Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gales Creek, OR
Thinking of moving to Gales Creek, OR? This charming rural community of about 640 residents offers peaceful living with a median home price of $495,000 and average rents around $1,480. Crime rates are low, commutes average 32 minutes, and families benefit from strong public schools in the Forest Grove district. Enjoy the region's mild summers, lush green scenery, and access to nearby medical care, making Gales Creek a great choice for small-town living with city amenities close by.
Demographics - Gales Creek, OR
Demographics - Gales Creek, OR
Gales Creek is a small, close-knit community with a population of 640 and a median age of 47, reflecting a mature resident base. The area is predominantly White, with a low percentage of non-English speakers and a balanced gender ratio, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Population:
640
Density:
56 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
89.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gales Creek, OR?
The cost of living in Gales Creek is above the national average, mainly due to housing, with median home values around $495,000 and rents averaging $1,480 per month. Residents can expect moderate utility and transportation expenses, and state income tax rates range from 4.75% to 9.9%.
Median House Value:
$495,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$690
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.2
Grocery:
108.7
Housing:
118.9
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
105.1
Health Care:
107.4
Miscellaneous:
101.3
Crime
Is Gales Creek, OR a safe place to live?
Gales Creek experiences very low violent crime, with only about 72 incidents per 100,000 residents, and property crime is also below national averages. This makes it a safe and secure environment for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
72
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,192
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,390
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Gales Creek, OR year-round?
Residents enjoy mild summers with highs in the low 80s and cool, wet winters with average rainfall nearing 45 inches annually. The area sees about 46% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate lush, green surroundings.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
47°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
The median household income is $81,200, and most residents are well educated, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher. The community has a low poverty rate of 7.1% and a typical commute time of just over 32 minutes, reflecting its blend of rural charm and access to nearby cities.
Median Income:
$41,500
Household Income:
$81,200
Family Income:
$88,900
Per Capita Income:
$37,800
Income Male:
$47,900
Income Female:
$38,400
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
32.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
32.4%
Education
How are the schools in Gales Creek, OR?
Educational needs are well-served by the Forest Grove School District, with local elementary options and proximity to Pacific University just 7 miles away. Families benefit from a mix of public and private schools, as well as higher education opportunities close to home.
Public Schools
Name:
Gales Creek Elementary School (closed, area now served by Dilley Elementary and Forest Grove School District)
Street:
9125 NW Sargent Rd
Phone:
503-357-6171
Students:
N/A
Student Teacher Ratio:
N/A
Name:
Dilley Elementary School
Street:
4115 SW Dilley Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone:
503-359-2476
Students:
305
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.4
Private Schools
Name:
Pacific Christian Academy
Street:
2204 19th Ave, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone:
503-357-4844
Students:
82
Colleges
Name:
Pacific University
City:
Forest Grove
State:
OR
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
3,900
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with major hospitals such as Tuality Forest Grove Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center nearby, and over 93% of residents have health insurance coverage. The area offers a good physician-to-population ratio, supporting the community’s overall well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Tuality Forest Grove Hospital
Address:
1809 Maple St, Forest Grove, OR 97116
Phone:
(503) 357-2173
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center
Address:
2875 NW Stucki Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone:
(971) 310-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gales Creek, OR?
Gales Creek's housing market features a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 80%, with median home prices at $495,000 and stable rental options. Homes have appreciated by 4.5% in the past year, indicating a steady and desirable market for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$495,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Gales Creek residents can conveniently access full DMV services at the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services office in nearby Hillsboro, offering vehicle registration, licensing, and title services both in person and online.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1502 SE 3rd Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone:
503-299-9999
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.