Is Sutherlin Safe, Pros and cons of living in Sutherlin

Sutherlin, Oregon, nestled in the Umpqua Valley, offers a glimpse into the charm of small-town living combined with the natural beauty of its surroundings. This community, located conveniently off Interstate 5, provides residents with access to outdoor recreational opportunities, including proximity to the Umpqua River and Cooper Creek Reservoir. It’s a place where the pace of life is often dictated by the changing seasons and the welcoming spirit of its residents.

The city’s identity is shaped by its history, its connection to the surrounding agricultural landscape, and its role as a community hub for Douglas County. Sutherlin balances a quiet residential atmosphere with essential services and local businesses, aiming to provide a comfortable and convenient lifestyle for its inhabitants. The town’s layout and amenities cater to those seeking a more relaxed environment while still benefiting from access to regional resources.

Is it Safe to Live in Sutherlin?

Sutherlin is generally considered a safe place to live, with overall crime rates significantly below the national average. The city boasts a crime safety grade of A- as of 2026, indicating a low risk for residents. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is approximately 1 in 493 per year, which is 47% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

Property crime rates also remain lower than the national average, with an estimated rate of 1,119.4 per 100,000 residents, or a 1 in 89 chance of being a victim annually. This is 39% below the national average for property crimes. Neighborhoods within Sutherlin are largely rated A or B for safety, with no neighborhoods identified as having high crime rates (as reported by DoorProfit).

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Sutherlin is estimated at 203.0 per 100,000 residents, which is 47% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Specific violent crime rates include murder at 2.3 per 100,000 residents (54% below average), assault at 150.8 per 100,000 residents (44% below average), and robbery at 31.9 per 100,000 residents (57% below average) (as reported by DoorProfit). These figures contribute to Sutherlin’s reputation as a secure community.

Property Crime Overview

Property crime in Sutherlin is also below national averages, with an estimated rate of 1,119.4 per 100,000 residents, a 39% decrease compared to the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Key property crime rates include burglary at 144.7 per 100,000 residents (46% below average), larceny/theft at 795.5 per 100,000 residents (43% below average), and vehicle theft at 179.2 per 100,000 residents (44% below average) (as reported by DoorProfit).

The Cost of Living in Sutherlin

The cost of living in Sutherlin, Oregon, is generally considered to be higher than the national average, with some sources indicating it is 12% higher than the U.S. average and 22% higher than the Oregon state average (as reported by Salary.com). This higher cost is influenced by various factors, including housing, transportation, and energy expenses.

Housing costs in Sutherlin are a significant component of the overall cost of living. While some reports suggest housing is less expensive than the national average, others indicate higher overall living expenses. For instance, one report mentions that living in Sutherlin is more expensive than the national average, with housing costs being 11.5% lower at $1,062 per month for a single person and $1,948 per month for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com). However, other data indicates a median home price of $261,700 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute) and a median listing price of $425,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Housing Expenses

Median home prices in Sutherlin vary across different reports, with figures around $307,000 (as reported by Movemap and Livability.com) and $345,332 (as reported by Zillow) as of early 2026. The median rental price for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $873 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages around $1,195 per month (as reported by Zumper). However, other sources indicate a median rent of $1,250 for all bedroom counts and property types as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper), and some suggest median rates for two-bedroom apartments hover around $1,500 (as reported by Rentometer).

Everyday Expenses

Food expenses in Sutherlin are reported to be 2.4% below the national average, with an estimated monthly cost of $390 for an individual and $1,269 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are noted as being higher than the national average, with combined monthly expenses around $917 for one person and $2,007 for a household (as reported by Salary.com). The cost of food in Sutherlin is also noted as being less expensive than the United States average, receiving a score of 9 out of 10 on a cost of food index (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).

Job Market and Economy

Sutherlin’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance employing the largest number of residents, followed by Manufacturing and Retail Trade (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries in Sutherlin include Public Administration, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Data USA).

The average salary in Sutherlin is approximately $50,040 annually, which breaks down to about $24.06 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary of $64,738 yearly (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), and a median household income of $51,250 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The unemployment rate in Oregon was 5.2% in March 2026 (as reported by USAFacts and Bureau of Labor Statistics), which was higher than the U.S. overall rate at that time.

Major Employers

While specific major employers within Sutherlin are not extensively detailed across all sources, key industries that drive employment include healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA). Broader employment in the region suggests opportunities in sectors such as these, along with public administration and professional services.

