City Profile
Tigard, Oregon
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Tigard, Oregon, is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, offering a compelling blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. Originally a rural farming community settled by pioneers in the 1850s, it was named after Wilson McClendon Tigard, who arrived in 1852 and helped establish the area's first school. The arrival of the Oregon Electric Railway in 1910 spurred significant growth, transforming Tigardville into the incorporated city of Tigard in 1961. Today, Tigard is known for its diverse economy, strong schools, and abundant parks, making it a desirable and affordable community within the Portland metropolitan area.
People are drawn to Tigard for its small-town peace combined with big-city perks. It offers more house for the money, shorter commutes, and a true community feel, all just minutes from Portland's attractions. The city boasts a busy community center, easy public transport, and a focus on quality of life, with a mix of older character homes and new builds.
Oregon, a state in the Pacific Northwest, is characterized by diverse landscapes ranging from the Pacific coastline to mountains and high desert. Its economy has transitioned from a natural resource base of timber, fishing, and agriculture to a mix of manufacturing, services, and high technology, with key sectors including computer and electronic products, transportation equipment, and machinery. The cost of living in Oregon is generally higher than the national average, particularly for housing. Western Oregon experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers, while Eastern Oregon has a colder, semi-arid climate with hotter summers and colder winters. The lifestyle often emphasizes outdoor recreation and environmental consciousness.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tigard is considered higher than the Oregon average, and significantly higher than the national average. This is primarily driven by housing costs, which are notably above the national average. Despite the higher overall cost of living, utilities and healthcare expenses in Tigard are generally lower than in most U.S. cities. Food prices, particularly groceries, tend to align with the national average, making them more affordable than in many other popular Oregon suburbs.
Most Tigard families earn a higher-than-average yearly income, which helps residents manage the elevated costs. While the cost of living can be a drawback, the city's strong employment opportunities and quality of life often balance these expenses for its residents.
Income
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Tigard boasts a strong economy with a robust job market, attracting more people to commute into the city for work than leave it. The city is home to approximately 3,400 businesses across various industries, employing around 45,000 workers from the region. Wages are on the rise, with the fastest growth observed in jobs paying over $100,000 annually. For industries not directly represented in Tigard, the thriving Portland job market is easily accessible.
Major employers and growth sectors are influenced by Tigard's strategic location. Many residents commute to Portland, Beaverton, or the Washington County technology corridor, which includes companies like Nike in Beaverton and Intel in Hillsboro. Locally, Tigard's commercial corridors along 99W and Hall Boulevard support employment in retail, healthcare, and service sectors. The city's entrepreneurial climate is supported by its diverse economy and accessibility.
The average salary in Tigard is $65,000 per year. You would need approximately $55,000 to live comfortably.
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Transport
Transportation in Tigard is largely car-dependent, with about 75% of residents driving to work. Despite this, driving is relatively simple, with average commute times of approximately 22.9 to 24 minutes, which is shorter than the national average. Tigard is strategically located with easy access to major highways like I-5 and Oregon Route 217, connecting it to Portland, Beaverton, and other surrounding areas. However, traffic congestion on US 217 and Highway 99W can be heavy during rush hour.
Public transportation options are available through the Tigard Transit Center, which offers both bus and WES Commuter Railway service. The WES Commuter Railway connects Tigard to Wilsonville and Beaverton during weekday rush hours, and bus services extend to downtown Portland and other nearby cities. While downtown Tigard has improving walkability and the Fanno Creek Greenway is excellent for cycling, most of Tigard remains suburban and car-dependent.
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