With a population of over 108,000 as of 2021, Hillsboro is the fifth-largest city in Oregon. Located in Washington County in the Portland metropolitan area, Hillsboro has seen rapid growth in recent decades as the tech industry has expanded. Once a small agricultural community, Hillsboro is now a booming suburb with a diverse economy and culture.
Population and Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Hillsboro, the city had a population of 106,894 as of 2020. Hillsboro is the largest city in Washington County and the fifth-largest city in Oregon overall. The city has grown rapidly since the 1970s, with its population more than tripling between 1970 and 2010.
Hillsboro is fairly diverse – as of the 2020 census, the racial makeup of the city was approximately 62% white, 16% Asian, 16% Hispanic/Latino, and 3% African American. A significant percentage of Hillsboro residents were born outside the United States, with 30% being foreign born as of the 2000 census.
The median age in Hillsboro is 34, slightly lower than the national median age. Over 23% of the population is under age 18. Hillsboro has large youth and working age populations, reflective of its status as a growing suburban city.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Hillsboro has historically been based around agriculture, including significant nursery stock and berry production. While agriculture is still important, the economy has diversified greatly since the 1970s.
Today, Hillsboro has a strong high-tech and manufacturing economic base. Many semiconductor and electronics companies are located in Hillsboro, including large facilities for Intel and SolarWorld. Other major employers include Health Share of Oregon, Fujifilm, the Oregon Health and Science University, Salesforce, and Genentech.
In addition to high-tech manufacturing, healthcare and education are also major industries in Hillsboro. The city is home to several hospitals and medical centers as well as Pacific University and satellite campuses for Portland Community College and Oregon Health and Science University.
Due to its strong economic base, Hillsboro enjoys a low unemployment rate. As of December 2022, unemployment in Hillsboro was around 3.5%, lower than both the state and national average.
Parks and Recreation
Hillsboro boasts over 1,400 acres of public parks and natural areas. Major parks and green spaces include Shute Park, Noble Woods Park, Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, and Rood Bridge Park.
The 485-acre Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve along the Tualatin River is a major nature area with nearly 7 miles of trails. Wildlife that can be viewed includes hundreds of bird species as well as beavers, river otters, and deer.
Those looking for more active pursuits can utilize Hillsboro’s many sports fields, public pools, and recreation centers. The 53-acre Ron Tonkin Field is home to the Hillsboro Hops minor league baseball team. There are also many golf courses, routes for biking and walking, and facilities for sports like tennis and volleyball.
History and Points of Interest
Hillsboro was founded in 1842 by David Hill, who built a claim in the area alongside the Tualatin River. The town was first named Columbia but was changed to Hillsboro in 1876. Agriculture helped Hillsboro develop through the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Significant historic sites include the Washington County Museum, which preserves the county’s heritage, and the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, commemorating Oregon Trail pioneers. Downtown Hillsboro also has historic buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
For art and culture, visitors can check out studios and galleries at the Hillsboro Arts and Culture Council or performances at the Liberty Theatre. The Rice NW Museum of Rocks and Minerals displays an impressive collection of gems and fossils.
Government
Hillsboro utilizes a council-manager form of government, with a professional city manager appointed by the city council. The city council consists of a mayor and four councilors. Hillsboro’s current mayor is Steve Callaway.
Hillsboro is the county seat of Washington County and houses many county government functions. The Washington County website provides information on county departments and services for residents.
In addition to county government, Hillsboro residents are also represented by Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley in the U.S. Senate and Suzanne Bonamici in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Education
Hillsboro’s public primary and secondary schools are part of the Hillsboro School District, which covers Hillsboro, North Plains, and unincorporated areas in Washington County. The district has four high schools – Hillsboro, Liberty, Century, and Glencoe. There are also several smaller school districts in the Hillsboro area.
Higher education options include Pacific University and Portland Community College’s Rock Creek Campus. Many Hillsboro residents also attend Portland State University, Oregon State University, and other colleges in the Portland region.
Transportation
Hillsboro is located along Highway 26, a major east-west route connecting Portland and the Oregon Coast. The city is also served by Highway 8 and Highway 47, as well as Oregon Route 210.
Public transportation is provided by TriMet, the regional transit authority for the Portland metro. TriMet operates frequent MAX light rail service to Hillsboro as well as extensive bus connections.
The Hillsboro Airport provides domestic passenger flights and general aviation services just outside of Hillsboro. Portland International Airport is the closest major international airport.
Living in Hillsboro
Due to its strong economy, high quality of life, and location in the Portland metro region, Hillsboro is an attractive place to live. Housing stock includes single-family homes, apartments, and condos. Parks, recreation, arts and cultural offerings, good schools, and ample shopping and dining make Hillsboro very livable.
The city’s economic diversity and growth has led to a vibrant, expanding community. Hillsboro has retained much of its small-town charm while offering amenities and opportunities usually only found in much larger cities.
Those looking to learn more about Hillsboro can visit the city’s Facebook page, website, or chambers of commerce. New residents will find an incredibly welcoming community that balances big city opportunity with small town living.