Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nehalem, OR
Considering a move to Nehalem, OR? This charming small town of about 340 residents offers coastal living with a median home price of $395,000 and average rents around $1,150. Nehalem features a relaxed pace, low violent crime rate (185 per 100K), and commute times averaging 24 minutes. Enjoy mild summers, lush green winters, and access to nearby schools and healthcare, making it a welcoming spot for those seeking a quieter lifestyle by the Oregon coast.
Demographics - Nehalem, OR
Demographics - Nehalem, OR
Nehalem is a close-knit coastal community with around 340 residents and a relatively high population density for its size. The median age is 54, reflecting a mature population, and the town is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of other ethnic groups. A small portion of residents speak languages other than English, contributing to the community’s diversity.
Population:
340
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nehalem, OR?
Living in Nehalem is moderately affordable, with a median home value of $395,000 and typical rent around $1,150 per month. The cost of living index is slightly above the national average, mainly due to housing, while utilities and groceries remain close to typical U.S. costs. State income taxes range from 4.75% to 9.9%, which may be a consideration for new residents.
Median House Value:
$395,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,160
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
103.5
Grocery:
102.1
Housing:
108.2
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
105.3
Health Care:
100.4
Miscellaneous:
99.6
Crime
Is Nehalem, OR a safe place to live?
Nehalem experiences a low violent crime rate of 185 incidents per 100,000 people, making it a generally safe place to live. Property crime is more prevalent, with about 1 in 70 chance annually, but overall, crime rates are lower than in many larger cities. Residents enjoy a sense of security in their daily lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
185
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,605
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Nehalem, OR year-round?
Nehalem offers a mild coastal climate, with winter temperatures ranging from 36°F to 50°F and summer highs reaching 69°F. The area receives abundant rainfall, averaging 84 inches annually, and enjoys sunshine about 48% of the year. The temperate weather supports lush greenery and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
36°F
Max:
50°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
60°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
69°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
84 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
With a median household income of $55,200 and a family income of $65,700, Nehalem's residents enjoy a modest but comfortable standard of living. The community is well-educated, with over 91% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher, and commute times average a manageable 24 minutes. The town has a low unemployment rate and a small, diverse population, fostering a welcoming environment.
Median Income:
$31,400
Household Income:
$55,200
Family Income:
$65,700
Per Capita Income:
$29,500
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
24.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.7%
Bachelors or More:
24.6%
Education
How are the schools in Nehalem, OR?
Nehalem is served by Nehalem Elementary School, offering small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of about 17:1, fostering personalized attention for children. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Tillamook Bay Community College, located just 17 miles away. This supports educational opportunities for both families and adult learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Nehalem Elementary School
Street:
36450 US-101 N
Phone:
503-355-3650
Students:
240
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.7

Colleges
Name:
Tillamook Bay Community College
City:
Tillamook
State:
OR
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including the nearby Adventist Health Tillamook Medical Center, which provides general and emergency services. There are about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 91% of the population has health insurance coverage. Nehalem’s healthcare index suggests services are reliable and accessible for a small community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Adventist Health Tillamook Medical Center
Address:
1000 3rd St, Tillamook, OR 97141
Phone:
(503) 842-4444
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.1%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nehalem, OR?
Nehalem’s housing market features a median home price of $395,000, with about 69% of homes being owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with average rents for a two-bedroom around $1,150 and a vacancy rate of 6.3%. The area has experienced modest home value appreciation of 4.1% over the past year, indicating a stable and appealing market.
Median Home Price:
$395,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver and motor vehicle services for Nehalem are managed through the Oregon DMV, with the nearest full-service office located in The Dalles. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other services online or by phone, making it convenient to handle vehicle needs. The Oregon DMV website provides up-to-date information and resources.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
400 E. Scenic Dr, The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone:
503-945-5000
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.