Is Sherwood Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sherwood

Sherwood, Oregon, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the vibrant Portland metropolitan area. This community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, well-regarded schools, and a growing economy that attracts both residents and businesses. As the city continues to develop, understanding its key characteristics, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and climate, is essential for anyone considering a move.

This article delves into the specifics of life in Sherwood, providing a comprehensive overview of what makes it a unique place to call home. We will explore the safety of its neighborhoods, the economic landscape, the cost of maintaining a household, and the quality of its educational institutions. Additionally, we will touch upon the local climate and demographic makeup to paint a complete picture of this desirable Oregonian city.

Is it Safe to Live in Sherwood?

Crime Rates and Statistics

Sherwood generally presents a low crime risk, with a crime rate that is reported as 22% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). The city experiences an average of approximately 0.9 daily crimes, consisting of both violent and property-related offenses. Violent crimes in Sherwood are notably lower than the national average, with rates 63% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). There were 26 violent crimes reported in Sherwood, equating to 131 per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, property crime rates are slightly above the national average. Property crime averages 201.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 23.2% above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). When examining crime on a per-1,000-resident basis, Sherwood has a crime rate of 27.51 in a typical year, which is considered slightly higher than the average U.S. city. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Sherwood varies by neighborhood, with the south part of the city generally considered the safest (as reported by Crime Explorer).

Neighborhood Safety Perceptions

Residents often consider the southern parts of Sherwood to be the safest areas within the city. Conversely, the northeast neighborhoods may present a slightly higher chance of experiencing crime, with statistics suggesting a risk of 1 in 13 in those areas. The overall safety analysis indicates that Sherwood ranks in the 40th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 40% of U.S. cities but less safe than 60% (as reported by Crime Explorer).

The cost of crime per resident in Sherwood is approximately $395 per year, which is lower than both the national and state averages. This figure is considerably less than what is experienced in nearby Tualatin, Oregon, where crime costs are significantly higher per person (as reported by Crime Explorer). The total projected cost of crime in Sherwood for the year is estimated to be around $10.9 million, translating to about $395 per resident (as reported by Crime Explorer).

The Cost of Living in Sherwood

Housing Expenses

Sherwood’s cost of living is notably higher than both the national and state averages. Overall living costs are estimated to be 25% higher than the U.S. national average and a significant 151% higher than Oregon’s state average. Housing expenses are a primary driver of this higher cost, with Sherwood’s housing costs being 116% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home price in Sherwood is $591,780 (as reported by Livability.com), and the median listing price is $715,000 (as reported by realtor.com®).

Average monthly rent prices in Sherwood are also considerably higher, at 69.7% above the average. The median monthly rent is reported as $1,773 (as reported by Livability.com), while other sources indicate an average rent of $2,106 (as reported by Zillow) or even $2,577 (as reported by Zillow) as of April 2026. Houses for rent in Sherwood average around $2,550 per month, with prices ranging from $1,925 to $3,500 (as reported by Trulia).

Daily Expenses and Income

Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Sherwood also contribute to its higher cost of living. Utility prices are slightly lower than the national average, but transportation expenses, such as gas and bus fares, are 26% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are also elevated, being 8% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

Despite these higher costs, Sherwood boasts a strong median household income. The median income in Sherwood is $121,973 (as reported by Livability.com), which is 94% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This higher income level helps to offset the increased cost of living for many residents. The per capita income in Sherwood is also 38% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Job Market and Employment Opportunities

Major Employers and Industries

Sherwood’s economy is supported by a diverse range of employers, including city government, the local school district, and the YMCA. Large retail outlets and several industrial firms also contribute significantly to employment. Allied Systems Company, an engineering and manufacturing firm specializing in cranes and material handling equipment, is a notable employer in the industrial sector (as reported by Greater Portland Inc).

The city is actively seeking to attract businesses in advanced manufacturing, high-tech industries, cleantech, and software development, among others. This focus on growth sectors aims to further diversify and strengthen the local job market. Companies like Walmart, FedEx, McDonald’s, and UPS are among the larger employers with a presence in Sherwood (as reported by Indeed.com).

