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Umatilla

Umatilla

Located in Umatilla County

$300,940 Average Value
$224 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Umatilla is a gateway to the Columbia River and Washington State

Umatilla is a growing town within the county that shares its name. The town is located on the banks of the Columbia River, which forms a boundary between Oregon and Washington State. KC Furstenberg, a broker with The Kenmore Team, says locals like her call Umatilla "Little Phoenix" for its semiarid climate with tumbleweeds, reminding them of the Arizona city. Still, life here wraps around water. Boat launches, marinas and wildlife areas serve as gateways to the river, and many homes come with river views. Once a part of the Oregon Trail route and Lewis and Clark's journey across the Pacific Northwest, the area is steeped in American history and growing into a new chapter. Residential construction is booming in Umatilla due to its proximity to the Tri-Cities of Washington State: Kennewick, Pasco and Richland. Umatilla County also started taking off after Amazon began establishing data centers there around 2010.

New construction, vintage homes and country properties for hobby farms

Umatilla has tons of new construction featuring one- and two-story traditional-style homes, many with farmhouse touches such as shiplap paneling. The McClannahan Summit subdivision is one of the newest communities. It’s being built on a bluff on Umatilla’s western side, with premium lots offering 180-degree views of the Columbia River. Umatilla’s oldest homes are small cottages close to the town center. Ranch-style homes and split-levels from the 1960s and ’70s also have a foothold here. Lots range from "tiny," in Furstenberg’s words, to acres on the outskirts of town, fit for hobby farming. Prices range from around $150,000 to $575,000, with newer homes and those on acres pricing higher than smaller, older homes closer to the highway. "We have only seen [prices] go up, especially in new construction," Furstenberg says, adding that there is high demand.

Diverse recreation, much of it surrounding the water

The town has 11 parks, some on the Columbia River. Nugent Park Boat Ramp has a small Little League field, playground and picnic shelter and serves as a launch point for boaters. Umatilla Marina RV Park has nearly 100 boat slips, campsites and a day-use area where people fish and picnic. Locals can find a spot to lounge on the sand and swim from the shore at McNary Beach Recreation Area. The recreation area is also an access point to the Lewis and Clark Commemorative Trail, where hikers retrace the footsteps of the explorers. Umatilla also has a public golf course, a driving range and a disc golf course. Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge’s 23,000 acres of islands, shores and upland are less than 10 miles away. The refuge is popular with anglers and bird-watchers and has specific hunting hours.

Places to eat in town, shopping in Hermiston and Kennewick

Most of Umatilla’s restaurants cluster along Sixth and Willamette streets. Doñitas Tacos is a favorite for quesadillas, tortas and tacos. The Bridge Bistro & Brews is a go-to for craft beer, custom burgers and pizza, and even has some vegan options. Rae’s Dayz Diner and Cakery serves comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A giant metal cowboy statue stands outside Columbia Harvest Foods grocery store. Hermiston, a bigger city less than 7 miles away, has chain stores such as Walmart and Grocery Outlet. Furstenberg says for a mall, locals head to Columbia Center in Kennewick, around 30 miles away.

Popular festivals locals look forward to

The community hosts several premier events during the year. Umatilla Landing Days, in June, includes fireworks, kids’ amusement rides and parades, among other entertainment. In September, Rock the Locks Music Festival allows on-site camping and is designed for all ages.

Public education begins at McNary Heights Elementary School

Students attend the Umatilla School District. McNary Heights Elementary School and Clara Brownell Middle School earn C-minus ratings on Niche, and Umatilla High School scores a C-plus rating. The district’s Perfect Attendance Spells Success program celebrates students who consistently attend classes. In 2025, a group of sixth graders earned new bikes and helmets.

Highways to Washington State and a Greyhound to Portland

Highway 82 runs through Umatilla and crosses the Columbia River to Washington State. U.S. Route 730 travels east to U.S. Route 12 in the neighboring state. Paratransit options are available, albeit limited. Greyhound provides connections to Hermiston, the Tri-Cities and Portland, which is around 180 miles away.

Earthquakes, brush fires and floods

A magnitude 2.0 earthquake was reported near Umatilla in 2025, and a brush fire broke out that same year in nearby Hermiston, destroying several school buses and prompting evacuations. The last major flood to occur in Umatilla was in 2020, when heavy rain and rapid snowmelt overloaded the Umatilla River.

Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Shannon Hartley, 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

Umatilla Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$298,190
Median Sale Price
$299,680
Median Single Family Sale Price
$323,082
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$209,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
112
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-3%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$224

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,503
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Median Year Built
1997
Months of Supply
0.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,403
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,741
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
925
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
806
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Open Houses

  • 230 Dark Canyon Ave, Umatilla, OR 97882

    $265,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,032 Sq Ft
    • 230 Dark Canyon Ave
    • New 10 days ago

    Perfect home for down-sizing or first time home buyer. This 3 bed 2 bath home has been meticulously maintained. 1 owner home with fenced yard, TUGS, 2 car garage. Step inside you are greeted with an open floor plan, beautifully updated bathrooms and new hot water heater. Call your agent today for a viewing.

    Agent Photo
    Heidi Carver
    Stellar Realty Northwest
    (458) 203-7319
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  • 3025 Blue Jay St, Umatilla, OR 97882

    $276,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,152 Sq Ft
    • 3025 Blue Jay St
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to this beautifully maintained, 3-bedroom, 2 bathroom move-in ready home featuring a spacious open concept layout and vaulted ceilings. The kitchen comes fully equipped—with all appliances included!Enjoy a peaceful backyard with a patio perfect for morning coffee, and a lush front yard with a sprinkler system for easy maintenance. Comfortable, low-maintenance living—all on one level.

    Agent Photo
    Shirley Brown
    Windermere Group One Hermiston
    (458) 214-3809
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  • 133 John Day St, Umatilla, OR 97882

    $304,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,602 Sq Ft
    • 133 John Day St
    • New 3 days ago

    Charming 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath Starter HomeThis home features a spacious split-bedroom layout, with the primary suite privately located on one side and guest rooms on the other. Enjoy a large yard perfect for outdoor activities, and a garage conversion that can easily be returned to its original use. All appliances stay, making your move-in seamless. A wonderful opportunity to create your ideal home.

    Debbi Schmoe John L Scott Hermiston

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Umatilla Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,168
Median Age
37
Population under 18
25.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.2%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,737
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$70,009

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
80.2%
College Graduates
14.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.2%
% Population in Labor Force
52.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
9''
Average Winter Low Temperature
28°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
7''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

25 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

0 / 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.
Umatilla
Shannon Hartley
Hearthstone Real Estate
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