Portland and Northwest Clackamas, both located in Oregon, offer diverse living experiences, each appealing to different demographics. Portland, a bustling artistic and cultural hub, provides an energetic city lifestyle with a wealth of entertainment and job opportunities. On the other hand, Northwest Clackamas is a suburban area with a more peaceful, family-friendly environment, offering natural beauty and excellent school systems. Both areas tout the natural Pacific Northwest charm, but the difference lies in the pace and lifestyle they offer.
Compared to the national average, Portland tends to have a higher crime rate, particularly in property theft. However, significant efforts by local law enforcement and community coalitions continue to combat this issue. On the flipside, Northwest Clackamas enjoys a substantially lower crime rate, making it an ideal location for families or individuals prioritizing safety.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is a distinguishing factor between the two areas. Portland, being a more populous city, has a higher cost of living. This includes food, housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Meanwhile, Northwest Clackamas, being more suburban, has a lower cost of living. This makes it an attractive option for families or individuals on a budget.
Income Tax
Oregon has one of the highest state income tax rates in the country. This affects both Portland and Northwest Clackamas similarly, as the income tax is statewide.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Oregon are above the national average. However, property taxes in Northwest Clackamas tend to be slightly lower than in Portland, due to the lower property values.
Sales Tax
Both Portland and Northwest Clackamas benefit from Oregon's lack of sales tax, making them attractive places for shopping.
Income
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Estimated median household income
$79,057
$92,346
Estimated per capita income
$49,003
$47,763
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
106.5
114
If you make $50,000 in Portland, you will have to make $53,521 in Northwest Clackamas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Portland is located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, offering scenic waterfront views. Northwest Clackamas is largely suburban, featuring lush greenery and proximity to natural landscapes such as the Willamette River and the Clackamas River.
Geographical information
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Land area
134.3 sq. miles
129.1 sq. miles
Population density
4,773.4 people per sq. mile
1,921.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Portland, OR Northwest Clackamas, OR
Education
In terms of education, Portland boasts numerous esteemed educational institutions, including public, private, and charter schools, as well as colleges and universities. The area is home to the University of Portland and Portland State University. Northwest Clackamas also offers quality education, particularly noted for its high-ranking public schools, making it an excellent choice for families with children.
Portland’s economy is more diverse and robust, with job opportunities in a broad range of industries like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Conversely, Northwest Clackamas is primarily residential with limited commercial activity. Many residents commute to nearby cities, like Portland, for employment.
Biggest Employers
Some of Portland's biggest employers include Intel, Oregon Health & Science University, and Nike. On the contrary, Northwest Clackamas's largest employers include School Districts, Fred Meyer, and Kaiser Permanente.
In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northwest Clackamas (Clackamas County), 50.6% voted for Democrats and 46.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
2020
79.2%
54.0%
17.9%
42.9%
2.9%
3.2%
2016
73.3%
47.7%
17.0%
41.3%
9.7%
11.0%
2012
75.4%
50.6%
20.6%
46.9%
4.0%
2.5%
2008
76.7%
53.9%
20.6%
43.6%
2.7%
2.5%
2004
71.6%
49.0%
27.1%
50.3%
1.3%
0.7%
2000
63.8%
47.3%
28.3%
48.0%
7.9%
4.7%
1996
59.2%
46.6%
26.3%
41.0%
14.4%
12.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
15.2%
7.2%
6.7%
4.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
1.4%
4.0%
4.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.9%
1.2%
3.4%
3.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.8%
0.2%
2.7%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.7%
2.2%
1.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.5%
0.5%
3.8%
2.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.6%
2.2%
2.2%
Weather
Portland and Northwest Clackamas experience fairly similar weather due to their proximity. This region of Oregon has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Both cities experience significant rainfall, particularly between November and February, and occasional snowfall is not uncommon.
