Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gearhart, OR
Gearhart, OR is a charming coastal city with a population of just 1,560, known for its relaxed pace and scenic Pacific Northwest beauty. The median home price is around $690,000, with rents averaging $1,400, reflecting its desirability as a seaside community. Residents enjoy low violent crime rates (74 per 100K), shorter average commutes of 18 minutes, and strong educational attainment, with over 42% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. With mild, rainy winters, a close-knit community feel, and easy access to the beach, Gearhart is ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Demographics - Gearhart, OR
Demographics - Gearhart, OR
Gearhart is a small, close-knit community of 1,560 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 56.8, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The population density is moderate, and the city has a slightly higher proportion of females. A small percentage of residents speak languages other than English, adding some diversity to the area.
Population:
1,560
Density:
510 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.8
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.7%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gearhart, OR?
Living in Gearhart comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value around $690,000 and an average rent of $1,400. The cost of living index is 122.5, driven mainly by housing expenses, while utilities and groceries remain closer to national averages. State taxes range from 4.75% to 9.9%, which is typical for Oregon.
Median House Value:
$690,000
Gross Rent:
$1,400
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$675
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.5
Grocery:
110.2
Housing:
148.0
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
106.5
Health Care:
105.9
Miscellaneous:
103.7
Crime
Is Gearhart, OR a safe place to live?
Gearhart boasts a very low violent crime rate of just 74 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a strong sense of safety. Property crimes are more common, but still moderate compared to larger cities, with a 1 in 87 chance annually. Overall, the city is known for its peaceful and secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
74
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,145
Crime Index:
1,219
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,350
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Gearhart, OR year-round?
Gearhart experiences mild coastal weather year-round, with summer highs reaching the upper 60s and winter lows rarely dropping below 37°F. Rain is plentiful, averaging 82 inches annually, while sunny days account for about 43% of the year. This climate supports lush landscapes and is ideal for those who enjoy cooler, maritime conditions.
Winter
Min:
37°F
Max:
50°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
59°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
82.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Residents of Gearhart enjoy a median household income of $71,800 and a low poverty rate of 8.1%, reflecting a stable economic environment. The community is well-educated, with nearly 43% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, and average commute times are short at under 18 minutes. Most people drive, with public transportation usage being minimal.
Median Income:
$41,500
Household Income:
$71,800
Family Income:
$84,200
Per Capita Income:
$44,200
Income Male:
$50,300
Income Female:
$38,600
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$1,400
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
17.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.0%
Bachelors or More:
42.6%
Education
How are the schools in Gearhart, OR?
Families in Gearhart benefit from well-regarded local schools, including Gearhart Elementary and Seaside High School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private school options and proximity to Clatsop Community College in Astoria provide a range of educational opportunities. The community places a strong emphasis on education, as seen in its high rate of residents with college degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Seaside High School
Street:
2600 Spruce Dr
Phone:
503-738-5586
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Gearhart Elementary School
Street:
398 N Marion Ave
Phone:
503-738-8348
Students:
315
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Private Schools
Name:
Seaside Christian Academy
Street:
88786 Dellmoor Loop
Phone:
503-861-3333
Students:
54
Colleges
Name:
Clatsop Community College
City:
Astoria
State:
OR
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
1,650
Healthcare
Healthcare in Gearhart is accessible, with Providence Seaside Hospital nearby and 94.5% of residents covered by health insurance. There are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, providing adequate local medical care. The healthcare index of 77.8 suggests services are reliable and of good quality.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence Seaside Hospital
Address:
725 S Wahanna Rd, Seaside, OR 97138
Phone:
(503) 717-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.5%
Health Care Index:
77.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gearhart, OR?
Gearhart’s housing market is characterized by a high median home price of $690,000 and a 75.6% owner-occupancy rate, indicating a strong community of homeowners. The average rent for a two-bedroom unit is $1,400, and the area has seen home values appreciate by 4.7% over the last year. Rental vacancies and foreclosure rates remain low, making it a desirable but competitive market.
Median Home Price:
$690,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,400
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Gearhart residents are served by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office in nearby Seaside, located at 38491 US-26. The DMV provides full vehicle registration and licensing services, and more information can be found on the official Oregon DMV website. Access to this location makes managing driving-related needs straightforward for locals.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
38491 US-26, Seaside, OR 97138
Phone:
503-861-3176
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.