Is Forest Grove Safe, Pros and cons of living in Forest Grove
Forest Grove, Oregon, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessibility to the larger Portland metropolitan area. Nestled in the Tualatin Valley, this city provides a unique living experience for those seeking a balance between suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Its historical roots as a farming community are still visible, yet it has evolved into a vibrant area with a growing population.
The city’s location, approximately 25 miles west of Portland, makes it a desirable commuter town. Forest Grove is known for its community-focused atmosphere and its role as a hub for education, with Pacific University being a significant presence. This blend of history, education, and accessibility shapes the daily life and opportunities available to its residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Forest Grove?
Forest Grove presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often reported as lower than the national average. According to recent data, the overall crime rate in Forest Grove is approximately 20% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This includes a notable reduction in property crimes, which are about 22.3% lower than the national average.
While the city demonstrates a positive safety profile, it’s important to note that crime can vary by neighborhood. Violent crime rates are reported as being very similar to the national average, with specific statistics showing 337 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals (CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Forest Grove is approximately 1 in 297, and for property crime, it’s about 1 in 74 (AreaVibes). The city has also reported zero homicides in the most recent crime year, contributing to a sense of security (AreaVibes).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
The Forest Grove housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with homes typically receiving one offer on average. As of the most recent data, the median sale price of a home in Forest Grove was approximately $502,000, representing a decrease of 13.6% compared to the previous year (Redfin). Homes in this area tend to stay on the market for an average of 79 days, indicating a slightly longer sales cycle compared to more competitive markets.
The median listing price for homes in Forest Grove is around $520,000, with the price per square foot averaging $263 (Redfin, Realtor.com®). For those considering renting, the average rent for all property types in Forest Grove is approximately $2,000 per month (Zillow). This figure has seen a month-over-month increase of $348 and a year-over-year increase of $250, suggesting a dynamic rental market.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Forest Grove is higher than the national average, estimated to be about 21% higher (Salary.com). This is influenced by several factors, including housing, transportation, and food prices. Housing costs, in particular, are noted to be 19.5% higher than the national average for a single person or family of four (Salary.com).
While housing and transportation expenses are elevated, Forest Grove offers some cost advantages. For instance, grocery expenses are reported to be about 4.9% below the national average (Salary.com). The cost of living in Forest Grove is also 13% higher than the national average according to ERI Economic Research Institute, with housing expenses being 9% lower than the national average, while transportation costs are 26% higher (Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Employment Statistics
The unemployment rate in Oregon, which includes Forest Grove, has seen an increase. As of July 2025, Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.0%, a rise from previous lows (QualityInfo). This figure is higher than in recent history, though not as high as in longer-term historical contexts.
The average annual salary in Forest Grove is reported to be approximately $58,000, or $27.88 per hour (Zippia). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary, with one report stating an average of $88,192 per year for employees at Forest Grove Oregon (ZipRecruiter, Salary.com). This discrepancy may be due to different methodologies or the inclusion of various types of employers in the data sets.
Major Employers and Industries
Forest Grove’s economic base is diverse, encompassing sectors such as high tech, food and beverage processing, wood products, metalworking, education, and healthcare (Greater Portland Inc). Pacific University is a key institution within the city, contributing significantly to its economy and identity.
Major companies operating in or near Forest Grove include Aramark, Safeway, AutoZone, Dollar Tree, and Fred Meyer, among others (Lensa, Indeed.com). Tuality Healthcare and Stimson Lumber are also significant employers, reflecting the city’s varied industrial landscape (Lensa).
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Forest Grove experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically short, warm, dry, and mostly clear, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 81°F and lows around 54°F (myPerfectWeather, NOAA). The warm season generally lasts from late June through September.
Winters in Forest Grove are colder, wet, and often overcast. The coldest month is December, with average daily highs around 46°F and lows around 35°F (myPerfectWeather, NOAA). Throughout the year, temperatures generally range between 35°F and 82°F, rarely dropping below 25°F or exceeding 93°F (NOAA).
Precipitation and Natural Features
The city receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 46 inches (myPerfectWeather, NOAA). The wettest month is typically December, with an average of 8 inches of precipitation. Snowfall is minimal, averaging around 3 to 4 inches annually (myPerfectWeather, NOAA).
Forest Grove is situated in the Tualatin Valley, an area known for its natural beauty and agricultural significance. The city itself is home to one of Oregon’s largest Giant Sequoia trees, adding to its unique environmental appeal. The humidity levels remain comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant outdoor environment.
Education and Demographics
School Ratings and Districts
The Forest Grove School District serves the city’s educational needs, receiving an overall Niche grade of B- (Niche). This district includes several schools, with Forest Grove High School earning a B- grade and a rating of 3.55 out of 5 (Niche). According to state test scores, proficiency in math and reading at the district level is around 21% for math and 32% for reading.
Forest Grove Community School, a public charter school, has a C- overall Niche grade. It serves students in grades 1-8 with a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1 (Niche). While proficiency in math is 35% and in reading is 52% at this school, the district’s overall scores suggest areas for improvement.
Population and Demographics
Forest Grove’s population was recorded at 26,225 in the 2020 Census, showing an increase of 8% from the 2010 figure (Wikipedia). As of recent estimates, the population is around 26,529, with a slight increase expected by 2026 (Census Dots, Neilsberg). The city is becoming more racially diverse, with a population that is approximately 58.7% White, 31.1% Hispanic, 3.7% Asian, and smaller percentages of other racial groups (Census Dots).
The median age in Forest Grove is around 35 years, with a slightly higher percentage of residents under 18 compared to the national average (Neilsberg, Wikipedia). For every 100 females, there are approximately 93.6 males (Wikipedia). The city’s diversity index has also seen an increase, indicating a growing mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds among its residents (Census Dots).
Pros and Cons of Living in Forest Grove
Advantages
Forest Grove offers a strong sense of community and a relatively safe environment, with crime rates generally below the national average (AreaVibes). Its location provides convenient access to Portland while maintaining a more tranquil atmosphere. The city’s diverse economy, supported by industries like high tech and education, offers varied employment opportunities (Greater Portland Inc).
Residents also benefit from the pleasant climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters (NOAA). The presence of Pacific University contributes to a vibrant cultural and educational scene. Furthermore, Forest Grove is becoming increasingly diverse, reflecting a welcoming environment for a variety of residents (Census Dots).
Disadvantages
The cost of living in Forest Grove is higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing costs, which are significantly above the national median (Salary.com, Payscale). While home prices have seen a slight decrease year-over-year, they remain substantial, with a median sale price around $502,000 (Redfin). Renters also face a median rent of approximately $2,000 per month (Zillow).
Additionally, transportation expenses in Forest Grove are notably higher than the national average (Payscale). While overall crime rates are favorable, specific neighborhoods may experience higher crime incidents, and the city’s crime rate is higher than 71% of other cities in Oregon (AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout). The school district’s proficiency scores also indicate potential areas for academic enhancement (Niche).