Is Tualatin Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tualatin

Tualatin, Oregon, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and accessible urban amenities, making it an attractive location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled within the Portland metropolitan area, this Washington County city provides a distinct community feel while maintaining proximity to the larger city’s cultural and economic opportunities. Residents often appreciate the town’s green spaces, family-friendly atmosphere, and a generally lower pace of life compared to major metropolises.

The city’s strategic location along the Tualatin River contributes to its scenic appeal and provides recreational avenues. With a population that has seen steady growth, Tualatin has managed to retain its community character while evolving to meet the needs of its expanding resident base. This introduction aims to provide a comprehensive overview for individuals considering a move to Tualatin, covering essential aspects of life in this Oregon city.

Is it Safe to Live in Tualatin?

Tualatin presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that warrant consideration. The city’s overall crime rate is reported to be higher than the national average, with a total crime rate that is 34% higher per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). This translates to an average of 2.12 daily crimes within the city, encompassing both violent and property-related offenses.

However, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood. While some reports indicate a crime rate of 28 per one thousand residents, making it appear higher than many communities of similar size (according to NeighborhoodScout), other analyses suggest Tualatin’s violent crime rate is actually lower than the national average. For instance, Tualatin experiences 60 reported violent crimes, which is 220 per 100,000 individuals, a figure 38.6% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crimes, on the other hand, are more prevalent, with Tualatin recording 714 property crimes, amounting to 2623 per 100,000 residents, a rate 49% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes).

Violent Crime Statistics

When examining violent crime specifically, Tualatin’s statistics show a more favorable picture compared to national trends. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Tualatin is reported as 1 in 467, or a rate of 2 per one thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). These figures are lower than the Oregon state average of 1 in 302 for violent crime (according to NeighborhoodScout).

Further data indicates that assault, murder, rape, and robbery rates in Tualatin are all below national averages (according to Niche). Specifically, the assault rate is 139.6 compared to the national average of 282.7, murder is 0 compared to the national average of 6.1, rape is 36.7 compared to the national average of 40.7, and robbery is 44.1 compared to the national average of 135.5 (according to Niche).

Property Crime Overview

Property crime presents a different scenario in Tualatin, with rates exceeding national averages. Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime in Tualatin is 1 in 39, which equates to a rate of 25 per one thousand population (according to NeighborhoodScout). This is significantly higher than the national average.

Tualatin recorded 714 property crimes, which is 2623 per 100,000 residents, a rate 49% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). These property crimes include incidents such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. While the overall crime rate may be higher than the national average, the specific rates for violent crimes are lower, suggesting that the majority of reported incidents are property-related.

Cost of Living in Tualatin

Tualatin’s cost of living is notably higher than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Tualatin is 13% higher than the national average (according to PayScale). More recent data indicates that Tualatin’s cost of living is 25% higher than the U.S. national average and 153% higher than Oregon’s state average (according to Salary.com).

This elevated cost is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are substantially higher than the national average. Transportation costs also contribute to the higher cost of living, being 26% higher than the national average (according to PayScale). While grocery prices are only slightly higher than the national average, healthcare costs are also above the national average.

Housing Costs

Housing is a significant factor in Tualatin’s higher cost of living. The median home value in Tualatin is $603,024 (according to Livability.com). Other sources place the average home value at $638,736, which has seen a decrease of 2.3% over the past year (according to Zillow). Rental prices also reflect this trend, with the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Tualatin being $1,750, a decrease of 10% from the national average (according to Zumper).

More recent data shows the average rent in Tualatin at $2,150, which is 7.5% higher than the national average (according to Trulia). However, other sources indicate a decrease in rental prices, with the average rent for an apartment being $1,717, a 3.19% decrease compared to the previous year (according to RentCafe). Housing expenses in Tualatin are 25% higher than the national average (according to PayScale).

