Fast facts about Sisters

Population: Officially 1,745 as of July 2006, certified Portland State University study. About 10,000 people call the surrounding area home.

Elevation: 3,200 ft.

Climate: Hottest month is July (avg. temp. 84.3/42.1); coldest month is December (40.8/20.1). Driest month is July; wettest month is January. Average annual precipitation 14.18 inches (Source: Oregon Climate Service/Oregon Economic & Community Development). Average snowfall is 32 inches.

Employers: There are 461 licensed businesses in Sisters, ranging from retail to light industrial to professional services. Black Butte Ranch is the largest private sector employer with 350 on staff at the height of the summer
season. Ray’s Food Place employees approximately 80 staff. Metabolic Maintenance Products, a nutraceutical manufacturer, employs 28-32 personnel.

New facilities: Sisters City Hall, 520 E. Cascade Ave. 9,000 square feet; opened January 2007. Downtown wi-fi net- work. Free but time-limited wireless Internet access for travelers and residents in downtown core, including parks. Operational April 2007; provided by Community Broadband/OutlawNet.

Homes: Average home price in 2006: $514,249 — up 14.29 percent over 2005. Median home price in 2006: $460,000 — up 16.68 percent over 2005. (Source: Central Oregon Association of Realtors). Building: There were approximately 120 permits for new construction issued by the City of Sisters in 2006. The city has approved several subdivisions within the city limits that will add more than 500 homes in coming years.