Performance
Score Breakdown
Keene
Grants Pass
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Keene is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
11% lower compared to Grants Pass.
| Metric | Keene | Grants Pass | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,550 | $1,450 | +7% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $200 | $400 | -50% |
| Transport | $50 | $120 | -58% |
| Healthcare | $95 | $150 | -37% |
| Monthly Total | $2,295 | $2,570 | -11% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 112 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Grants Pass offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Keene delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Keene is estimated at
$65,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
| Metric | Keene | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,960 | $64,331 |
| Salary Needed | $65,000 | $58,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 71,067 idx | 57,438 idx |
| Household Income | $78,445 | $59,646 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Keene | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 74.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Grants Pass has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Keene.
Keene scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Keene leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Keene | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 18 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 27.0/10 |
| Walkability | 47.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Grants Pass is the larger city
— approximately 0.6x the population of Keene.
From a growth perspective, Grants Pass is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Keene has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Keene | Grants Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,036 | 40,051 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.07% | 0.90% |
| Median Age | 37.6 | 40.8 |
| Unemployment | 2.60% | 5.60% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Keene
Advantages
Strong community feel and access to nature, including proximity to Mount Monadnock.
Lower cost of living compared to the national average and major New England cities.
Low violent crime rates, contributing to a high sense of safety and security.
Well-preserved historic downtown with a vibrant arts and cultural scene.
Access to higher education institutions like Keene State College and Antioch University New England.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is moderate to high, with limited public transportation options.
Job market growth may be moderate compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Winters can be harsh with significant snowfall.
Median household income is below the national average.
Some residents note challenges with property crime and addiction issues.
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.
Keene
#27New Hampshire, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,550
Avg Salary
$63,960
Cost Index
90
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
47.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.07%
Unemployment
2.60%
Livability
75
Business
65
Grants Pass
#86Oregon, 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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