Salaries and Wages

The average annual salary in Sutherlin is reported as $50,040 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries can range significantly, with the 25th percentile earning around $34,071 and the 75th percentile earning up to $62,247 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Some of the top-paying job types identified in Sutherlin include Bank positions, Police Officer roles, and Forklift Driver positions (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate and Weather

Sutherlin experiences a Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csb), characterized by dry summers with cool mornings and warm afternoons, and chilly, wet winters (as reported by Wikipedia). The average annual temperature ranges from approximately 36°F to 85°F, with temperatures rarely dropping below 27°F or exceeding 95°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Climate). The city receives about 39 inches of precipitation annually, with snowfall being minimal, around 1 inch per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summer months in Sutherlin are typically warm and dry. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 86°F and a low of 55°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winter months are cooler and wetter, with December seeing average highs of 48°F and lows of 35°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically December, receiving around 7 inches of precipitation, while August is the driest, with about 0.3 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Average Temperatures

Throughout the year, Sutherlin’s temperatures fluctuate between a low of around 35°F in the winter to a high of approximately 88°F in the summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest periods occur between June and September, with daily highs often exceeding 78°F (as reported by Climate). Conversely, the cooler season extends from November to February, with daily highs generally remaining below 55°F (as reported by Climate).

Precipitation and Seasonal Patterns

Sutherlin experiences a distinct rainy season that spans about 10 months of the year, from late August to early July (as reported by Climate). December typically records the highest monthly rainfall, averaging around 8.0 inches (as reported by Climate). The driest period occurs between July and August, with minimal rainfall accumulating during these months.

Education in Sutherlin

Sutherlin is served by the Sutherlin School District 130, which provides education for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district as a whole is rated two stars out of five by SchoolDigger, indicating performance below the state average compared to other districts in Oregon (as reported by SchoolDigger). However, individual schools within the district show varied performance levels.

Sutherlin High School is a notable institution within the district, ranking as the 53rd best public high school out of 270 in Oregon for the 2024-2025 school year, earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. It demonstrates higher proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Science compared to district and state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger). The school also boasts a strong 4-year graduation rate of 81.8% (as reported by SchoolDigger).

School District Performance

The Sutherlin School District is ranked 83rd out of 140 districts in Oregon, receiving a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger (as reported by SchoolDigger). This suggests that, on average, the district’s performance is below the state average. While Sutherlin High School performs well, some elementary and middle schools within the district have lower proficiency rates compared to state averages (as reported by SchoolDigger).

High School Rankings and Academics

Sutherlin High School is recognized as an above-average public school, holding a B overall grade from Niche. It ranks 53rd out of 270 Oregon high schools for the 2024-2025 school year (as reported by SchoolDigger). State test scores indicate that 24% of students are proficient in math and 51% in reading (as reported by Niche). The school also has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Sutherlin

Sutherlin has a population of approximately 8,599 residents as of 2024, making it the 76th most populated city in Oregon (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age in Sutherlin is 47.4 years, indicating a slightly older population compared to the national average (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The city’s demographic makeup is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Hispanic and Multiracial individuals.

In terms of racial and ethnic composition, White residents constitute the largest group, making up 87.6% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Dots). Hispanic residents represent 2.8% of the population, and those identifying as Two or More Races account for 7.3% (as reported by Point2Homes and Census Dots). The foreign-born population in Sutherlin is approximately 1.86%, which is similar to the national average (as reported by Data USA).

Population Trends

The population of Sutherlin has seen a modest increase, with projections indicating a growth to 8,841 residents by 2026 (as reported by Point2Homes). This projection is based on an annual rate of change of 1.4%, consistent with the observed population changes from 2019 to 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). The city’s population has grown by less than 1% since the 2020 Census figure of 8,524 (as reported by Census Dots).

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The dominant racial group in Sutherlin is White, accounting for 87.6% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). This percentage is significantly higher than the state average for Oregon, where White residents make up 71.4% of the population (as reported by Census Dots). Other racial groups include Multiracial at 7.3%, Hispanic at 2.8%, Native American/Other at 1.2%, Black at 0.8%, and Asian at 0.2% (as reported by Census Dots).

Pros and Cons of Living in Sutherlin

Sutherlin offers a blend of appealing qualities for those seeking a quieter lifestyle, alongside certain challenges that potential residents should consider. The city’s safety and natural surroundings are significant draws, but the cost of living and certain economic factors present potential drawbacks.

The lower crime rates and below-average risk of becoming a victim of crime are substantial advantages (as reported by DoorProfit). Coupled with a pleasant climate featuring warm summers and mild winters (as reported by myPerfectWeather), Sutherlin provides an attractive environment for families and individuals prioritizing peace and outdoor access. The community’s median home prices are also noted as being near the national median in some reports (as reported by Movemap), though other data suggests a higher median listing price (as reported by Realtor.com®).

Advantages of Sutherlin

A key advantage of Sutherlin is its safety, with crime rates significantly lower than both national and state averages (as reported by DoorProfit). The city’s climate is also favorable, offering comfortable summers and mild, wet winters (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Furthermore, Sutherlin provides a strong sense of community and convenient access to outdoor activities, including the Umpqua River and nearby natural attractions (as reported by Wikipedia).

Disadvantages of Sutherlin

Despite its advantages, Sutherlin’s cost of living is higher than the national average, driven by expenses in energy, transportation, and healthcare (as reported by Salary.com). While some sources suggest housing costs are lower than the national average, others point to a higher median home price, and the rental market can be competitive (as reported by Zumper). Additionally, the Sutherlin School District’s overall performance is rated below the state average (as reported by SchoolDigger), which could be a concern for families with school-aged children.