Skyline of Hillsboro
Cost of Living: 115 108,000

Hillsboro, OR, US

Silicon Forest with Intel's largest campus and a growing tech ecosystem.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

Hillsboro is a city in OR with a population of 108,000. Silicon Forest with Intel’s largest campus and a growing tech ecosystem. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is above the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 6a growing zone supports Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Sunshine is limited, with about 145 sunny days a year. The population skews young, with a median age of 34.8.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 115

Above Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 125

Above Average

Median Income $80,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.0%

Job market health

Hillsboro vs US Average

Cost of Living
Hillsboro: 115
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Hillsboro: 125
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Hillsboro: 8%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 8.0%
  • Sales Tax: 0.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $80,000
  • Unemployment: 3.0%
  • Population: 108,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 145/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 35°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 6a

Housing

  • Median Home: $480,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1600/mo

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Cost of Living

Hillsboro's cost of living index is 115 (US average = 100).

CategoryHillsboroNational AverageDifference
Overall115100+15.0%
Housing125100+25.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$480,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1600/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$2,000/mo
Price per Sq Ft$320

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Hillsboro:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$100Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$61Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$55Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$30Private service
Total Utilities$316Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Hillsboro scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
115
Rent
$1600
Sunny Days
145
Tax
8%
Unemployment
3.0%
Climate
82°F / 35°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
108,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Hillsboro has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January55°F35°F2.5"
April67°F50°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°F53°F2.2"
USDA Zone 6a

Cool to mild — apples, pears, berries, many vegetables

Natural Hazards

Hillsboro faces the following natural hazards:

Earthquake High Risk

Cascadia subduction zone with major earthquake risk.

Wildfire High Risk

Frequent wildfire seasons.

Drought High Risk

Frequent drought conditions.

Landslide High Risk

Mountainous and coastal regions with landslides.

Avalanche High Risk

Cascade Range with frequent avalanches.

Flood Moderate Risk

River flooding.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 8%
  • Sales Tax: 0%
  • Property Tax: ~0.97% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Schools & Education

29/100
School Quality Score
Better than 17% of US cities
?
31
Total Schools
12.5:1
Student:Teacher
99.9%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Demographics

The population of Hillsboro is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
11.5%
Black or African American
2.7%
Hispanic or Latino
25.9%
Native American
0.3%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.9%
Other
0.4%
Two or more races
5.8%
White
52.4%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
42.0%
High school graduate
18.0%
Less than high school
9.4%
Some college
30.6%

Religion

Christian
55.0%
Other
8.0%
Unaffiliated
37.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hillsboro, OR, US?

The cost of living index in Hillsboro is 115, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Hillsboro?

The median home price in Hillsboro is $480,000. The housing index is 125.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hillsboro is approximately $1600/mo.

Does Hillsboro, OR have income tax?

Hillsboro is in OR, which has an income tax rate of 8%.

What is the climate like in Hillsboro?

Hillsboro enjoys approximately 145 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 35°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.