Is Aloha Safe, Pros and cons of living in Aloha

Aloha, Oregon, situated in Washington County, presents a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant urban life of Portland. This community offers a distinct character, often described as having a slightly gritty yet neighborhood feel, reminiscent of areas on the east side of the Portland metro area. Its affordability compared to neighboring cities like Beaverton and Hillsboro makes it an attractive option for first-time homebuyers and those looking to downsize.

The name “Aloha” itself has an interesting origin, possibly stemming from a resort on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin, with the pronunciation sticking even after the spelling changed. This unique naming adds to the town’s charm. Aloha’s strategic location provides residents with the benefits of a more budget-conscious lifestyle while remaining closely connected to the amenities and opportunities of a larger metropolitan region.

Is it Safe to Live in Aloha?

Aloha’s overall crime rate is considered typical for suburban communities within the Portland metropolitan area. While exact figures can fluctuate, the community experiences a mix of property crimes, such as theft and burglary, alongside occasional instances of violent crime. The crime map for Aloha indicates that most incidents tend to cluster around commercial zones or specific neighborhoods, but the general perception is that Aloha remains a safe community for its residents.

The violent crime rate in Aloha is approximately 3.026 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Aloha varies by neighborhood, ranging from a 1 in 20 chance in central areas to a 1 in 37 chance in the southwest (according to CrimeGrade.org). The total projected cost of crime in Aloha for 2025 is estimated at $26,098,833, translating to about $475 per resident (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Aloha is described as very competitive. As of April 2026, the median sale price of a home in Aloha was $497,500 (according to Movoto). Properties in Aloha tend to sell more slowly than in previous years, with an average of 90 days on the market compared to 46 days last year. In April 2026, Aloha was considered a seller’s market, indicating higher demand than available homes.

The median listing price for homes in Aloha was $489,000 (according to Realtor.com®). Year-over-year, home values have seen a slight softening, with the median sale price down 2.20% from the previous year (according to Realtor.com®). For renters, the average rent for an apartment in Aloha is approximately $1,766, representing a 4.65% increase from the previous year (according to RentCafe). A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,589, while a two-bedroom unit averages $1,809.

Cost of Living and Affordability

Aloha’s cost of living is generally considered moderate, with a cost of living index of 100, which is on par with the U.S. average (according to City Affordability). However, it is noted as being 11% more expensive than the national average and 4% more expensive than the average city in Oregon (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Rent, in particular, is a significant factor in the overall cost of living, with the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment being $1,563 per month (according to City Affordability).

Despite being slightly more expensive than the national average, Aloha offers a degree of affordability, especially when compared to its neighboring cities. The median sale price of a home in Aloha is around $510,000 (according to Redfin), which is considerably lower than in Hillsboro or Beaverton, where prices can exceed $600,000. This price difference makes Aloha a more accessible option for many prospective homeowners.

Job Market and Employment Opportunities

The average annual salary in Aloha, OR, is approximately $57,000, or $27.40 per hour (according to Zippia). However, other sources report the average annual salary as $46,729, or $22.47 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Most salaries in Aloha range between $34,500 and $56,787 annually. The unemployment rate in Oregon was 5.2% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month (according to USAFacts).

Major employers in the broader Portland metropolitan area, which significantly impacts Aloha’s job market, include Intel, Nike, and Kaiser Permanente. Within Aloha itself, common employers include Costco Wholesale, McDonald’s, UPS, and Starbucks (according to Indeed.com). The professional and business services sector has seen job losses recently, contributing to employment trends in the region.

Climate and Weather Patterns

Aloha, Oregon, experiences a mild, Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual temperature is around 58.05°F (14.47°C), which is slightly higher than the U.S. average (according to myPerfectWeather). Summer daytime highs typically reach around 81°F (27°C) in July, while winter temperatures cool to about 46°F (8°C) in December (according to myPerfectWeather).

The area receives substantial annual precipitation, averaging about 40 inches (1031 mm) of rain and snow per year (according to Livability.com and myPerfectWeather). December is the wettest month, with an average of 7.2 inches (183 mm) of rain, while August is the driest, with only about 0.4 inches (10 mm) (according to Weather and Climate). Despite the high annual rainfall, Aloha has a distinct dry season from June to August.

Education and School Ratings

Aloha is served by the Beaverton School District 48J and the Hillsboro School District 1J, which together encompass multiple elementary, middle, and high schools. Among the elementary schools, Indian Hills Elementary School stands out as a top performer, consistently scoring above district and state averages on standardized tests and holding a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. Hazeldale Elementary School also demonstrates solid academic results with a 3-star rating.

Other schools, such as Tobias, Butternut Creek, and Reedville Elementary, tend to have lower test scores and ratings. Concerns have been raised about high chronic absenteeism rates across the district, exceeding 34%, and significant disparities in free/reduced lunch rates. Aloha High School, part of the Beaverton School District, has a B+ overall Niche grade and a student-teacher ratio of 18:1. While it ranks in the bottom 50% for overall test scores in Oregon, it has a higher diversity score than the state average (according to Niche and Public School Review).

Demographics and Population

Aloha is home to a population of approximately 52,389 residents, with a median age of 37.2 years (according to Data USA and Point2Homes). The racial composition is diverse, with White residents making up about 56.14% of the population, followed by Hispanic (23.1%), Asian (11.52%), and Multiracial (7.9%) populations (according to Census Dots). This demographic makeup is more diverse than Oregon overall.

The foreign-born population in Aloha is around 21.4%, which is comparable to the national average (according to Data USA). The median household income in Aloha has grown to $101,934 (according to Data USA). The poverty rate stands at 7.76%, which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (according to Data USA).