Hillsboro, OR: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Hillsboro: The Data Profile (2026)

Hillsboro represents a specific niche in the Pacific Northwest economy: a high-earning, educated satellite city anchored by the Silicon Forest. The population stands at 107,726, a manageable size for a suburban-urban hybrid. The economic engine is clear: the median income is $103,439, a substantial +38.7% increase over the US median of $74,580. This wealth is driven by a highly skilled workforce; 46.8% of residents hold a college degree, significantly outpacing the US average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "Tech-Suburbanite": a college-educated professional (likely in semiconductor, software, or engineering) earning above the national median, seeking a lower cost of living than San Francisco or Seattle, but requiring proximity to major corporate campuses in the Tualatin Valley.

Cost of Living Analysis

While Hillsboro offers high wages, the cost of living is slightly elevated, primarily driven by housing. The aggregate Cost of Living Index is 108.0, meaning it is 8.0% more expensive than the national average. However, daily consumables are cheaper; Groceries index at 96.6 and Transportation at 98.4. Energy costs are a significant advantage, with electricity at 14.7 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income ($103,439 / $8,620 monthly gross) takes home approximately $6,450 monthly after taxes. With a total monthly budget of $3,165, the disposable income is roughly $3,285, a healthy surplus of 50.9%. This suggests strong financial viability for singles, though families face tighter margins with a $7,230 burn rate against a dual-income household take-home of roughly $11,500 (assuming two median earners), leaving a $4,270 surplus.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Hillsboro is the primary cost driver, sitting 8.0% above the national average. It is a premium market relative to the wider region, though not as volatile as major metros. Renting is currently a strong option due to the relatively low spread between rent and mortgage costs in the current interest rate environment.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buying vs. Renting Analysis:
With a median home price of $585,000, a 20% down payment is $117,000. At current mortgage rates (approx. 6.5%), the monthly principal and interest payment alone exceeds $2,900, not including taxes and insurance. Comparing this to the $2,650 rent for a 3BR home, renting preserves liquidity and costs roughly $3,000 less annually. Recommendation: Rent initially. The +8.0% housing premium makes buying a significant capital commitment that only pays off if you stay 7+ years.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

Hillsboro is a "bedroom community" that is rapidly maturing into a self-contained economic hub. The "Silicon Forest" (Intel, Tektronix, SolarWorld) provides stability, but the 5.2% unemployment rate is notably higher than the US average of 4.0%. This suggests that while high-skill jobs are abundant, the labor market is competitive, and lower-wage service roles are scarcer.

RTO & Commute:
Post-2023 Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates have solidified Hillsboro's position. While remote work is common, hybrid schedules dominate. Commute times are manageable; the average commute is 24 minutes, significantly lower than the 32-minute US average. Proximity to Highway 26 and the MAX Blue Line light rail makes commuting to downtown Portland (approx. 18 miles) feasible, though congestion during peak hours can add 15-20 minutes.

Quality of Life Audit

Health metrics in Hillsboro are a study in contrasts. While the aggregate Health Score is 82.5/100 (Good), lifestyle risks are present. The obesity rate is 32.9%, slightly above the US average of 31.9%, likely influenced by the sedentary nature of the tech workforce. However, the smoking rate is a low 10.4%.

Air quality is a major asset. The AQI average of 33 is classified as "Good," with PM2.5 levels remaining low despite regional wildfire risks. Safety is also a highlight: violent crime is exceptionally low at 189/100k, half the national average.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Schools:

• Violent Crime: 189 per 100k (Low).
• Property Crime: 1,890 per 100k (Average).
• Schools: Hillsboro School District is rated 6/10 by GreatSchools—solid, but not elite. High property taxes (1.15%) fund these schools adequately.
• Weather: Today’s conditions are 36.0°F with patchy fog. The region is characterized by dry summers and wet, gray winters. Vitamin D deficiency is a common complaint among transplants.

The Verdict

Pros:

• High Earnings: Median income of $103,439 offers significant purchasing power when paired with lower costs on essentials.
• Safety: Violent crime is 50% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 33 is superior to 90% of US metros.
• Commute: Average 24-minute commute is highly competitive.

Cons:

• Housing Premium: Home prices are +39.3% higher than the US average.
• Unemployment: Rate of 5.2% indicates a competitive job market for non-specialized roles.
• Health Risks: Obesity rate of 32.9% suggests a culture that may prioritize screen time over physical activity.

Final Recommendation:
Hillsboro is a Buy for high-earning professionals in the tech or engineering sectors who value safety and air quality. It is a Rent for everyone else. The housing market premium (+8.0%) makes entry difficult, but the income potential (+38.7% vs US) justifies the rental costs. If you can secure a job in the "Silicon Forest," Hillsboro offers a financial and lifestyle arbitrage opportunity compared to coastal tech hubs.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Hillsboro?
For a single professional, a salary of $80,000 provides a comfortable lifestyle with savings. For a family of four, a combined household income of $140,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate.

2. How does the value compare to Portland proper?
Hillsboro offers better value for families. While Portland has a slightly lower Housing Index (105.0), Hillsboro provides larger square footage for the price and significantly lower property crime rates (1,890 vs 2,500 per 100k in Portland).

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. The violent crime rate of 189/100k is statistically robust for a city of 107,726 residents. It is one of the safest cities in the Pacific Northwest relative to its size.

4. Is the high unemployment rate a red flag?
Not necessarily for specialized workers. The 5.2% rate is inflated by a lack of entry-level service jobs. For those with college degrees (46.8% of the population), the effective unemployment rate is likely closer to 2.5% due to high demand in the semiconductor and tech sectors.