Median Income and Salary

Tualatin’s median household income is reported at $109,275 (according to Livability.com). This figure is significantly higher than the national median household income. The average salary for jobs in Tualatin, Oregon, is $71,697 per year or $34 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert).

Another source indicates the average salary in Tualatin, OR, is $59,000, with an average hourly pay of $28.0 (according to Zippia). This range in reported average salaries highlights the varying methodologies used in data collection. The median age in Tualatin is 37.4 years (according to Point2Homes).

Job Market and Major Employers

Tualatin boasts a diverse and robust job market, with key industries including advanced manufacturing, technology, and transportation and logistics. The city is home to several significant employers, contributing to its economic vitality. Lam Research, a prominent semiconductor industry company, stands out as the largest employer in Tualatin, employing approximately 4,000 individuals (according to Portland OR Real Estate).

Other major employers in the area include USF Reddaway, Lumber Products Inc., AnswerForce, iGrafx, and Kai USA (according to Portland OR Real Estate). These companies, along with others like Legacy Meridian Park Hospital and Portland General Electric, provide a wide range of employment opportunities across various sectors. The advanced manufacturing sector employs around 13% of Tualatin’s workforce, with an average salary of $60,000, while transportation and logistics employ about 11% with an average salary of $63,000 (according to Portland OR Real Estate).

Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Tualatin has shown a positive trend, indicating a healthy job market. The city’s unemployment rate has decreased from 5.6% in 2017 to 4.6% in 2023, representing a 17.9% decrease over that period (according to CensusDepth). This downward trend suggests a stable and improving employment landscape within the city.

At the state level, Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month (according to USAFacts). This rate is slightly higher than the U.S. overall unemployment rate for the same period. Historically, Oregon’s unemployment rate reached a high of 13.7% in April 2020 and a low of 3.4% in October 2019 (according to YCharts).

Climate and Weather

Tualatin experiences a mild, temperate climate, characterized by warm summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual temperature ranges from approximately 36°F to 84°F, with temperatures rarely falling below 26°F or exceeding 96°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The summer months are generally short, warm, and dry, while the winter months are notably cold, wet, and overcast.

The average annual rainfall in Tualatin is around 44 inches (according to myPerfectWeather), with December being the wettest month, receiving an average of 8.7 inches of rain (according to Tualatin). July is the driest month, with an average rainfall of only 0.5 inches (according to Tualatin). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of 1 to 3 inches annually (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather).

Seasonal Temperatures and Rainfall

During the summer, from June to September, average daily high temperatures are typically above 76°F (according to Tualatin). August is usually the hottest month, with average highs around 83°F and lows of 56°F (according to Tualatin). In contrast, the cool season lasts from November to February, with average daily high temperatures below 53°F (according to Tualatin).

December is the coldest month, with average highs of 46°F and lows of 36°F (according to Tualatin). The region experiences a wetter season from October to May, with a greater than 31% chance of a wet day during this period (according to Tualatin). November typically has the most wet days, averaging 16.9 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (according to Tualatin).

School Ratings and Education

Tualatin’s public school system offers a range of educational institutions, with varying performance levels. The city is served by several public schools, and overall, Tualatin’s public schools have an average ranking of 7 out of 10, placing them in the top 50% of Oregon public schools (according to Niche). Math proficiency scores in Tualatin public schools average 29%, slightly below the Oregon average of 31%, while reading proficiency scores are at 48%, exceeding the state average of 44% (according to Niche).

Among the top-ranked public schools are Multi-sensory Instruction Teaching Children Hands-on (Mitch) Charter School, Edward Byrom Elementary School, and Tualatin Elementary School (according to Niche). However, Tualatin High School and Hazelbrook Middle School have shown lower test scores and graduation rates compared to some other schools in the district (according to SchoolDigger.com).

Elementary and High School Performance

Edward Byrom Elementary School and Mitch Charter School are noted for their strong test scores and high rankings (according to SchoolDigger.com). Edward Byrom Elementary School, for example, has reported math proficiency scores between 43% and reading proficiency scores between 59% (according to Niche). Tualatin High School, on the other hand, has math proficiency at 20% and reading proficiency between 40-44%, which are below the state averages (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com).

