OregonPop. 40,381Small cities
Is Lake Oswego a Good Place to Live? Lake Oswego, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lake Oswego ranks #92 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #19 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (3.4%, #8 of 208) and high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191), and trails on expensive homes ($932,200, #203 of 208) and high rents ($2,139/mo, #196 of 208).
Lake Oswego by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lake Oswego'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 Lake Oswego?
Lake Oswego'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 $2,139/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $884,631, 78% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Lake Oswego | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 105.4#958 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $884,631#1091 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,196/mo#800 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $932,200#1242 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $2,139/mo#1150 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 6.6x#1120 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.1%#257 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Lake Oswego 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. Lake Oswego is in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Lake Oswego safe?
Lake Oswego recorded 55 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% below the US rate of 328 and 82% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #36 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #11 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lake Oswego Police Department. Property crime runs 939 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lake Oswego | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 55#36 of 1,085 | 311 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 939#191 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Lake Oswego?
The median household in Lake Oswego earns $141,549, 70% above the US figure of $83,163 and 66% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lake Oswego | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $141,549#61 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 3.4%#29 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lake Oswego?
The median resident of Lake Oswego is 46.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 74.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #23 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lake Oswego | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 46.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 74.8%#23 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 69.3% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lake Oswego's schools and health?
Lake Oswego's 13 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 17 students per teacher and $17,455 spent per pupil. 29.5% of adults are obese and 9.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Lake Oswego | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 96%#29 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17#734 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $17,455#376 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 29.5%#367 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.4%#278 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 13%#66 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 3.7%#8 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,802 students are enrolled in Lake Oswego's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lake Oswego?
The average commute in Lake Oswego is 21.6 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 0.5% of workers take transit and 31.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lake Oswego scores 13.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.6°F and winters 43.1°F, with 44.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lake Oswego | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 21.6 min#474 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 1.7%#30 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 59.9% | 65.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.5% | 2.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.9% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 1.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 31.8% | 17.1% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 13.2#298 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | 48.3 | 36.7 | 6.5 |
| Feb | 52.5 | 37.5 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 58 | 39.8 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 63.5 | 43.3 | 3.8 |
| May | 70.9 | 48.4 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 76.2 | 52.9 | 1.8 |
| Jul | 83.9 | 57 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 84.1 | 57.5 | 0.6 |
| Sep | 77.9 | 52.9 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 64.9 | 46.5 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 53.4 | 40.5 | 6.7 |
| Dec | 47.3 | 36.3 | 7.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oregon City.
| Measure | Lake Oswego | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 55.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 43.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 44.8 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oregon City.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lake Oswego?
Clackamas County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clackamas County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | Lake Oswego | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 31#77 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#779 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Clackamas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Clackamas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.069% | 94% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.003% | 62% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 40% 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 Lake Oswego compare with similar-size cities?
Lake Oswego is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #19 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 40,381.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #92 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 | 21.6 min |
| Rexburg, IDPop. 40,543 | #703 | 54.9 | $50,617 | $1,004/mo | 49 | 15.2 min |
| Waipahu, HIPop. 40,482 | #472 | 58.6 | $103,895 | $1,658/mo | no data | 32.5 min |
| Florence, SCPop. 40,408 | #1178 | 45.8 | $56,143 | $992/mo | 627 | 18.7 min |
| Cape Girardeau, MOPop. 40,344 | #1034 | 49.4 | $55,658 | $876/mo | 467 | 15.9 min |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #152 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 | 21.7 min |
| Hobbs, NMPop. 40,252 | #1077 | 48.4 | $64,021 | $1,112/mo | 709 | 23.8 min |
| Owasso, OKPop. 40,151 | #360 | 60.8 | $79,036 | $1,270/mo | 123 | 21.7 min |
| West Fargo, NDPop. 40,094 | #73 | 69.3 | $90,665 | $1,111/mo | 185 | 17.3 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 Lake Oswego compare with the rest of Oregon?
Lake Oswego ranks #2 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 68.7 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 66% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 82% below the statewide rate. Homes are 78% 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 Lake Oswego's score calculated?
Lake Oswego scores 68.7 out of 100, #92 of 1,312 (grade A+, 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 Lake Oswego. Similar-size median 52.9.
76.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lake Oswego's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
96.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lake Oswego. Similar-size median 52.2.
72.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lake Oswego's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
69.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lake Oswego's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
30.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lake Oswego. Similar-size median 46.7.
95.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lake Oswego. Similar-size median 44.2.
32.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lake Oswego. Similar-size median 47.3.
65.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lake Oswego's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
64.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
59.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lake Oswego's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lake Oswego 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 Lake Oswego
Is Lake Oswego, OR a good place to live?
Lake Oswego ranks #92 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #19 of 208 small cities and #2 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (3.4%, #8 of 208) and high graduation rates (96%, #9 of 191), and trails on expensive homes ($932,200, #203 of 208) and high rents ($2,139/mo, #196 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Lake Oswego?
Lake Oswego'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 $2,139/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $884,631, 78% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Lake Oswego?
Lake Oswego recorded 55 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 83% below the US rate of 328 and 82% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #36 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #11 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lake Oswego Police Department. Property crime runs 939 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lake Oswego?
The median household in Lake Oswego earns $141,549, 70% above the US figure of $83,163 and 66% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lake Oswego?
Median rent in Lake Oswego is $2,139/mo (Census), #1150 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,196/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lake Oswego?
The typical home value in Lake Oswego is $884,631, up 1.4% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $932,200.
How are the public schools in Lake Oswego?
Lake Oswego's 13 public schools graduate 96% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 17 students per teacher and $17,455 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lake Oswego?
The average commute is 21.6 minutes, #474 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 1.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lake Oswego?
Lake Oswego averages 55.4°F over the year, 68.6°F in summer and 43.1°F in winter, with 44.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lake Oswego walkable?
Lake Oswego scores 13.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #298 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 Lake Oswego at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clackamas County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 58% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lake Oswego?
Clackamas County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Lake Oswego?
Lake Oswego has 40,381 residents. The median resident of Lake Oswego is 46.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 74.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #23 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 69.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lake Oswego compare with the rest of Oregon?
Lake Oswego ranks #2 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 68.7 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 66% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 82% below the statewide rate. Homes are 78% above the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Lake Oswego?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lake Oswego's population of 40,381 are Rexburg, ID (#703 overall), Waipahu, HI (#472 overall), Florence, SC (#1178 overall), Cape Girardeau, MO (#1034 overall), and New Berlin, WI (#152 overall). Lake Oswego is #92.