Is Beaverton Safe, Pros and cons of living in Beaverton

Beaverton, Oregon, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of the Tualatin Valley, this Washington County city is a significant hub for technology and innovation, contributing to its dynamic economy and diverse population. With its well-regarded school system and abundance of green spaces, Beaverton presents a family-friendly environment that also appeals to professionals and individuals looking for a high quality of life.

The city’s strategic location near Portland provides residents with easy access to big-city amenities while maintaining a distinct community feel. This proximity to a major metropolitan area, combined with Beaverton’s own economic strengths, creates a unique living experience. Understanding the various facets of life in Beaverton, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and climate, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this vibrant Oregon city.

Is it Safe to Live in Beaverton?

Beaverton’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a total crime rate reported at 3,026.0 per 100,000 residents in 2024 (according to FBI data) compared to the national average of 2,752.3 per 100,000 residents. This places Beaverton in the 19th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 19% of U.S. cities, but less safe than 81% of them (according to AreaVibes). Property crime rates in Beaverton are 51.2% higher than the U.S. average, with 2,661 incidents per 100,000 residents (according to AreaVibes). Violent crime rates are 1.6% higher than the national average, with 365 incidents per 100,000 individuals (according to AreaVibes).

However, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood. Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest, where the chance of being a victim of crime ranges from 1 in 42. In contrast, the east neighborhoods see a higher crime rate, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 18 (according to NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes). Some analyses indicate that 69.2% of Beaverton’s neighborhoods are rated as safe (Grade A), with the remaining 30.8% earning a Grade B (according to DoorProfit).

Cost of Living in Beaverton

Beaverton’s cost of living is approximately 16% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant contributor to this higher cost, being about 32% higher than the national average (according to Payscale). The median home price in Beaverton was $592,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin), and Zillow reported the average home value at $530,795 as of March 31, 2026. Renting is also a considerable expense; the average rent for an apartment in Beaverton is around $1,745 per month (according to RentCafe), with a two-bedroom apartment averaging about $1,824 (according to RentCafe) or $1,890 (according to The Havok Journal).

While housing is more expensive, some other costs are more in line with or even below national averages. Utility prices are 2% lower than the national average (according to Payscale), and healthcare costs are about 8% higher than the national average (according to The Havok Journal), which is less than the overall cost of living increase. Grocery prices are about 8% higher than the national average (according to Payscale), and transportation expenses are notably higher, being 26% above the national average (according to Payscale).

Housing Market and Rental Information

The Beaverton housing market is described as somewhat competitive. Homes typically receive about two offers on average and sell in approximately 36 days (according to Redfin). The median listing home price in Beaverton was $500,000 (according to Realtor.com®), while Zillow indicated an average home value of $530,795 as of March 31, 2026. Redfin reported a median sale price of $592,000 in March 2026, a decrease of 8.2% since the previous year (according to Redfin).

For renters, the market offers a variety of options. The average rent for an apartment in Beaverton is approximately $1,745 per month (according to RentCafe), with a decrease of 1.95% over the past year. Studio apartments are the most budget-friendly at around $1,421, while two-bedroom units average $1,824 per month (according to RentCafe). Other sources indicate a broader average rent of $2,006 for all property types as of April 2026 (according to Zillow).

Job Market and Major Employers

Beaverton boasts a robust job market, supported by major companies and a growing economy. The average salary for jobs in Beaverton is approximately $71,779 per year, or $35 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Beaverton is $98,622 (according to Point2Homes), which is higher than the national median household income (according to The Havok Journal). The unemployment rate in Beaverton was 5.50% as of the latest data, which is higher than the long-term average (according to YCharts).

Key employers in Beaverton include industry giants like Nike, whose world headquarters are located there (according to Wikipedia), and Intel, a major semiconductor manufacturer. These companies, along with others in the technology and healthcare sectors, contribute significantly to the local economy and provide numerous employment opportunities for residents. The city’s proximity to Portland also expands job prospects for Beaverton residents.

Climate and Weather

Beaverton experiences a mild climate with distinct seasons. Summers are warm and relatively dry, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 81°F and lows around 55°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs of 83°F and lows of 55°F (according to Weather and Climate). Winters are cool and wet, with average high temperatures in December around 48°F and lows around 36°F (according to myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation is notable throughout the year, with an annual average of 41 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). December is the wettest month, receiving about 7 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, averaging just 3 inches annually, mostly occurring in December and January (according to myPerfectWeather). The sunniest months are July and August, offering mostly clear skies and pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.

Education and School Ratings

Beaverton is served by the Beaverton School District 48J, which is highly rated and serves a large student population. The district is ranked among the top in Oregon, often appearing in the top 5 for diversity and overall performance (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Beaverton show strong academic performance, with math proficiency scores of 37% and reading proficiency scores of 48%, both above the state averages (according to Niche).

The district includes numerous highly-rated schools, such as Hope Chinese Charter School, International School of Beaverton, and Bethany Elementary School. While the district generally performs well, there can be variations in school performance, with schools having higher free/reduced lunch rates sometimes showing lower test scores (according to SchoolDigger.com). The student-teacher ratio within the district is approximately 18 to 1 (according to Niche).

Demographics and Population

Beaverton is home to a diverse population of approximately 97,812 residents, with a projected population of 97,792 for 2026 (according to Point2Homes and Data USA). The median age in Beaverton is 37.8 years (according to Point2Homes). The racial composition is diverse, with White residents making up about 57.8% of the population, followed by Hispanic (19.3%) and Asian (11%) residents (according to Data USA and Point2Homes).

The city has a balanced gender distribution, with 50.1% males and 49.9% females (according to Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population, about 19.2%, was born outside the country (according to Data USA). The population density contributes to a lively community atmosphere, with an average of 2 members per household (according to Point2Homes).