

    Escape the ordinary with this priced to sell, cash-only opportunity - an older manufactured home set on nearly 2 fully-fenced and gated acres, just minutes from town. Recent upgrades include a new roof, septic system, furnace, and appliances (all withing the last 5 years). providing peace of mind while preserving its rustic charm. A spacious detached garage/workshop offers room for hobbies,

    Agent Photo
    Traci Utterback
    Coldwell Banker Sun Country
    (458) 213-4550
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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Neighborhoods in Prineville

Property Mix - Square Feet

Prineville Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,829
Median Age
41
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$55,049
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,532

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.8%
College Graduates
19.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.4%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
11''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
8''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

31 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

31 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Prineville
Annie Wayland
Cascade Hasson SIR
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