Is Cedar Mill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cedar Mill
Cedar Mill, Oregon, offers a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities, making it an attractive location for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. Nestled in Washington County, this Census Designated Place (CDP) provides a community feel while being part of the larger Portland metropolitan area.
The area is characterized by its natural beauty, with lush surroundings and proximity to parks and trails, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. Its well-regarded school system and family-friendly atmosphere further contribute to its desirability for residents. Cedar Mill presents a unique opportunity for individuals and families looking to establish roots in a vibrant and well-connected community.
Is it Safe to Live in Cedar Mill?
Cedar Mill’s overall crime rate is considered slightly higher than the average U.S. city, earning it a “C” grade for safety (according to CrimeGrade.org). The community ranks in the 42nd percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 42% of cities but less safe than 58% (according to CrimeGrade.org). Total crime incidents are higher in the western parts of Cedar Mill, with approximately 99 incidents annually, while the southeast part sees fewer, around 20 crimes each year (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Violent crime in Cedar Mill is rated as slightly lower than the U.S. average, with a “B” grade for safety (according to CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate stands at approximately 2.409 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally perceive the northeast part of the city as the safest for violent crime, while the southwest neighborhoods present a higher risk (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Neighborhood Safety
Within Cedar Mill, safety perceptions can vary by neighborhood. The east side of Cedar Mill is generally considered the safest by its residents (according to CrimeGrade.org). Conversely, the west parts of Cedar Mill tend to experience a higher volume of total crime incidents (according to CrimeGrade.org).
When considering violent crime, the northeast section of Cedar Mill is viewed as the safest, with a lower chance of victimization. In contrast, the southwest neighborhoods present a higher risk for violent crime compared to other areas within Cedar Mill (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Cedar Mill presents a mixed picture, with housing being a significant factor. The median sale price of a home in Cedar Mill was $752,000 as of March 2026, marking a 17.4% decrease compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $296, which is down 6.9% since last year (according to Redfin).
Rental costs in Cedar Mill are competitive, with the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types at $1,795 as of April 2026. This is 8% lower than the national average (according to Zumper). One-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $1,495, while two-bedroom apartments average $1,550 (according to Zumper).
Housing Expenses
Homeownership in Cedar Mill comes with a notable price tag. The median home price in Cedar Mill was $752,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). Homes are selling, on average, after 31 days on the market, which is longer than the 22 days reported last year (according to Redfin).
For renters, the market offers a range of options. The average rent for an apartment in Cedar Mill is $1,732, showing a 4.59% decrease from the previous year (according to RentCafe). Approximately 23% of households in Cedar Mill are renter-occupied (according to RentCafe).
Job Market and Economy
Cedar Mill’s job market is influenced by the broader economic landscape of the Portland metropolitan area. The average annual salary in Cedar Mill was reported as $51,018 as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). This equates to approximately $24.53 per hour, or $981 per week (according to ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment rates in Oregon, which would encompass Cedar Mill, have seen fluctuations. As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in Oregon was 4.1% (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). This indicates a relatively stable job market, although specific local data for Cedar Mill is not as readily available.
Major Employers and Industries
While specific major employers within Cedar Mill are not detailed, the proximity to Portland and its surrounding areas provides access to a diverse range of industries. Key sectors in the greater Portland region include technology, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing (according to Greater Portland). Major companies like Intel, Nike, and Providence Health & Services are significant employers in the broader metropolitan area (according to Greater Portland).
The presence of these large organizations suggests a robust job market with opportunities across various fields. This concentration of businesses offers a strong employment base for residents of Cedar Mill and the surrounding communities (according to Greater Portland).
Climate and Environment
Cedar Mill experiences a temperate climate, characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. Summers are generally warm and dry, while winters are mild and wet. The average high temperature in the summer typically reaches the mid-70s Fahrenheit, with minimal rainfall during this period (according to NOAA data for nearby areas). Winters bring cooler temperatures and the majority of the region’s annual precipitation.
The area receives a substantial amount of rainfall throughout the year, with the annual average totaling around 42.12 inches (according to Plantmaps). This consistent moisture contributes to the region’s lush greenery and vibrant ecosystem. The climate is conducive to outdoor activities for much of the year, with distinct seasons that offer varied weather patterns.
Weather Patterns
Monthly average climate data indicates significant rainfall, particularly in the later months of the year, with December and January often seeing over 7 inches of rain each (according to Plantmaps). Spring and fall are transitional seasons, with moderate temperatures and moderate rainfall. The weather is generally pleasant, though residents should be prepared for overcast skies and rain during the wetter months.
