RANK #753 / 996 · POP 52,865 · OR
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.3%
Columbia County, Oregon, distinguishes itself with its direct access to the Columbia River, offering extensive recreational opportunities. The county seat, St. Helens, gained recognition as a filming location for the movie *Twilight* and hosts an annual "Spirit of Halloweentown" festival. Located less than an hour from Portland, Columbia County provides a semi-rural atmosphere with a commute option via the CC Rider bus service to downtown Portland. The landscape features forests, rivers, and lakes, supporting activities like fishing, boating, kayaking, cycling, and bird-watching. Notable outdoor areas include Scappoose Bay, Vernonia Lake, and the Banks-Vernonia State Trail.
Life in Columbia County often appeals to families and individuals seeking a balance between natural surroundings and proximity to urban centers. The community has seen growth in housing developments, which has contributed to an expansion of local businesses, including restaurants and retail. The economy is experiencing new growth, with major investment flowing into energy sectors, including renewable fuel manufacturing. The Port of Columbia County, which spans 51 miles along the Columbia River, supports numerous businesses and jobs, contributing to the local economy.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Prices declining
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 12.3x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Mist Underground Natural Gas Storage Facility Expansion
NW Natural
|
$100M | Operating |
|
Broadleaf Arbor Affordable Housing Development
Northwest Oregon Housing Authority
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Boulder Ridge Subdivision
Shawn Clark of North 8th Street, LLC
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Columbia County has a Boom Town Index score of 24/100, ranking #753 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.7% and a median household income of $83,265, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Columbia County is $365,100 with median rent at $1,211/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2281, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.7%. Home values changed -0.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.08% of Columbia County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.