Moving to Echo, Oregon

Echo, Oregon is a small city located in the northern part of the state, just east of the Cascade Mountains. Its geography is quite varied, with rolling hills and mountain ranges that provide breathtaking views. The climate in Echo is temperate, with mild temperatures year-round and occasional snowfall in the winter.

The history of Echo can be traced back to its earliest settlers who arrived in the late 1800s. They were primarily farmers and ranchers who established homesteads on nearby land. Over time, more people began to move to Echo and it eventually became a small city.

Politics in Echo are largely conservative, with most residents leaning toward Republican candidates. The economy of the city is primarily based around agriculture and tourism, as well as some light industry such as lumber mills and small manufacturing plants.

Echo has several schools for students from kindergarten through high school, including an elementary school, middle school, high school and community college. The schools have a good reputation for providing quality education in a safe environment.

The city of Echo has several landmarks that draw visitors from all over Oregon. These include the historic Pioneer Cemetery where many early settlers are buried; a large park on the banks of the Deschutes River; and an old-fashioned train station that still stands today as it did when it was first built over 100 years ago.

Population: 650. Estimated population in July 2024: 691 (+6.3% change)
Males: 324 (49.8%), Females: 326 (50.2%)

Umatilla County

Zip code: 97826

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.9 years
Median household income: $34,464
Median house value: $76,700

Population by Race

Races in Echo:

  • White Non-Hispanic (88.2%)
  • Hispanic (8.2%)
  • Other race (6.9%)
  • Two or more races (2.8%)
  • American Indian (2.0%)

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

Ancestries: German (22.9%), Irish (16.3%), United States (16.2%), English (9.7%), Scottish (4.0%), French (3.8%).

Elevation: 638 feet

Land area: 0.6 square miles

Population by Education

Echo, Oregon is a small rural town located in the northwest region of the state. It has a population of just over 1,000 people, with many of them living in small family homes scattered throughout the area. The majority of residents are Caucasian, with smaller populations of African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians making up the remaining population. The median age in Echo is 35 years old, making it a relatively young community compared to other towns in the area. Most people living in Echo are employed in either agriculture or forestry-related jobs. Farming is still a major part of life for many Echo citizens and many local businesses rely on agricultural production to stay afloat. There are also several small businesses located within the town that provide employment to local residents. The school system is small but offers adequate education opportunities for children residing in Echo. Local churches offer spiritual guidance and support to members of their congregations and provide an important social gathering place for community members. Overall, Echo is a quiet but friendly town filled with hardworking people who take pride in their community and strive to make it as best as it can be for everyone who lives there.

For population 25 years and over in Echo

  • High school or higher: 79.7%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.5%
  • Unemployed: 3.5%
  • Mean travel time to work: 17.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Echo city

  • Never married: 22.7%
  • Now married: 55.2%
  • Separated: 2.0%
  • Widowed: 6.1%
  • Divorced: 14.0%

1.7% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +149 (+29.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Echo:

  • GOOD SHEPHERD MEDICAL CENTER (about 10 miles; HERMISTON, OR)
  • EASTERN OREGON PSYCHIATRIC CENTER (about 29 miles; PENDLETON, OR)
  • ST ANTHONY HOSPITAL (about 29 miles; PENDLETON, OR)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Echo:

  • EASTERN OREGON REGIONAL AT PENDLETON (about 26 miles; PENDLETON, OR; Abbreviation: PDT)
  • TRI-CITIES (about 36 miles; PASCO, WA; Abbreviation: PSC)
  • WALLA WALLA REGIONAL (about 68 miles; WALLA WALLA, WA; Abbreviation: ALW)

Other public-use airports nearest to Echo:

  • HERMISTON MUNI (about 7 miles; HERMISTON, OR; Abbreviation: HRI)
  • VISTA FIELD (about 33 miles; KENNEWICK, WA; Abbreviation: S98)
  • RICHLAND (about 40 miles; RICHLAND, WA; Abbreviation: RLD)

Amtrak station near Echo:

  • 10 miles: HERMISTON (650 S. HWY. 395) – Bus Station

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Echo:

  • COLUMBIA BASIN COLLEGE (about 38 miles; PASCO, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,529)
  • WALLA WALLA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 64 miles; WALLA WALLA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,812)
  • EASTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY (about 83 miles; LA GRANDE, OR; Full-time enrollment: 2,192)
  • YAKIMA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 114 miles; YAKIMA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,906)
  • CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 127 miles; ELLENSBURG, WA; Full-time enrollment: 7,420)
  • WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (about 132 miles; PULLMAN, WA; Full-time enrollment: 18,110)
  • WENATCHEE VALLEY COLLEGE (about 140 miles; WENATCHEE, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,074)

Public primary/middle school in Echo:

  • ECHO SCHOOL (Students: 230; Location: 600 E GERONE ST; Grades: KG – 12)

Libraries

Library in Echo:

  • ECHO PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $34,233; Location: 20 S. BONANZA; 12,090 books; 130 audio materials; 660 video materials; 22 serial subscriptions)