Salary and Unemployment

The average annual salary in Sherwood is reported to be around $46,054, which equates to approximately $22.14 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources provide a higher average salary of $71,648 per year, or $34 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Most salaries in Sherwood fall between $35,184 and $54,554 annually, with top-paying roles including Safeway, Marketing Director, and BCBA (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Sherwood benefits from a low unemployment rate, which is reported to be 58% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The employment rate in Sherwood-Tualatin North is currently 97.16% (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). This indicates a robust job market with ample opportunities for those seeking employment within the city and surrounding areas.

Climate and Weather in Sherwood

Average Temperatures and Seasons

Sherwood experiences a climate characterized by short, warm, dry summers and cold, wet, overcast winters. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 35°F to 84°F, rarely dropping below 26°F or exceeding 95°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The warm season generally lasts from late June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 76°F.

The hottest month is typically August, with average high temperatures around 83°F and lows near 55°F. Conversely, the cool season extends from mid-November to late February, with average daily high temperatures below 53°F. December is the coldest month, with average highs of 46°F and lows of 36°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Annual precipitation in Sherwood averages around 42 inches (as reported by Livability.com). Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with the wettest month being December, receiving an average of 8.7 inches. In contrast, July is the driest month, with an average of only 0.5 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Snowfall is minimal, with an average annual snowfall of about 1 inch (as reported by Livability.com). February typically sees the most snowfall, with an average of 1.57 inches, and there is generally no snowfall from April to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This climate makes Sherwood appealing for outdoor activities during the warmer months.

Demographics and Population

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Sherwood’s population is predominantly White, making up approximately 76.1% of residents (as reported by Census Dots). Other racial groups include Multiracial individuals at 9.8%, Asian at 3.7%, and smaller percentages for Native American/Other and Black or African American populations. Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute about 9.6% of the population (as reported by Census Dots).

Compared to the state of Oregon overall, Sherwood is slightly more White and less diverse. However, the city has seen an increase in its Multiracial population since the 2020 Census. The population of Sherwood is estimated to be around 20,307, showing a slight decrease from the 2020 Census count (as reported by Census Dots).

Age and Household Structure

The median age in Sherwood is approximately 36.7 years (as reported by Sherwood, OR Population 2026). The population is fairly evenly split between males and females, with slightly more males than females in some age brackets. For every 100 females, there are approximately 96.9 males (as reported by Sherwood, OR Population 2026).

A significant portion of households include children under the age of 18, with about 46.3% of households having children living with them (as reported by Wikipedia). The average household size is 2.88 people, and the average family size is 3.31 (as reported by Wikipedia).

Education in Sherwood

School District Performance

Sherwood School District is highly rated, ranking as the #4 best school district in Oregon out of 143 (as reported by Niche). The district boasts strong performance in math and reading proficiency scores, with 54% of students proficient in math and 65% in reading (as reported by Niche). This performance is notably higher than the state averages for Oregon public schools.

The district includes several highly-ranked elementary schools, such as Archer Glen Elementary School and Middleton Elementary School, which are recognized for their strong test scores and ratings. Sherwood High School also performs well, ranking among the top high schools in the state with a 4-star rating and an 81.8% four-year graduation rate (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

Student Body and Resources

Sherwood’s public schools serve a diverse student body, with minority enrollment at 26% of the student population, which is less than the Oregon public school average (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio across the district is 20 to 1 (as reported by Niche). The Sherwood School District is committed to providing quality education, with a focus on academic achievement and student well-being.

While the district generally excels, there are some challenges, including a higher-than-average chronic absenteeism rate across its schools. Additionally, there can be a performance gap between elementary schools and the middle and high schools, with test scores and rankings showing a dip at the secondary level (as reported by SchoolDigger.com). However, the overall educational environment in Sherwood is considered strong and a significant draw for families.