Is Canby Safe, Pros and cons of living in Canby

Canby, Oregon, offers a unique blend of suburban convenience and rural charm, nestled in the fertile Willamette Valley. Known as “Oregon’s garden spot,” this city provides a welcoming atmosphere for families and professionals alike. Its location, just south of Portland, allows for easy access to urban amenities while maintaining a distinct small-town feel.

The community is celebrated for its strong sense of togetherness and its dedication to preserving local traditions, such as the annual Clackamas County Fair. With a commitment to quality education and a diverse local economy, Canby presents a compelling option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Is it Safe to Live in Canby?

Canby is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average. The city’s crime rate is approximately 30.64 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime rates are particularly low, standing at 0.21% (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), and are 54% lower than the national average (as reported by Livability.com).

Property crime also remains below national benchmarks, with a rate of 0.90% (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute) and is 47% lower than the national average (as reported by Livability.com). Residents often regard the southeast part of the city as the safest, with varying chances of victimization depending on the neighborhood (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing Costs

The median home value in Canby is approximately $590,607 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This figure reflects a slight increase of 0.3% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Other sources indicate a median home value of $531,074 (as reported by Livability.com) and $450,700 (as reported by Kurby AI). The median list price for a home in Canby was $669,500 in April 2026 (as reported by Movoto).

For those interested in renting, the average rent for an apartment in Canby is around $1,655 per month (as reported by Zillow). This is 17.25% lower than the national average rent of $2,000 (as reported by Zillow). More specific rental averages include $1,515 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and approximately $1,505 for a two-bedroom apartment (as reported by Apartments.com).

Overall Cost of Living

Canby’s cost of living is generally considered to be higher than the national average. One report indicates it is 16% higher than the U.S. national average and 64% higher than Oregon’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). Another source suggests that the cost of living is 17% higher than most places in the United States (as reported by Livability.com).

Specific expenses show variations. Housing expenses are about 1% lower than the national average, while utility prices are 2% lower. However, transportation costs, such as gas prices, are 26% higher than the national average. Grocery prices are also elevated, being 8% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Canby boasts a diverse economic base with several key employers contributing to its growth. Major employers include Johnson Controls, Pioneer Pump, Shimadzu USA, Kendall Floral, Milwaukie Electronics, JV Northwest, SR Smith, American Steel, Package Containers, and OBC Northwest (as reported by City of Canby). Other significant employers are Fred Meyer Inc, and Wilco (as reported by Livability.com).

The city also has a strong manufacturing presence in precision metals, high tech, and testing equipment, with companies selling their products nationally and internationally. The sophisticated nursery industry surrounding Canby is also a notable economic contributor, known for high-quality dahlias, tulips, perennials, shrubs, and trees (as reported by City of Canby).

Employment and Salary

The average salary for a worker in Canby is approximately $69,000 per year, with an average hourly wage of $18.14 (as reported by Livability.com). Another source states the average annual salary is $46,416, which breaks down to about $22.32 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The employment rate in Canby is currently 96.50% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

The unemployment rate in Oregon was 5.2% in February 2026, which is unchanged from the previous month and higher than the US overall rate (as reported by USAFacts). While specific unemployment figures for Canby are not readily available, the strong local economy and proximity to Portland suggest favorable employment prospects (as reported by Kurby AI).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Rainfall

Canby experiences a mild climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Throughout the year, temperatures generally range from 35°F to 84°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 56°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The city receives an average of 44 inches of precipitation annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is December, with an average of 7 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, averaging around 2 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Environmental Factors

Canby is situated in a region with a “Relatively Moderate” overall climate risk (as reported by Kurby AI). The air quality in Canby is rated as Good (as reported by Kurby AI). The area enjoys comfortable humidity levels during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant living environment (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The region is known for its fertile land, benefiting from a long growing season. This makes it ideal for the prominent nursery and agricultural industries in the area. The climate is often described as an “enviable banana belt climate” within the Portland Metropolitan region (as reported by City of Canby).

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

The Canby School District is highly regarded, with Niche giving it a B rating and an overall score of 3.81 out of 5. It is ranked among the top school districts in the Portland Area and Clackamas County (as reported by Niche). Specific schools within the district also receive positive reviews; Meridian Creek Middle School is ranked as the #21 best public middle school in Oregon, and Canby High School holds a B grade on Niche and a 7/10 GreatSchools Rating (as reported by Niche).

Ninety-One School is noted for performing above district and state averages on standardized tests and holds a 4 out of 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. Carus School is another high-performing elementary school with strong test scores across grade levels (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Population and Demographics

As of 2026, Canby has a projected population of 18,314, with a slight annual growth rate of 0.5% (as reported by Canby Demographics). The population was recorded at 18,171 at the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The median age in Canby is approximately 43 years (as reported by Canby, OR Population 2026).

The racial makeup of Canby is predominantly White, accounting for about 75.4% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 16.8%, and those of Two or More races at 5.7% (as reported by Canby Demographics). The median household income in Canby is around $100,989 (as reported by Canby, OR Population 2026), which is significantly higher than the state and national averages (as reported by Census Reporter).

Pros and Cons of Living in Canby

Pros

Canby offers a strong sense of community and a safe environment with crime rates well below the national average (as reported by Livability.com, AreaVibes). The city provides a more affordable cost of living compared to nearby Portland, particularly in housing expenses (as reported by Livability.com, Payscale). Its desirable climate with warm summers and mild winters makes it attractive year-round (as reported by myPerfectWeather, City of Canby).

The school district is highly rated, offering above-average public education options (as reported by Niche). Canby also provides a robust job market with diverse employment opportunities and a strong manufacturing and agricultural base (as reported by City of Canby, Livability.com).

Cons

While Canby offers a lower cost of living than some larger cities, it can still be more expensive than the national average in certain categories, such as transportation and groceries (as reported by Payscale, Salary.com). Entertainment and shopping options may be more limited compared to larger urban centers, requiring travel to nearby cities for a wider selection (as reported by Apartments.com).

Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak commuting hours to and from Portland (as reported by Apartments.com). Some sources also note that Canby is a conservative-leaning town, which may be a consideration for some residents (as reported by Niche).