Is Tillamook Safe, Pros and cons of living in Tillamook
Tillamook, Oregon, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and rural tranquility, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a slower pace of life. Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by rolling hills and close to the Pacific Ocean, this community provides a distinct lifestyle. Its economy is rooted in agriculture, particularly dairy, and supported by timber and tourism.
The city serves as a hub for Tillamook County, providing essential services and amenities to its residents. While it may not boast the bustling activity of a major metropolis, Tillamook offers a strong sense of community and a connection to the natural beauty of the Oregon coast. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for anyone considering a move to this inviting town.
Is it Safe to Live in Tillamook?
Tillamook is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates that are lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is 34% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 460 per year, which is 43% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Property crime rates are also lower than the national average, with a 15% lower chance of becoming a victim compared to the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). While specific neighborhoods might vary, the city as a whole is noted for its good safety, with 100% of its neighborhoods rated as A or B for safety (as reported by DoorProfit).
Violent Crime Rates
Violent crime in Tillamook is relatively low. The reported rate for violent crime is 4 per one thousand inhabitants, which is lower than in most communities of all population sizes in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specific violent crime rates include murder at 3.8 per 100,000, assault at 144.3 per 100,000, robbery at 46.7 per 100,000, and rape at 22.5 per 100,000 (as reported by DoorProfit).
These figures indicate a low risk for violent crime within the city. The FBI UCR data from 2011 showed a violent crime rate of 40.1 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI UCR data). While this data is from an earlier period, it suggests a historical trend of lower violent crime occurrences.
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime in Tillamook is also a concern that is below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of property crime is 1 in 41 per year (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The property crime rate is 15% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).
Breakdowns of property crime include burglary at 169.4 per 100,000, larceny/theft at 1,138.1 per 100,000, and vehicle theft at 257.3 per 100,000 (as reported by DoorProfit). In earlier data from 2011, the total number of property crimes was 184, with a rate of 3,688.85 per 100,000 residents (as reported by FBI UCR data).
Pros and Cons of Living in Tillamook
Tillamook offers a distinct lifestyle with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Its natural beauty and community feel are significant draws, while economic factors and amenities present other considerations for potential residents.
The cost of living in Tillamook is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage expenses. However, the job market and average salaries may present challenges for some individuals seeking high-paying careers.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tillamook, Oregon, is generally considered to be more affordable than the national average. This is reflected in various aspects of daily life, from housing to everyday expenses. The median household income in Tillamook is $58,176 (as reported by World Population Review), with a poverty rate of 11.83% (as reported by World Population Review).
When considering housing, the median rent for all bedrooms and property types in Tillamook is $2,000 per month (as reported by Zillow Rentals data). However, another source indicates the average rent in Tillamook is $2,450 per month as of May 2026, which is 26% above the national average (as reported by Zumper). Apartments in Tillamook rent for an average of $1,100, while houses cost approximately $2,450 (as reported by Zumper). The median home price in Tillamook was $360,000 last month, showing a 5.9% increase since last year (as reported by Redfin).
Job Market and Economy
Tillamook’s economy is significantly influenced by its major employers, which are diverse and contribute to the local job market. Key employers within the city include Fred Meyer with approximately 300 employees, Tillamook County General Hospital with 260 employees, and Tillamook County Personnel with 250 employees (as reported by City of Tillamook). Outside the city, Tillamook County Creamery Association is a major employer with 400 employees (as reported by City of Tillamook).
The average annual salary in Tillamook, OR, is approximately $46,000 per year, or $22.12 per hour (as reported by Zippia). For Tillamook County, the unemployment rate was 6% in February 2026 (as reported by Data Commons). Employment in Tillamook County grew by 0.21% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 11,000 employees (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Environment
Tillamook experiences a climate characterized by comfortable summers and cold, wet winters. The average annual maximum temperature is around 15°C (59°F), with highs in August reaching about 21°C (70°F) and lows in December dropping to around 10°C (50°F) (as reported by Weather and Climate). Temperatures typically range between 38°F and 71°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 29°F or exceeding 79°F (as reported by Tillamook Airport).
Precipitation is significant, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 2170 mm (as reported by Weather and Climate). December is the wettest month, receiving about 361 mm (14 inches) of rain over 24 days (as reported by Weather and Climate). July is the driest month, with around 25 mm (1 inch) of rain over 8 days (as reported by Weather and Climate). The region experiences dry summers and frequent storms from November to March, with average annual precipitation in the drainage basin reaching 115 inches (as reported by NOAA).
Education in Tillamook
Tillamook offers a range of educational opportunities for its younger residents, with several public schools serving the community. The Tillamook School District has an overall Niche grade of C, with particular strengths in diversity and sports (as reported by Niche). The district serves approximately 2,012 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
Within the district, Tillamook High School has a C grade, with strengths noted in sports and diversity (as reported by Niche). Tillamook Junior High School also holds a C-minus overall grade, with a B-plus rating for its teachers (as reported by Niche). Elementary schools like East Elementary and South Prairie Elementary both have C+ ratings, while Liberty Elementary has a B-minus rating (as reported by Niche).
Demographics of Tillamook
Tillamook County has a population of approximately 27,264 as of 2024 (as reported by Data Commons). The median age in the county is 49 years (as reported by Data Commons). The racial composition of Tillamook County indicates a predominantly White population, with 93.9% identifying as White (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau).
In the city of Tillamook, the population is around 5,125, with a declining rate of -0.31% annually (as reported by World Population Review). The racial composition in the city includes 67.48% White, 15.98% other races, and smaller percentages for Black or African American, Asian, Native American, and multiracial populations (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in the city is 37 years (as reported by World Population Review).
Major Employers in Tillamook
Tillamook’s economy is anchored by several key employers that significantly contribute to the local workforce and community. These include both public and private sector organizations, reflecting the diverse economic landscape of the region.
Within the city, Fred Meyer is a substantial employer with around 300 staff members. Tillamook County General Hospital is another major employer, providing healthcare services with approximately 260 employees. Tillamook County Personnel also contributes significantly with about 250 employees (as reported by City of Tillamook).
Beyond the city limits, the Tillamook County Creamery Association stands out as a major employer with around 400 workers. Other significant employers outside the city include Tillamook County Smoker with 200 employees and Trask River Wood Works (as reported by City of Tillamook). The Tillamook Creamery Association itself is a notable entity, employing 1,100 individuals and serving as a tourism driver for the area (as reported by Capital Press).