Performance
Score Breakdown
Wells
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wells is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
40% lower compared to Grants Pass.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wells's average rent is
60% lower than Grants Pass's.
| Metric | Wells | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $580 | $1,450 | -60% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $400 | -55% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $1,530 | $2,570 | -40% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wells offers 1% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wells delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wells is estimated at
$55,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Wells | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,708 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $107,454 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Wells | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
9,500 minutes (158 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Wells scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Grants Pass leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wells | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 37 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 36.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Walkability | 36.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Wells is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wells has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Wells | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,352 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 36.7 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 5.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Wells
Advantages
Wells offers a cost of living that is 7% lower than the Nevada average and 4% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 18% lower than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Wells is 0.9 per 1,000 residents, which is 75% below the national average.
The median household income in Wells saw a significant increase of 41.5% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $107,454.
Wells is considered a buyer's market, indicating a favorable environment for those looking to purchase a home.
The town provides a sparse suburban feel with a strong sense of community, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Public transit is not widely available, and the city has low walkability and transit scores, making car ownership essential.
The poverty rate in Wells is 21.3%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
Specific data on the number of hospitals and comprehensive healthcare services in Wells is limited, potentially requiring travel to larger cities for specialized care.
While home prices have seen increases, some reports indicate a recent decrease in median property value.
The town's economy is concentrated in a few key industries, which could lead to vulnerability to sector-specific downturns.
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Wells
#25Nevada, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$580
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
37 min
Transit Score
36.0/10
Walkability
36.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Grants Pass
#81Oregon, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
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