Is Wilsonville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Wilsonville
Wilsonville, Oregon, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an appealing choice for many. Nestled within the Portland metropolitan area, this city provides a unique lifestyle characterized by its proximity to the Willamette River and the scenic Willamette Valley.
The city boasts a growing population and a strong job market, particularly in high-wage industries. Its strategic location, with easy access to Interstate 5, further enhances its appeal for both residents and businesses. Wilsonville presents a community that balances modern living with the charm of a smaller town.
Is it Safe to Live in Wilsonville?
Wilsonville generally presents a low crime risk, with residents often considering the southwest areas of the city to be the safest. Property crime rates are reported at 21.32 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Overall crime rates are reported as being 46% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 61% lower than the national average (according to FBI crime reports for 2024).
While the city is considered safer than many others, some analyses indicate that the property crime rate is higher than the average U.S. city, and Wilsonville ranks in the 20th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 20% of cities but less safe than 80% (according to CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of property crime can vary by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 29 in the north to 1 in 67 in the southwest (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Demographics and Lifestyle
Wilsonville is home to approximately 27,000 residents, with a median age of around 37.7 years (according to Data USA and World Population Review). The population is predominantly White, making up about 75-76% of residents, with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic, Asian, Black, or other races (according to Data USA and Point2Homes). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a high homeownership rate.
The demographic makeup suggests a community with a significant portion of working-age adults and a growing millennial presence. Most residents commute by car, with an average commute time of around 24 minutes (according to Data USA). The city is home to a diverse range of households, with a mix of families and individuals.
Housing Market and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Wilsonville is generally higher than the national average. Housing expenses are a significant factor, with median home values around $615,300 (according to Data USA) and median rent for a two-bedroom apartment approximately $1,900 per month (according to Point2Homes). Overall, Wilsonville’s cost of living is estimated to be 15% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
Utilities in Wilsonville are slightly lower than the national average, but transportation costs are higher. Grocery prices are also slightly above the national average, and healthcare expenses are notably higher. These factors contribute to a higher overall cost of living, requiring a higher income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Median Home Price and Rent
The median home value in Wilsonville is approximately $615,300, according to recent data (as reported by Data USA). The median gross rent for tenants in the city is around $1,878 per month (as reported by Point2Homes). These figures indicate a robust housing market with significant investment in residential properties.
The homeownership rate in Wilsonville stands at 49% (as reported by Data USA). This suggests a balanced market with a substantial number of renters alongside homeowners. The median monthly rent is a key figure for those considering renting in the area.
Overall Cost of Living
Wilsonville’s cost of living is approximately 15% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). This figure is influenced by various expense categories, including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Housing expenses are particularly high, noted as being 33% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).
While utility prices are slightly lower than the national average, transportation costs are 26% higher. Healthcare is also more expensive, approximately 18% higher than the national average. These combined factors mean that residents typically need a higher income to maintain their standard of living in Wilsonville.
Job Market and Economy
Wilsonville boasts a dynamic job market, with a significant portion of its workforce employed in high-wage industries such as high-tech manufacturing, software engineering, and wholesale distribution (as reported by Greater Portland Inc). The city is a business-friendly community with a combined payroll exceeding $1 billion.
The unemployment rate in Wilsonville is reported to be around 4.8% as of February 2026 (according to Data Commons). The employment rate is currently 93.99% (according to BestNeighborhood.org), indicating a strong job market. Most working residents are employed in professional or administrative positions.
Major Employers
Wilsonville is home to a variety of major employers that contribute significantly to its economy. Key industries include high-tech manufacturing, software engineering, and wholesale distribution, providing a substantial number of family-wage jobs (as reported by Greater Portland Inc). The city’s business-friendly environment attracts companies looking to establish or expand their operations.
While specific employer names can fluctuate, the concentration of these industries suggests a diverse and resilient job market. The presence of these companies not only provides employment opportunities but also contributes to the overall economic vitality of the region.
Average Salary and Unemployment
The average annual salary in Wilsonville is approximately $51,644, with most salaries ranging between $36,715 and $64,499 (according to ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $96,236 (according to World Population Review) and an average annual salary of $71,674 (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate is reported at 4.8% as of February 2026 (according to Data Commons).
The variation in salary data highlights the importance of considering different sources for financial planning. The unemployment rate suggests a healthy job market where most individuals seeking employment can find opportunities.
Climate and Weather
Wilsonville experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters (as described by Climate-Data.org). Temperatures year-round are moderated by the marine influence from the Pacific Ocean. The city receives most of its precipitation during the cooler winter months.
Summer months are generally dry and warm, with average high temperatures peaking in August. December is typically the coolest and wettest month, with significant rainfall. The climate is characterized by partly cloudy skies throughout the year.
Average Temperatures and Rainfall
The average high temperature in Wilsonville during the summer months, particularly August, can reach around 81°F (27.2°C) (as reported by Climate-Data.org and Wilsonville Climate). The cool season brings average low temperatures down to around 36°F (1.7°C) in December (as reported by Climate-Data.org). Annual precipitation averages about 43 inches (as reported by Wilsonville Climate and myPerfectWeather).
December is the wettest month, receiving around 4.49 inches of rain over approximately 19 days (as reported by Climate-Data.org). In contrast, July and August are the driest months, with minimal rainfall recorded. Snowfall is minimal, averaging about 1-2 inches per year.
Education and Schools
Wilsonville is served by the West Linn-Wilsonville School District 3J, which is highly rated within the state. This district is recognized for its strong academic performance, with several schools consistently ranking among the best in Oregon (according to SchoolDigger.com and Niche.com).
The district serves students through elementary, middle, and high schools, with many of its institutions receiving high ratings for academics, college preparation, and extracurricular activities. Wilsonville High School, for instance, is noted for its strong graduation rates and test scores (according to SchoolDigger.com).
School Ratings and Performance
The West Linn-Wilsonville School District 3J holds a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger.com and is ranked sixth out of 140 districts in Oregon. Individual schools within the district also perform well, with several elementary and middle schools ranking in the top percentages of Oregon schools (according to SchoolDigger.com). Wilsonville High School is recognized for its academic achievements and college readiness programs.
While the district generally outperforms state averages, there can be variations in performance among individual schools. Chronic absenteeism is noted as a challenge across the district, indicating a need for targeted interventions to improve student attendance.
Pros and Cons of Living in Wilsonville
Wilsonville offers a desirable lifestyle with its beautiful natural surroundings and family-friendly atmosphere. The city’s strong school district and robust job market are significant advantages for residents. Its proximity to Portland also provides access to a wider range of cultural and recreational activities.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is higher than the national average. While crime rates are generally low, some areas may experience higher property crime rates than others. Potential residents should weigh these factors when considering a move to Wilsonville.