Welcome to Washington County, home to a unique combination of vibrant urban areas and tranquil, picturesque farms and vineyards. Located on the western edge of Portland, Washington County is the second-largest and fastest-growing county in Oregon. More than 550,000 people call Washington County “home.” We hope you’ll soon be among them!

Demographics

Ethnic makeup: People hail from Europe, Central and South America, Asia, Indo-China, the Pacific nations and Africa.

 Area: 727 square miles

Cities: 12 incorporated cities including Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard and Tualatin, along with a large urban unincorporated population.

Quality of Life

 Focused, planned growth allowed Washington County to preserve more than 80% of its agricultural and forestlands through its nationally acclaimed Urban Growth Boundary.

Diverse array of cultural and recreational activities.

1 hour from the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains

30 minutes to downtown Portland

Convenient, reliable transit, including light rail and commuter rail

Business and Industry

Computers/electronics: Intel, IBM and Tektronix,

“Green” industries: Genentech (biotech) and Solar World (solar energy)

Sportswear: Nike and Columbia Sportswear

Agriculture: Nurseries, wineries, farm and forest enterprises

Washington County

Washington County is one of just nine Oregon counties operating under home rule charter.  The Charter provides the county with the authority to design an organized structure that effectively responds to community needs. It establishes a Council-Manager form of government, with a five-member Board of Commissioners assuming the legislative role.  The Board Chair serves on a full-time basis and is elected at-large.  The remaining four commissioners are elected by district voters and serve on a part-time basis.

The Board appoints the County Administrator who is responsible for providing staff support to the Board and overseeing daily operations.  In addition to the Department of Support Services (HR, IT, Finance, Facilities/Parks, Fleet), County offices and departments include: the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Housing Services, Health and Human Services, County Counsel, Juvenile Services, Land Use & Transportation, County Auditor, Cooperative Library Services and Assessment & Taxation. The Sheriff, District Attorney and Auditor are elected department head positions.  County Counsel, like the County Administrator, is appointed by the Board of Commissioners.

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