Is Newberg Safe, Pros and cons of living in Newberg

Newberg, Oregon, offers a blend of small-town charm and access to metropolitan amenities, making it an attractive place for many. Nestled in the heart of wine country, it provides a scenic backdrop with rolling hills and abundant natural beauty. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community.

Is it Safe to Live in Newberg?

Newberg-Dundee has been recognized as the fifth safest city in Oregon in a 2026 report by SafeWise. This ranking is based on FBI crime data, showing a violent crime rate of 1.22 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 10.65 per 1,000 residents. These figures are significantly below both state and national averages. For instance, Newberg-Dundee’s violent crime rate is approximately 72% lower than the national average.

While the northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, crime rates can vary by neighborhood. The overall crime rate in Newberg is reported as 31.46 per 1,000 residents. Your chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 19 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 54 in the northwest. The total projected cost of crime in Newberg for 2025 is estimated at $12,338,362, which translates to about $377 per resident.

Violent Crime Rates

Newberg-Dundee reported an average violent crime rate of 50.1 per 100,000 residents over a five-year period from 2019-2024. This rate is 52.8% below the national average. Specific violent crimes like rape have a higher rate than the national average, with 11.6 per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 3.5 per 100,000 residents. However, aggravated assault rates are significantly lower than the national average.

Property Crime Statistics

Property crime in Newberg-Dundee averages 88.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 45.8% below the national average. Larceny and burglary rates are also considerably lower than the national averages for these crimes. Motor vehicle theft rates are slightly below the national average as well. The most common offense recorded in Newberg-Dundee between 2019 and 2023 was property crime.

Cost of Living in Newberg

Newberg’s cost of living is higher than the U.S. national average. In 2026, monthly living costs are estimated at $3,088 for singles and $6,800 for families of four, which is 25% higher than the national average. This is also 148% higher than Oregon’s state average, reflecting a 4% increase from 2025. Housing costs are a significant contributor, being 19.5% higher than the national average.

Housing Expenses

The median home price in Newberg is approximately $453,700 (ERI Economic Research Institute). Other sources indicate a median listing price of $659,900, with a 6.78% year-over-year increase in for-sale prices as of March 2026. The median rent in Newberg is around $1,600 per month as of March 2026, though other reports place the average rent at $1,725 as of April 2026. Housing expenses in Newberg are 7% lower than the national average, according to Payscale.

Daily Expenses

While housing can be more expensive, some daily expenses are more aligned with national averages. Food expenses are about 4.9% below the national average. However, transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are 26% higher than the national average. Utility prices are slightly lower than the national average by 2%. Healthcare costs in Newberg are 18% higher than the national average.

Job Market and Economy

Newberg’s economy is supported by a variety of employers, with George Fox University being a significant institution. Other major employers include A-dec, a dental equipment manufacturer, and Providence Newberg Medical Center. The city is also home to Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, an addiction treatment center.

Major Employers

George Fox University is listed as the largest company to work for in Newberg, OR, according to Zippia. Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic and Providence Health & Services also have a presence in the area. While specific comprehensive lists of all major employers are not readily available, the presence of educational institutions, healthcare providers, and manufacturing companies indicates a diverse employment landscape.

Salary and Unemployment

The average annual household income in Newberg was $104,490 in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau). The median household income was reported as $91,389 in 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau). The average salary in Newberg is approximately $72,239 per year. The unemployment rate in Newberg, OR, is currently 96.90% employment rate, indicating a low unemployment rate. Statewide, Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in February 2026, unchanged from the previous month.

Climate in Newberg

Newberg experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by cool, cloudy winters and warm, dry summers. The city lies in the path of the stormy westerly flow, leading to overcast and wet weather during the fall, winter, and spring months. Summers are mild and dry, typically from mid-June through early September.

Temperatures

The coldest months are December and January, with average daily highs around 46.0°F (7.8°C). Overnight lows usually stay just above freezing, with freezing temperatures occurring on about 33 nights per year. Summers are warm to hot and dry, with July seeing average high temperatures around 80°F (27°C). The average annual temperature in Newberg ranges from a low of 34°F to a high of 84°F.

Rainfall and Snowfall

Annual precipitation in Newberg totals approximately 43 inches. December is typically the wettest month, receiving around 7 inches of rain. Measurable precipitation occurs on an average of 152 days annually. Snowfall is minimal, with an average of about 3 inches per year, primarily occurring in January and February.

Education in Newberg

Newberg is served by the Newberg School District 29J, which includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. The district is ranked 21 out of 140 school districts in Oregon and holds a 4-star rating out of 5 by SchoolDigger. Several schools within the district receive high ratings, with Ewing Young Elementary School notably ranked 52nd out of 706 elementary schools in Oregon and receiving a 5-star rating.

School Ratings and Performance

Ewing Young Elementary School and Antonia Crater Elementary School are among the top-rated public schools in Newberg. Public schools in the 97132 zip code have an average math proficiency score of 41% and a reading proficiency score of 50%, both exceeding the state averages. Newberg Senior High School has a C+ rating, with math proficiency at 38% and reading proficiency at 48%. The Newberg School District overall has a B rating from Niche.

Higher Education

Newberg is home to George Fox University, a private Christian university offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Additionally, a campus of Portland Community College is located in the city, providing further educational opportunities.

Demographics of Newberg

As of 2023, Newberg’s population was estimated at 26,095. The population has seen growth, with projections estimating 27,256 residents in 2026. The median age in Newberg is 34.8 years.

Population Breakdown

The racial makeup of Newberg is predominantly White, accounting for approximately 72.8% of the population. Hispanic residents make up the next largest group at 16.8%, followed by those identifying as Two or More races at 5.3%. Asian residents constitute 2.8% of the population, with smaller percentages for Black (0.8%) and Native American/Other (1.5%).

Household and Age Demographics

Newberg has approximately 9,747 households, with an average of 2 members per household. Of these, 66.8% are families. Approximately 22.0% of residents are under 18 years old, and 15.6% are 65 years or older. The median age of 34.8 years suggests a relatively balanced age distribution.