OregonPop. 112,378Mid-size cities
Is Gresham a Good Place to Live? Gresham, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Gresham ranks #882 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (78.9%, #180 of 205) and high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
Gresham by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Gresham's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Gresham?
Gresham's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,586/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $464,687, 6% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Gresham | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 105.4#958 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $464,687#756 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,617/mo#436 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $458,700#904 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,586/mo#777 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.9x#1024 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.5%#945 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Gresham housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Gresham is in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Gresham safe?
Gresham recorded 362 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% above the US rate of 328 and 16% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #665 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #126 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gresham Police Department. Property crime runs 2,340 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Gresham | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 362#665 of 1,085 | 311 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,340#809 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Gresham?
The median household in Gresham earns $77,795, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Gresham | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $77,795#656 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13%#734 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Gresham?
The median resident of Gresham is 37 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1052 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Gresham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 37 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 23.3%#1052 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 55.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Gresham's schools and health?
Gresham's 19 public schools graduate 78.9% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 20.4 students per teacher and $15,484 spent per pupil. 31.2% of adults are obese and 11.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Gresham | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 78.9%#911 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.4#955 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,484#518 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 31.2%#472 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 11.3%#676 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.4%#1210 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 11%#780 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 10,237 students are enrolled in Gresham's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Gresham?
The average commute in Gresham is 26 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 3.7% of workers take transit and 13% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Gresham scores 14 of 20 (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 67.4°F and winters 42.7°F, with 40.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Gresham | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26 min#859 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.2%#852 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 67% | 65.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.7% | 2.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.7% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 1.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13% | 17.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 14#162 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 46.7 | 37.3 | 5 |
| Feb | 51 | 37.7 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 56.7 | 40 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 61.7 | 43.2 | 3.6 |
| May | 68.9 | 48.9 | 2.9 |
| Jun | 74 | 53 | 2.1 |
| Jul | 81.6 | 56.8 | 0.6 |
| Aug | 82.3 | 56.9 | 0.6 |
| Sep | 76.4 | 52.4 | 1.8 |
| Oct | 64.1 | 46.4 | 4 |
| Nov | 52.6 | 41.6 | 5.8 |
| Dec | 46 | 37.2 | 6.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland Troutdale Airport.
| Measure | Gresham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 54.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 67.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 42.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 40.7 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland Troutdale Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Gresham?
Multnomah County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Multnomah County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
| Measure | Gresham | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 37#190 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.17%#804 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Multnomah County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Multnomah County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.1% | 97% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.05% | 11% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Gresham compare with similar-size cities?
Gresham is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #158 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 112,378.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #882 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 | 26 min |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #1291 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 | 20.3 min |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #988 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 | 32.1 min |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #1201 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 | 18.9 min |
| Peoria, ILPop. 112,169 | #1153 | 46.5 | $59,410 | $1,005/mo | 1,256 | 17.9 min |
| Murrieta, CAPop. 112,064 | #642 | 55.9 | $114,081 | $2,388/mo | 186 | 37.4 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 min |
| Pueblo, COPop. 111,561 | #1247 | 42.6 | $56,664 | $1,082/mo | 1,177 | 19.4 min |
| Tuscaloosa, ALPop. 111,038 | #1082 | 48.3 | $51,464 | $1,055/mo | 480 | 19.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Gresham compare with the rest of Oregon?
Gresham ranks #15 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 52 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 9% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Oregon home.
| City | Rank in OR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #1 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #2 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #3 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #4 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #5 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #6 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #7 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #8 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #9 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #10 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #11 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #12 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #13 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #14 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #15 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #16 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #17 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #18 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #19 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 |
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #20 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 |
All 20 Oregon cities we track, by overall score. Oregon statewide: median income $85,220, violent crime 311.2 per 100,000.
How is Gresham's score calculated?
Gresham scores 52 out of 100, #882 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Oregon's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Gresham. Similar-size median 52.9.
46.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Gresham's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
66.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Gresham. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Gresham's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
41.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Gresham's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
56.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Gresham. Similar-size median 51.2.
50.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Gresham. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Gresham. Similar-size median 50.1.
51.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Gresham's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
68.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
52.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Gresham's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Gresham has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Gresham
Is Gresham, OR a good place to live?
Gresham ranks #882 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #158 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on low graduation rates (78.9%, #180 of 205) and high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Gresham?
Gresham's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,586/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $464,687, 6% below the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Gresham?
Gresham recorded 362 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 10% above the US rate of 328 and 16% above Oregon's 311. That ranks #665 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #126 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Gresham Police Department. Property crime runs 2,340 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Gresham?
The median household in Gresham earns $77,795, 6% below the US figure of $83,163 and 9% below Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Gresham?
Median rent in Gresham is $1,586/mo (Census), #777 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,617/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Gresham?
The typical home value in Gresham is $464,687, down 0.5% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $458,700.
How are the public schools in Gresham?
Gresham's 19 public schools graduate 78.9% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 20.4 students per teacher and $15,484 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Gresham?
The average commute is 26 minutes, #859 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 7.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Gresham?
Gresham averages 54.7°F over the year, 67.4°F in summer and 42.7°F in winter, with 40.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Gresham walkable?
Gresham scores 14 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #162 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Gresham at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Multnomah County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 62% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Gresham?
Multnomah County's air had a median air quality index of 37, and 78% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Gresham?
Gresham has 112,378 residents. The median resident of Gresham is 37 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 23.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1052 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Gresham compare with the rest of Oregon?
Gresham ranks #15 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 52 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 9% below the Oregon median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% below the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Gresham?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Gresham's population of 112,378 are Beaumont, TX (#1291 overall), Miami Gardens, FL (#988 overall), Lansing, MI (#1201 overall), Peoria, IL (#1153 overall), and Murrieta, CA (#642 overall). Gresham is #882.