Weather and climate
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Temperature - Average
53.9°F
54.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
76.5%
76.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
42%
42.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
44%
43.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
41.6 in
45.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
12.8 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
11.3%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
54.7%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
52%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
20%
20%
Wind speed - Average
8.1 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Average climate in Northwest Clackamas, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
2018
79
79
0.26
0.26
8.8
8.8
21.4
22.3
N/A
N/A
7.2
7.1
0.4
0.4
2017
93
93
0.26
0.26
8.7
8.7
22.6
23.4
N/A
N/A
7.1
7.1
0.4
0.4
2016
72
72
0.25
0.25
8.7
8.7
20.8
21.5
N/A
N/A
5.2
5.1
0.2
0.2
2015
91
91
0.28
0.28
9.2
9.2
20.1
21.0
N/A
N/A
7.4
7.1
0.5
0.5
2014
91
90
0.24
0.24
8.5
8.5
21.0
21.6
N/A
N/A
6.3
6.2
0.8
0.8
2013
85
85
0.29
0.29
9.6
9.6
17.9
18.6
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.3
1.1
1.1
2012
78
78
0.30
0.30
9.1
9.1
21.0
21.6
N/A
N/A
7.4
6.9
0.6
0.6
2011
89
89
0.34
0.34
9.4
9.4
18.5
19.2
N/A
N/A
8.1
7.9
0.8
0.8
2010
80
80
0.33
0.33
9.1
9.1
19.4
19.9
N/A
N/A
6.4
6.0
1.4
1.4
2009
95
95
0.32
0.32
10.2
10.2
20.0
20.8
N/A
N/A
8.4
8.2
1.6
1.6
2008
101
101
0.34
0.34
10.9
10.9
19.2
20.1
N/A
N/A
8.8
8.5
1.0
1.0
2007
101
101
0.35
0.35
11.4
11.4
18.1
17.7
N/A
N/A
8.8
8.4
1.3
1.3
2006
106
106
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
7.5
1.5
1.5
2005
96
96
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
8.1
1.7
1.7
2004
92
92
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
9.4
N/A
N/A
2003
77
77
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.008
0.008
8.6
8.6
N/A
N/A
2002
68
67
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.010
0.010
8.4
8.4
N/A
N/A
2001
73
73
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.008
0.008
8.9
8.9
N/A
N/A
2000
52
52
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.4%
8.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,575.5%
1,566.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
9%
13%
Transportation
Portland's public transit system is robust with buses, light rail, and streetcars that cover most parts of the city. Northwest Clackamas has less public transit, and many residents rely on cars for commuting. Proximity to Portland allows for convenient commuting for work.
Transport
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
804
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
6
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Bicycle
3.1%
0.3%
Bus
4.6%
3.7%
Carpooled
9.4%
9.9%
Car alone
76.2%
78.2%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.1%
Railroad
0.9%
0.1%
Streetcar
0.3%
0%
Walked
3.8%
1.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Average
28.8 min
24.1 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Portland is more expensive with property values higher than the national average. Real estate in Northwest Clackamas is relatively more affordable, offering value for money for large family homes, making it an attractive option for those starting a family or seeking to settle down.
Neighborhoods
Portland's neighborhoods are diverse, from hip and artsy locales like Pearl District and Alberta to family-friendly suburbs like Hawthorne and Sellwood. Northwest Clackamas is home to cozy neighborhoods like Stafford and Sunset, known for their family-friendly and peaceful atmosphere.
Houses and residents
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
Houses
303,483
91,607
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.5
Houses occupied
286,734 (94.5%)
86,783 (94.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
153,121 (53.4%)
59,419 (68.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
133,613 (46.6%)
27,364 (31.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,917
$1,435
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$248,225
$610,128
Estimated median house or condo value
$520,200
$529,522
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.9
Renting percentage
46.3%
32.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,259.4
709.6
Household income disparities
44.7%
40.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
2,404 (2.2%)
10,555 (20.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
11,239 (10.1%)
244 (0.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
108,864 (97.8%)
41,052 (79.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
396 (0.4%)
6,561 (12.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,832 (11.5%)
6,242 (12.1%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
25,437
9,464
State government workers
15,615
3,645
Unpaid family workers
688
441
Industries and Occupations
Many industries thrive in Portland, such as technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. There's a significant number of jobs in software development, nursing, and management, among others. Jobs in Northwest Clackamas primarily revolve around education, healthcare, and retail trade.
Portland houses numerous highly-rated hospitals, such as Oregon Health & Science University Hospital. Northwest Clackamas has fewer hospitals, but residents are within a short drive of the health facilities in Portland.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Amidst Portland's busy streets are modern facilities, extensive public transportation networks, and well-maintained roads and highways. Northwest Clackamas, although less developed than Portland, has quality infrastructure and public services that cater to residents' needs.
Infrastructure
Type
Portland
Northwest Clackamas
TV stations
18
18
Culture and Food
Portland is rich in culture, known for its foodie scene, craft beers, festivals, art shows, and live music. Northwest Clackamas has a quieter cultural scene, but residents enjoy easy access to Portland's vibrant offerings.
Sports Teams
As a larger city, Portland is home to major professional sports teams, including the Trail Blazers (NBA), Timbers (MLS), and Thorns (NWSL). Northwest Clackamas does not have its sports teams but it's in striking distance for sporting events in Portland.
Portland, OR
Northwest Clackamas, OR