The student-teacher ratio at Tualatin High School is 20:1, which is higher than the Oregon state average of 17:1 (according to SchoolDigger.com). While some schools excel, others face challenges, indicating a varied educational landscape within Tualatin.

Demographics

Tualatin is a city with a diverse population, reflecting a mix of ethnic backgrounds and age groups. As of the most recent data, Tualatin has an estimated population of around 27,942 residents (according to Wikipedia and Point2Homes). The population has been growing at a modest rate of approximately 0.14% annually (according to Tualatin).

The racial composition of Tualatin includes a majority White population, with significant percentages of Hispanic or Latino residents, as well as Asian, Black or African American, and multiracial individuals. As of 2024, 15.4% of Tualatin residents were born outside the country (according to Data USA). The median age in Tualatin is approximately 37.5 years (according to Point2Homes and Wikipedia).

Age and Gender Distribution

The age distribution in Tualatin shows a varied population, with a notable percentage of residents in the working-age brackets. Approximately 17.8% of the population are children under 15, and 12.4% are between 15 and 24 years old. Adults aged 25 to 44 constitute about 30.9% of the population, while those aged 45 to 64 make up 24.2% (according to Point2Homes).

The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with slightly more males than females. For every 100 females, there are approximately 104.3 males (according to Tualatin). The median age for males is 36.5 years, and for females, it is 38.5 years (according to Tualatin).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The racial makeup of Tualatin is predominantly White, accounting for about 64% of the population (according to Point2Homes). Other significant racial groups include those identifying as Asian (3.5%), African American (1.4%), and Indigenous American (1.3%) (according to Point2Homes). A substantial portion of the population, around 16.4%, identifies as belonging to two or more races (according to Point2Homes).

Ethnically, Hispanic or Latino individuals represent a notable segment of the population. As of 2024, there were 2.6k Other (Hispanic) and 2.59k Two Races Including Other (Hispanic) residents (according to Data USA). Overall, Tualatin’s demographics reflect a diverse community within the broader context of Oregon.

Pros and Cons of Living in Tualatin

Living in Tualatin offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages that prospective residents should consider. The city provides a peaceful suburban environment with access to nature, appealing to those who value a quieter lifestyle. Its proximity to Portland ensures that urban amenities, employment opportunities, and cultural attractions are within easy reach, offering a balanced living experience.

However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is a significant consideration, being considerably higher than the national average. While the job market is robust, especially in sectors like manufacturing and technology, the overall crime rate, particularly property crime, is higher than the national average, necessitating awareness and caution. The school system presents a varied performance, with some schools excelling while others require improvement.

Advantages of Tualatin

One of the primary advantages of Tualatin is its attractive natural setting, enhanced by the Tualatin River and numerous green spaces, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a desirable location for those raising children. Furthermore, Tualatin offers a strong job market with major employers in key industries, providing stable employment prospects for its residents.

The city’s strategic location provides a convenient commute to Portland and other surrounding areas, blending suburban peace with urban accessibility. This balance allows residents to enjoy a less hectic pace of life while still having access to the diverse offerings of a major metropolitan region. Tualatin’s median household income is also quite high, indicating a generally prosperous community.

Disadvantages of Tualatin

The most significant drawback to living in Tualatin is its high cost of living, especially concerning housing expenses, which are substantially above the national average. While violent crime rates are lower than the national average, the higher incidence of property crime requires residents to remain vigilant. The educational landscape is also mixed, with some schools performing exceptionally well while others lag behind state averages.

The climate, while generally mild, includes a prolonged wet season from October to May, which may not appeal to everyone. Additionally, while Tualatin offers a strong job market, the average salary may not fully offset the high cost of living for all residents, depending on their profession and financial needs.