RANK #822 / 996 · POP 808,098 · OR
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.8%
Multnomah County, Oregon, is perhaps best known for Multnomah Falls, a striking 620-foot waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge that draws over two million visitors annually. Located in northwestern Oregon, the county encompasses Portland, the state's largest city, and extends eastward along the Columbia River. Commuting within the county is facilitated by TriMet's extensive bus and MAX light rail system, which connects Portland City Center with various communities and employment hubs. The region boasts abundant outdoor recreation, including hiking and biking trails in Forest Park and Mount Tabor, and water activities on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. The county's natural amenities, including lush forests and dramatic waterfalls, contribute to its appeal.
Life in Multnomah County offers a mix of urban and suburban experiences, with communities like Gresham providing a suburban feel with access to urban amenities. Public schools in the county are generally above average. While the county has faced recent challenges with job losses in some sectors, particularly between 2019 and 2024, there is a focus on workforce training and social programs to support economic development. The economy is diversifying, with ongoing activity in shipping and export due to its Columbia River location, and growth in manufacturing, especially in sports apparel and electronics.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing is fairly valued at 5.5x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Fairview Energy Project (Battery Storage)
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$250M | Planned |
|
Seaside Battery Energy Storage System
Portland General Electric (PGE)
|
$200M | Completed |
|
Sundial (Troutdale) Battery Energy Storage System
NextEra Energy Resources (operated for PGE)
|
$200M | Completed |
|
Earthquake-Ready Burnside Bridge Project
Multnomah County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
New Construction Residential Developments (Combined)
Various
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Multnomah County has a Boom Town Index score of 18/100, ranking #822 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -1.6% and a median household income of $83,668, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Multnomah County is $492,100 with median rent at $1,515/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.17, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: -1.6%. Home values changed -1.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.92% of Multnomah County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.