OregonPop. 108,231Mid-size cities
Is Hillsboro a Good Place to Live? Hillsboro, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Hillsboro ranks #349 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #48 of 256 mid-size cities and #4 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.2%, #35 of 241) and high household income ($106,409, #47 of 256), and trails on high rents ($1,978/mo, #194 of 256).
Hillsboro by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro?
Hillsboro'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 $1,978/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $512,474, 3% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Hillsboro | 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 | $512,474#837 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 | $1,944/mo#674 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $521,100#1005 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,978/mo#1084 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.9x#823 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22.3%#711 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.
Hillsboro 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. Hillsboro is in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Hillsboro safe?
Hillsboro recorded 288 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 7% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #540 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #95 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hillsboro Police Department. Property crime runs 1,980 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Hillsboro | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 288#540 of 1,085 | 311 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,980#705 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 Hillsboro?
The median household in Hillsboro earns $106,409, 28% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Hillsboro | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $106,409#272 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 8.5%#366 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +1.2%#198 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 Hillsboro?
The median resident of Hillsboro is 35 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 42.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #407 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Hillsboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 42.3%#407 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50.2% | 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 Hillsboro's schools and health?
Hillsboro's 26 public schools graduate 88.3% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $16,693 spent per pupil. 32.9% of adults are obese and 9.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Hillsboro | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 88.3%#508 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 19.4#916 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,693#433 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 32.9%#604 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.1%#231 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.5%#589 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. 15,810 students are enrolled in Hillsboro's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Hillsboro?
The average commute in Hillsboro is 22.9 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 4.3% of workers take transit and 22% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Hillsboro scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 65.1°F and winters 40.8°F, with 35.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Hillsboro | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.9 min#586 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.4%#761 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 60.7% | 65.2% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 4.3% | 2.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 1.3% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 22% | 17.1% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.5#243 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 | 47.3 | 33.6 | 5.3 |
| Feb | 51 | 33.5 | 4 |
| Mar | 55.9 | 36.5 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 60.9 | 39.2 | 2.6 |
| May | 68.7 | 44.7 | 2 |
| Jun | 73.5 | 48.6 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 82.1 | 52.2 | 0.4 |
| Aug | 82.4 | 51.8 | 0.5 |
| Sep | 76.4 | 47.5 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 63.7 | 40.9 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 52.6 | 36.5 | 5.4 |
| Dec | 46.2 | 33.3 | 6.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Portland-Hillsboro Airport.
| Measure | Hillsboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 52.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 65.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 40.8°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 35.9 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-Hillsboro Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Hillsboro?
Washington County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
| Measure | Hillsboro | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 36#161 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% | 0.16%#736 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 Washington County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Washington County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.078% | 95% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 31% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 23% 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 Hillsboro compare with similar-size cities?
Hillsboro is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #48 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 108,231.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #349 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 | 22.9 min |
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | #769 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 | 20 min |
| Concord, NCPop. 108,719 | #354 | 60.8 | $86,921 | $1,451/mo | 117 | 26.9 min |
| Rio Rancho, NMPop. 108,515 | #423 | 59.6 | $89,596 | $1,514/mo | 322 | 29.7 min |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #906 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year | 28.8 min |
| Centennial, COPop. 108,201 | #165 | 65.5 | $131,928 | $2,148/mo | 192 | 25.9 min |
| Goodyear, AZPop. 107,645 | #392 | 60.2 | $103,319 | $1,956/mo | 236 | 29.6 min |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #706 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 | 21.7 min |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #108 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 | 25.8 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 Hillsboro compare with the rest of Oregon?
Hillsboro ranks #4 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 60.9 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 25% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above 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 Hillsboro's score calculated?
Hillsboro scores 60.9 out of 100, #349 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Hillsboro. Similar-size median 52.9.
60.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Hillsboro's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
74.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Hillsboro. Similar-size median 53.8.
59.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Hillsboro's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
55.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Hillsboro's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
48.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Hillsboro. Similar-size median 51.2.
70.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Hillsboro. Similar-size median 42.1.
49.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Hillsboro. Similar-size median 50.1.
64.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Hillsboro's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
65.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
56.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Hillsboro'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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
Is Hillsboro, OR a good place to live?
Hillsboro ranks #349 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #48 of 256 mid-size cities and #4 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.2%, #35 of 241) and high household income ($106,409, #47 of 256), and trails on high rents ($1,978/mo, #194 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro'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 $1,978/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $512,474, 3% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro recorded 288 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 12% below the US rate of 328 and 7% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #540 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #95 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Hillsboro Police Department. Property crime runs 1,980 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Hillsboro?
The median household in Hillsboro earns $106,409, 28% above the US figure of $83,163 and 25% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.3%). 8.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Hillsboro?
Median rent in Hillsboro is $1,978/mo (Census), #1084 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,944/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Hillsboro?
The typical home value in Hillsboro is $512,474, down 2.6% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $521,100.
How are the public schools in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro's 26 public schools graduate 88.3% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $16,693 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Hillsboro?
The average commute is 22.9 minutes, #586 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 6.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro averages 52.5°F over the year, 65.1°F in summer and 40.8°F in winter, with 35.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Hillsboro walkable?
Hillsboro scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 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 Hillsboro at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Washington County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 54% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Hillsboro?
Washington County's air had a median air quality index of 36, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro has 108,231 residents. The median resident of Hillsboro is 35 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 42.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #407 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Hillsboro compare with the rest of Oregon?
Hillsboro ranks #4 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 60.9 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 25% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 3% above the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Hillsboro?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Hillsboro's population of 108,231 are Tyler, TX (#769 overall), Concord, NC (#354 overall), Rio Rancho, NM (#423 overall), Davie, FL (#906 overall), and Centennial, CO (#165 overall). Hillsboro is #349.