Is Philomath Safe, Pros and cons of living in Philomath
Philomath, Oregon, offers a charming blend of small-town atmosphere and natural beauty, nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley. This community provides a welcoming environment for those seeking a quieter pace of life, away from the bustling energy of larger metropolitan areas. With its proximity to outdoor recreational opportunities and a strong sense of local identity, Philomath presents a unique living experience.
The town is characterized by its friendly residents and a commitment to preserving its local heritage. Philomath is an ideal location for families and individuals who appreciate a close-knit community, access to nature, and a slower rhythm of daily life. Its appeal lies in its ability to offer a peaceful sanctuary while still being connected to the broader amenities of the region.
Is it Safe to Live in Philomath?
Crime Rates
Philomath generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with property crime also showing a notable decrease compared to national figures (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime rates are particularly low, with Philomath reporting one of the lowest violent crime rates in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).
Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Philomath varies by neighborhood. While the northeast areas are considered the safest, residents in southern neighborhoods may face a slightly higher risk (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is also lower than the state and national averages, indicating a generally secure community (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Safety Perceptions
Philomath is considered a safe city overall, with a crime safety grade of A- as of May 2026 (as reported by DoorProfit). The city has a crime rate that is 45% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 595, which is 56% lower than the national average.
While the city’s overall crime rate is low, safety can vary by neighborhood. The northeast part of Philomath is generally considered the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The chance of being a victim of violent crime varies by neighborhood, from 1 in 17 in the south to 1 in 34 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The cost of living in Philomath is higher than the national average, with housing expenses contributing significantly to this difference. The median home value in Philomath is approximately $518,378 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This median home value is 42% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Monthly rent for an apartment in Philomath averages around $1,589 as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). The median rent asked for in Philomath is 11% higher than the national average. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is approximately $1,589, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,704 (as reported by Apartments.com).
Overall Expenses
Philomath’s overall cost of living is approximately 9% higher than the U.S. national average, though it is 10% lower than Oregon’s state average. This increase is driven by elevated housing costs, transportation expenses, and rising food prices. For a single person, monthly expenses are estimated at $2,636, and for a family of four, they are around $5,774 (as reported by Salary.com).
Food expenses in Philomath are about 4.9% below the national average. However, energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are 14.4% higher than the national average. These combined costs make Philomath a city where living expenses are notably above the national average (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Market Overview
Home Prices and Trends
The housing market in Philomath is characterized by a median home value of $376,464 (as reported by Livability.com). As of March 2026, the average home value in Philomath was $518,378, showing a slight decrease of 0.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Another report indicates the median listing price is $529,900 (as reported by Redfin).
The market is considered somewhat competitive, with homes selling in an average of 67 days. Some homes may receive multiple offers, and on average, homes sell for about 1% below list price (as reported by Redfin). Year-over-year, the median sale price has declined by 20.30%, suggesting potential negotiation power for buyers (as reported by Redfin).
Rental Market
The rental market in Philomath shows an average rent of $1,589 per month as of May 2026 (as reported by Apartments.com). This is 3% lower than the national average rent price. For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is $1,589, and for a two-bedroom, it’s around $1,704 (as reported by Apartments.com).
Other reports suggest a slightly different average rent, with one indicating $1,360 in March 2024, a decrease of $173 month-over-month (as reported by Redfin). Another source notes the average rent for apartments in Philomath is between $1,964 and $2,532 in 2026, with a one-bedroom averaging $1,964 and a two-bedroom averaging $2,532 (as reported by Rent.com).
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Industries
In Philomath, the most common employment sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). From 2023 to 2024, employment in Philomath saw a decline of 7.2%, with the total number of employees decreasing from 3.45k to 3.2k (as reported by Data USA).
The primary job groups for Philomath residents include Management Occupations, Education Instruction & Library Occupations, and Sales & Related Occupations. A significant portion of workers, 70.5%, commute alone to work, while 12.2% work from home (as reported by Data USA).
Salaries and Unemployment
As of May 2026, the average salary in Philomath, Oregon, is $24.03 per hour or $49,977 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage is approximately $45.6K annually. Some popular jobs in Philomath, such as Administrative Assistant and Nursing, offer salaries that can be significantly higher than the city’s average (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in March 2026, which is higher than the U.S. overall rate (as reported by USAFacts). Philomath’s unemployment rate is reported to be 55% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). While Oregon’s statewide unemployment rate has seen fluctuations, local data suggests a more favorable job market within Philomath itself.
Climate and Weather
Temperature Averages
Philomath experiences distinct seasonal temperature variations. The warm season typically lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 76°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 54°F (as reported by weatherspark.com).
Conversely, the cool season spans from November to February, with average daily high temperatures below 54°F. December is the coldest month, experiencing average lows of 36°F and highs of 47°F (as reported by weatherspark.com). Overall temperatures throughout the year typically range from 36°F to 84°F, rarely dropping below 26°F or exceeding 94°F (as reported by weatherspark.com).
Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall is a consistent feature in Philomath throughout the year. December receives the most rainfall, averaging 9.0 inches, while August is the driest month with approximately 0.5 inches (as reported by weatherspark.com). The wetter season extends from October to May, with a greater than 31% chance of a wet day during this period.
November typically has the most wet days, averaging 16.8 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season occurs from May to October. August sees the fewest wet days, with an average of only 1.9 days (as reported by weatherspark.com). The annual precipitation averages around 46 inches, with occasional snowfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
Philomath’s public schools generally perform well, with an average ranking of 8/10, placing them in the top 30% of Oregon public schools (as reported by Data USA). Philomath High School, Philomath Academy, and Philomath Elementary School are among the top-ranked institutions (as reported by Data USA).
Students in Philomath public schools demonstrate strong proficiency in math and reading compared to the state average. Math proficiency is at 34% and reading proficiency is at 50%, both exceeding Oregon’s averages (as reported by Data USA). Philomath Middle School also receives positive reviews, with an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche).
Population and Diversity
Philomath is home to approximately 5,642 residents as of 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The population is relatively balanced, with 49.3% males and 50.7% females (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Philomath is 37.3 years (as reported by Data USA).
The racial makeup of Philomath is predominantly White, accounting for 87.45% of the population. Other racial groups include Asian (3.51%) and smaller percentages of Native American, other races, and those identifying with two or more races (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant majority, 96.7%, of Philomath residents are citizens (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers
Key Industries
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the primary industries employing Philomath residents offer insight into the local job market. Health Care & Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services are the dominant sectors (as reported by Data USA).
The presence of educational institutions and healthcare facilities likely contributes significantly to local employment opportunities. The broader economic landscape of the Willamette Valley, including nearby Corvallis, also plays a role in the job market accessible to Philomath residents (as reported by Kurby AI).