Is Silverton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Silverton
Silverton, Oregon, offers a blend of small-town charm and accessibility, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled in the Willamette Valley, the city provides a close-knit community feel while remaining within proximity to larger urban centers.
This comprehensive guide explores various aspects of living in Silverton, covering its safety, economic landscape, cost of living, climate, education, and demographic makeup. Understanding these factors can help individuals and families make informed decisions about relocating to this inviting Oregon city.
Is it Safe to Live in Silverton?
Silverton generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The total crime rate is 37% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents, with an average of 0.42 daily crimes, including 0.04 violent incidents and 0.38 property-related offenses (AreaVibes). This safety is further underscored by its ranking as the ninth safest place to live in Oregon by oregonessential.com.
While the overall crime rate is favorable, there can be variations by neighborhood. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Silverton can range from 1 in 21 in the west neighborhoods to 1 in 70 in the east (Crime Grade). The violent crime rate is notably low, reported at 0.7 per 1,000 residents, which is 81% below the national average (Kurby AI). Property crime rates are also below the national average, with 11 crimes per 1,000 population (NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living in Silverton
The cost of living in Silverton is generally higher than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 22% higher overall (AreaVibes). Housing costs are a significant factor, being 60% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). The median home value in Silverton is approximately $546,989 as of March 2026 (Zillow), with a median list price of $599.5K (realtor.com®).
Despite the higher overall cost, Silverton offers a median household income of $79,960 (Point2Homes), which is 27% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,307 per month (Apartments.com), and the median rent for all property types is approximately $1,800 (Zillow).
Housing Costs
Housing is a primary driver of Silverton’s cost of living. The median home value has seen slight fluctuations, with a recent report showing a 0.1% decrease over the past year, bringing the average to $546,989 as of March 2026 (Zillow). Another source notes a median home value of $406,000 (Kurby AI).
For renters, the market presents various options. The average rent in Silverton is around $1,307 per month, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,307 and two-bedroom apartments around $1,574 (Apartments.com). Some reports indicate a higher average rent of $1,800 for all property types (Zillow).
Salary and Income
The median household income in Silverton was $79,960 in 2024 (Point2Homes). This income level supports the local economy, with most salaries ranging between $35,222 and $67,056 annually (ZipRecruiter). The average annual salary in Silverton is approximately $52,195 as of May 2026 (ZipRecruiter).
For those looking to rent, a monthly income of about $4,356 or $52,272 per year is recommended to spend no more than 30% of income on rent (Apartments.com). The median household income for renters specifically was $41,777 according to 2022 Census data (Point2Homes).
Job Market and Economy
Silverton’s job market is powered by a workforce of approximately 4,843 residents. The employment rate stands at 98.1%, indicating a strong job market (Point2Homes). White-collar workers constitute the majority of the employed population at 81.2%, while blue-collar workers make up 18.8%.
Key employment sectors in Silverton include Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Educational Services (Data USA). Major employers in the area contribute to the city’s economic stability, though specific employer names are not detailed here. The unemployment rate is low, at 1.9% (Point2Homes), and the employment rate is currently 92.05% (AreaVibes).
Major Employers
While specific company names are not readily available, the economic landscape of Silverton is supported by various industries. The Health Care & Social Assistance sector, Manufacturing, and Educational Services are significant employment areas for residents (Data USA). Public sector employment accounts for 19.8% of the workforce, with private companies employing 59.4% (Point2Homes).
The city’s economy also sees contributions from those who run their own businesses, making up 10.2% of the workforce (Point2Homes). The presence of these diverse employment avenues contributes to the overall economic health of Silverton.
Climate in Silverton
Silverton experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summers are typically short, warm, dry, and mostly clear, with average daily high temperatures in the hot season (June to September) above 78°F (Weather Spark). August is the hottest month, with highs around 85°F and lows of 56°F.
Winters are characterized by cold, wet, and overcast conditions. The cool season lasts from November to February, with average daily high temperatures below 54°F. December is the coldest month, with an average low of 37°F and a high of 47°F (Weather Spark). The temperature generally varies between 36°F and 86°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 26°F or exceeding 98°F (Weather Spark).
Temperatures and Rainfall
Annual precipitation in Silverton averages around 48 inches (Livability.com, Weather Spark). The wetter season spans from October to May, with a significant chance of rain throughout these months. November typically sees the most wet days, with an average of 16.8 days receiving at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (Weather Spark).
Summers are dry, with August averaging only 2.3 days of precipitation (Weather Spark). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of 2 inches annually (Livability.com). The climate is generally mild, with small temperature fluctuations and a high comfort index of 9.3 out of 10 (YouTube).
Education in Silverton
Silverton is served by the Silver Falls School District 4J, which is ranked highly among Oregon school districts. The district itself holds a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger and is ranked 26th out of 140 districts in Oregon (SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Silverton consistently perform well, with an average math proficiency score of 41% and a reading proficiency score of 58%, both exceeding state averages (SchoolDigger.com).
Several schools in Silverton stand out for their academic performance. Victor Point Elementary School and Evergreen Elementary School are recognized among the top elementary schools in the state, boasting exceptional test scores (SchoolDigger.com). Bethany Charter School also performs well, with a 4-star rating (SchoolDigger.com).
School Ratings and Performance
Silverton public schools are ranked within the top 10% of Oregon public schools, according to SchoolDigger.com. Top-ranked schools include Evergreen Elementary School, Victor Point Elementary School, and Bethany Charter School (SchoolDigger.com). These schools demonstrate strong performance in both math and reading proficiency.
However, there are areas for improvement within the district. The graduation rate at Silverton High School is slightly lower than the state average, and the chronic absenteeism rate is significantly higher across all schools (SchoolDigger.com). Despite these challenges, the overall concentration of top-ranked schools highlights the district’s commitment to quality education.
Demographics of Silverton
Silverton is a city with a population of approximately 10,456 residents, with a median age of 38.5 years (Point2Homes, World Population Review). The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 46.8% male and 53.2% female residents (Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of Silverton is predominantly White, accounting for about 77.7% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at 13.6% (World Population Review). The population consists of a significant number of US-born citizens, with 96% of residents being born in the US (Point2Homes).
Population and Age Distribution
As of the latest Census data, Silverton is home to 10,456 residents (Point2Homes). The population is projected to reach 10,543 by 2026, indicating a slight growth rate (World Population Review). The median age in Silverton is 38.5 years (World Population Review).
The age distribution shows that about 22.2% of the population are children under 15, with a notable percentage of residents aged 65 or older at 18.1% (Point2Homes). This age composition suggests a community with a mix of younger families and a growing senior population.
Race and Ethnicity
The largest racial/ethnic group in Silverton is White, making up 77.7% of the population. Hispanic residents constitute 13.6% of the population, with smaller percentages for those identifying with two or more races (World Population Review). Other racial groups, including African American, Native American, Asian, and Pacific Islander, represent smaller portions of the demographic makeup (Point2Homes).
Citizenship is high in Silverton, with 98.3% of residents being US citizens (Data USA). The foreign-born population is 3.21% (Data USA), which is comparable to the national average.