Fossil Public RecordsOregon

As of the 2020 Census, Fossil city in Wheeler County, Oregon, had a population of approximately 447 residents. The median age was about 62 years, indicating a predominantly older population. Around 53% were male and 47% female. The racial composition was primarily White (over 92%), with smaller percentages of Native American (about 2%), Hispanic or Latino (3%), and other races making up the remainder. Fossil remains a small, close-knit, and predominantly older, White community.

Fossil City (Wheeler County), OR, features a median home value around $168,000, with approximately 70% homeownership and 30% rentals; median gross rent is about $900/month. The market is relatively stable, with property values showing slight increases of 2-3% annually. Housing mainly comprises single-family homes, with a few small apartment units. Neighborhoods are quiet and rural, with most homes on larger lots. Property taxes average roughly $1,200 per year. The area appeals to those seeking affordable, small-town living in historic and natural surroundings.

Fossil City, Wheeler County, OR, has one public school: Fossil Elementary & Wheeler High School (K-12), serving roughly 70 students. The high school graduation rate hovers around 85%. Only about 10% of adults over 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety incidents are few, with zero reported in recent years. Educational programs are limited, focusing on standard Oregon curriculum, with some online/dual credit options via regional partnerships. Test scores are close to state averages, with a 60% proficiency rate in core subjects. Adult education opportunities are minimal within the city.

Transportation in Fossil, Wheeler County, OR, is predominantly car-dependent, with approximately 90% of workers commuting by private vehicle and carpooling accounting for around 8% (U.S. Census, 2022). Public transit options are minimal to non-existent. The average one-way commute time is about 18 minutes. The city lacks extensive transportation infrastructure; roads are mainly local and state highways, with no major interstates. Vehicle ownership is high, with most households owning at least one car. Major employment hubs are local government, the school district, and small businesses within city limits, contributing to generally short and local commutes.

Fossil, Wheeler County, OR, has limited healthcare access—no hospitals are located within the city; the closest hospital is Blue Mountain Hospital in John Day, about 45 miles away. Locally, Wheeler County Health Center in Fossil provides basic medical and preventive care. The county reports a population of about 1,354, with a median age of 57; 21.5% are over 65. Primary care provider ratios are low at about 1 per 2,568 residents. Medicare/Medicaid cover approximately 46% of residents, with uninsured rates around 9%. Common health issues include hypertension, diabetes, and age-related conditions.