Gearhart, OR
Population 1,959 · Oregon
About Gearhart, OR
Gearhart is a small town located in Oregon with a population of 1,959 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,966 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gearhart features a median home value of $522,100, which is 113% above the national median of $244,900. This places Gearhart in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,089, 6% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,466 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (643 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (152 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gearhart shows an unemployment rate of 1.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gearhart have an average one-way commute time of 14.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.5% of Gearhart 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 2.6% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gearhart Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Gearhart, OR
Compared to national averages, Gearhart has a median household income of $85,966 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $522,100, which is 113% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,089 is 6% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Gearhart's income is 13% above the state average of $76,196, and home values are 37% above the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Gearhart, OR?
Gearhart offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,966, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,089/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.2%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 41.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $522,100. However, Gearhart’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gearhart has a population of 1,959 with a median age of 47.5 years. Compare Gearhart with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Gearhart
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanfield | 1,956 | $65,909 | $190,300 | Compare |
| Brownsville | 1,949 | $82,750 | $361,300 | Compare |
| Amity | 1,972 | $93,438 | $357,300 | Compare |
| Dunthorpe | 1,984 | $250,001 | $1,410,700 | Compare |
| Irrigon | 1,922 | $66,087 | $182,200 | Compare |
| Canyonville | 1,917 | $45,505 | $180,100 | Compare |
| Durham | 1,909 | $90,341 | $688,200 | Compare |
| Bay City | 2,022 | $80,329 | $337,500 | 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 Gearhart With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gearhart
What is the population of Gearhart, OR?
The population of Gearhart, OR is 1,959 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Gearhart?
The median household income in Gearhart, OR is $85,966 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gearhart?
The median home value in Gearhart, OR is $522,100, which is 113% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gearhart?
The median monthly rent in Gearhart, OR is $1,089, which is 6% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gearhart?
The unemployment rate in Gearhart, OR is 1.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Gearhart, OR a good place to live?
Gearhart offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,959 and a median age of 47.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gearhart, OR?
41.5% of residents in Gearhart aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Gearhart?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gearhart, OR: median home value is $522,100 (113% above national), median rent is $1,089/month, and median household income is $85,966. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Gearhart?
The poverty rate in Gearhart, OR is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gearhart, OR?
Gearhart's population is 2.6% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.