Forest Grove, OR
Population 26,406 · Oregon
About Forest Grove, OR
Forest Grove is a mid-sized city located in Oregon with a population of 26,406 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,998 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Forest Grove features a median home value of $464,300, which is 90% above the national median of $244,900. This places Forest Grove in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,393, 20% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,110 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (5,541 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (3,347 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Forest Grove shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Forest Grove have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.7% of Forest Grove residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 26.3% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 13.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Forest Grove Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Forest Grove, OR
Compared to national averages, Forest Grove has a median household income of $81,998 (9% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $464,300, which is 90% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,393 is 20% above the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Forest Grove's income is 8% above the state average of $76,196, and home values are 22% above the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Forest Grove, OR?
Forest Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,998, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $464,300. However, Forest Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Forest Grove has a population of 26,406 with a median age of 34.6 years. Compare Forest Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Forest Grove
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilsonville | 26,183 | $87,371 | $584,700 | Compare |
| Woodburn | 26,845 | $67,469 | $308,400 | Compare |
| West Linn | 27,065 | $138,526 | $733,300 | Compare |
| Newberg | 25,622 | $91,389 | $453,700 | Compare |
| Happy Valley | 25,572 | $120,324 | $671,800 | Compare |
| Tualatin | 27,710 | $105,073 | $595,800 | Compare |
| Roseburg | 23,773 | $52,928 | $266,600 | Compare |
| Hayesville | 22,309 | $59,299 | $331,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Forest Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Forest Grove
What is the population of Forest Grove, OR?
The population of Forest Grove, OR is 26,406 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Forest Grove?
The median household income in Forest Grove, OR is $81,998 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Forest Grove?
The median home value in Forest Grove, OR is $464,300, which is 90% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Forest Grove?
The median monthly rent in Forest Grove, OR is $1,393, which is 20% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Forest Grove?
The unemployment rate in Forest Grove, OR is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Forest Grove, OR a good place to live?
Forest Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,406 and a median age of 34.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Forest Grove, OR?
31.7% of residents in Forest Grove aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Forest Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Forest Grove, OR: median home value is $464,300 (90% above national), median rent is $1,393/month, and median household income is $81,998. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Forest Grove?
The poverty rate in Forest Grove, OR is 13.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Forest Grove, OR?
Forest Grove's population is 26.3% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 13.0% of residents are foreign-born.