A view of downtown Hillsboro, OR, where residents can find plenty of things to do, from shopping to grabbing a cup of coffee from a local roaster and exploring diverse dining options.
Addie Mannan

Hillsboro, ORBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023

Just minutes outside Portland, Hillsboro is a picturesque city surrounded by farmland and vineyards. With a strong job market, excellent schools and a vibrant cultural scene, Hillsboro provides a high quality of life, lots of things to do and affordability.

Hillsboro, OR, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America

Once a small farming town, Hillsboro, OR, is today a growing city of more than 100,000 residents and is considered part of the “Silicon Forest” because of all of the high-tech companies sprouting up in the region. 

With a minor league baseball team to root for (go, Hillsboro Hops!), a fantastic beer scene and the Rice Museum of Rocks and Minerals (and also meteorites!), Hillsboro is considered one of the best places to live in the U.S.

The economy is resilient, with tech giants, software companies, start-ups, media firms, and more picking Hillsboro as a home base. Intel and Nike are some of the area’s biggest employers, and several bioscience and medical device companies also provide lots of jobs and work in partnership with regional facilities like Oregon Health & Science University, Kaiser Permanente and Tuality health care. 

Hillsboro leaders and residents also put a high priority on sustainability: The city partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency to become a Green Power Community. Hillsboro is also served by the MAX Blue Line, a light rail line that connects Portland to surrounding cities. 

Hillsboro is the fifth-largest city in the state of Oregon and prides itself on the diverse and welcoming community it has created. There are plenty of cute shops, delicious dining options and beautiful natural areas to keep residents entertained year-round. 

Hillsboro, OR Quality of Life LivScore

0 1000 1000 779

Hillsboro, OR Top Categories

  • Environment

  • Economy

  • Transportation

Hillsboro ranks highest for environment, economy and transportation.

Weather and Outdoor Activities in Hillsboro, OR

What is the weather like in Hillsboro?

Hillsboro winters are cold and overcast, but when the warm, mostly dry summers roll in, the weather is well worth it. The average highs and lows are 78°F and 52°F (summer) and 48°F and 34°F (winter). 

Does Hillsboro get a lot of snow?

The average annual snowfall in Hillsboro is very low, averaging less than 3 inches annually. 

Does Hillsboro get a lot of rain? 

The average annual rainfall in Hillsboro is just slightly above the national average at 40 inches. The wettest months are typically from November to April, with peak rainfall occurring in December and January. 

How many sunny days does Hillsboro get?

Hillsboro averages 144 sunny days a year.

What are some things to do outside in Hillsboro?

Go for a bike ride along the Rock Creek Trail, which comes with creek and meadow views for cyclists to enjoy.

Hillsboro Weather

144 days

Average Annual Sun

40 inches

Average Annual Rain

2.8 inches

Average Annual Snow

Things To Do in Hillsboro, OR

What makes Hillsboro special?

Hillsboro emphasizes the arts, and it shows. The city is home to an extensive 80-piece public art collection.

What are some free things to do in Hillsboro?

Bring your binoculars and go birdwatching at Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, where more than 150 species of birds are spotted annually. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles! Admission is free, but there’s a suggested donation of $2.

What are some fun things to do with kids in Hillsboro?

October weekends at Roloff Farms are a blast, with pumpkin picking, gold panning, a spooky forest and wagon rides.

Where should you take a date in Hillsboro?

No need to pack quarters; $20 gets you all-day access to the Next Level Pinball Museum, which has 475 free-play games. It would take at least 3.5 days to play them all! 

Shoppers peruse a farmers' market in Hillsboro, OR. Like neighboring Portland, Hillsboro also has a fantastic craft beer scene.
City of Hillsboro
Shoppers peruse a farmers’ market in Hillsboro, OR.

The Local and State Economy in Hillsboro, OR

What are the three largest industries in Hillsboro?

Technology, manufacturing and biosciences are major industries in Hillsboro. Intel Corporation, Nike and Greentech all have a strong presence in the city. 

What is the sales tax rate in Hillsboro?

Oregon has no state sales tax, and no local sales taxes apply in Hillsboro. 

Does Oregon have a state income tax?

Yes, Oregon has a state income tax.

Who are the major health care providers in Hillsboro?

Hillsboro’s proximity to Portland (just 20 miles away!) gives residents access to a variety of health care providers and practitioners in the metropolitan area. Locally, residents can take advantage of the Kaiser Permanente Westside Medical Center and Tuality Healthcare’s Hillsboro Medical Center.  

What colleges and universities are in Hillsboro?

The most notable higher-ed institution in Hillsboro, OR, is Pacific University. 

Quick Facts About Hillsboro, OR

Median Household Income
$90,495
City of Hillsboro
Median Home Value
$459,125
City of Hillsboro
Average State Property Tax
$3,352
City of Hillsboro
Total Population
107,776
City of Hillsboro
Median Rent/Mo.
$1,454
City of Hillsboro
Average Commute
17.61 minutes
City of Hillsboro

Hillsboro is considered one of the best places to live in the U.S. due to high marks for sustainability, environment and transportation. Learn more about what makes Hillsboro special and check out other communities in the area. Another great way to learn about a city is to visit before you move there.

Continue Reading Best Places To Live in the US in 2023

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