Daily forecasts for the Cedar Hills area, adjacent to Cedar Mill, show typical spring conditions with highs in the low to mid-70s and overnight lows in the high 40s to low 50s (according to the National Weather Service). This pattern of mild temperatures and variable cloud cover is common for the region.
Education and Schools
Cedar Mill is served by the highly-rated Beaverton School District, known for its commitment to academic excellence. Cedar Mill Elementary School, a public school in the district, has received an overall “A” grade from Niche. It serves grades K-5 and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (according to Niche).
State test scores indicate that 63% of students at Cedar Mill Elementary are proficient in math, and 72% are proficient in reading (according to Niche). The school is also recognized for its diversity, ranking among the top public elementary schools in Oregon for this metric (according to Niche).
School Performance
Cedar Mill Elementary School is consistently ranked among the best public elementary schools in Oregon, often placing in the top 15 (according to Niche). The school’s teachers are also highly regarded, with Cedar Mill Elementary ranking in the top 30 for best public elementary school teachers in the state (according to Niche).
Other elementary schools serving Cedar Mill also perform well. Findley Elementary School, for instance, also holds an “A” overall Niche grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 20:1 (according to Niche). The strong performance of these schools underscores the quality of education available in the Cedar Mill area.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Cedar Mill had a population of 17,259 residents (according to Wikipedia). The median age in Cedar Mill is 39.7 years, with 26.2% of residents under 18 and 13.4% aged 65 and older (according to Wikipedia). The community is predominantly urban, with 100% of residents living in urban areas (according to Wikipedia).
Recent projections estimate the population to reach 20,270 by 2026, indicating a steady growth rate (according to CUBIT). The median household income in Cedar Mill was reported as $164,079 in 2024, with a poverty rate of 6.7% (according to CUBIT).
Population Composition
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cedar Mill shows a diverse population. White residents constitute the largest group, making up 64% of the population, followed by Asian residents at 19.1%, and Hispanic residents at 8.4% (according to CUBIT). Other racial and ethnic groups are represented in smaller percentages.
The gender distribution is nearly even, with slightly more males than females in the population. For every 100 females, there are approximately 98.5 males (according to Wikipedia). This demographic profile suggests a well-established community with a blend of age groups and backgrounds.
Housing Market
The Cedar Mill housing market is dynamic, with recent trends showing a decrease in median home prices. As of March 2026, the median home price was $752,000, a decrease of 17.4% from the previous year (according to Redfin). Homes are currently taking longer to sell, averaging 31 days on the market compared to 22 days last year (according to Redfin).
The market is described as “somewhat competitive,” with some homes receiving multiple offers. On average, homes sell for about 1% below the list price and go pending in approximately 31 days (according to Redfin). This suggests a market where buyers may have a bit more negotiation power than in highly competitive areas.
Home Prices and Trends
The median sale price in Cedar Mill was $752,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $296, down 6.9% from the previous year (according to Redfin). This downward trend in prices, coupled with an increase in days on the market, indicates a shift towards a more balanced market.
Nearby areas also show varied real estate activity. For example, the median home price in Beaverton was $474,995, and in Portland, it was $480,000 (according to Realtor.com®). Cedar Mill’s higher median home price reflects its specific market conditions and desirability.
Pros and Cons of Living in Cedar Mill
Cedar Mill offers a desirable lifestyle with numerous advantages, including its strong educational system and access to nature. The area is home to highly-rated schools, such as Cedar Mill Elementary, which consistently ranks among the best in the state (according to Niche). Its proximity to natural areas like Tualatin Hills Nature Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, can be a significant consideration. The median home price is considerably higher than in some neighboring cities, which may be a barrier for some potential residents. While rental prices are more moderate, they are still a notable expense.
Key Advantages
One of the primary draws of Cedar Mill is its excellent school district, which provides a high-quality education for children. The community’s commitment to education is reflected in the performance and rankings of its schools (according to Niche). Furthermore, the abundance of green spaces and recreational opportunities contributes to a high quality of life.
The community’s overall safety, particularly regarding violent crime, is rated favorably compared to the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org). This, combined with the family-friendly atmosphere, makes Cedar Mill an appealing place to raise a family.
Potential Drawbacks
The most significant drawback for many considering Cedar Mill is the high median home price, which stood at $752,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). This price point can make homeownership challenging for those with average incomes. While rental costs are more accessible, they still represent a substantial monthly expense.
Additionally, while the overall crime rate is only slightly above the national average, it is something potential residents should consider. The cost of living, influenced heavily by housing, may be higher than in other comparable areas, requiring careful financial planning.