Forest Grove, Oregon | |
|---|---|
 Pacific Avenue in downtown Forest Grove | |
 Seal | |
| Motto(s): "A place where families and businesses thrive." | |
 Location inOregon | |
  Forest Grove, Oregon Location in the United States | |
| Coordinates:45°31′29″N123°06′44″W / 45.52472°N 123.11222°W /45.52472; -123.11222 | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Washington |
| Incorporated | 1872 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Malynda Wenzl[1] |
| Area | |
• Total | 6.03 sq mi (15.61 km2) |
| • Land | 5.89 sq mi (15.26 km2) |
| • Water | 0.14 sq mi (0.35 km2) |
| Elevation | 190 ft (58 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 26,225 |
| • Density | 4,451.6/sq mi (1,718.78/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (Pacific) |
| ZIP code | 97116 |
| Area codes | 503 and 971 |
| FIPS code | 41-26200 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410518[3] |
| Website | www |
Forest Grove is a city inWashington County, Oregon, United States, 25 miles (40 km) west ofPortland, within theTualatin Valley. Originally a small farm town, it is now primarily acommuter town in the Portland metro area[citation needed]. Settled in the 1840s, the town was platted in 1850, then incorporated in 1872, making it the first city in Washington County.[citation needed]
The population was 26,225 at the 2020 census, an increase of 8% over 2010 figure (21,083).[5]
Pacific University is located here.Old College Hall on campus, and nine other sites in the city, are listed on theNational Register of Historic Places.
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Prior to the 1840s when Euro-Americans settled the area, theAtfalati band of theKalapuya Native American tribe lived on theTualatin Plains in what is now Forest Grove.[6] In 1841,Alvin T. and Abigail Smith were among the earliest to use theOregon Trail and settled on what was first known as West Tualatin Plain.[7] They overwintered withHenry Harmon Spalding, arriving in what is now Forest Grove in the fall. Intending to be missionaries, they found little potential as most of the natives had succumbed to European diseases. Smith served as the community's first postmaster beginning on February 1, 1850, and his log cabin served as the post office.[7]
According toOregon Geographic Names, the name Forest Grove was selected on January 10, 1851, at a meeting of the trustees ofTualatin Academy (later known as Pacific University). Resident and school trusteeJ. Quinn Thornton suggested the name, which he also had used for the name of his homestead.[7] The name referred to a grove of oak trees that still stand on what is now the campus of the university.[7] Previous post offices in the area were called Tuality Plains and Tualatin, with Forest Grove adopted on December 31, 1858.[7] The city was platted in 1850.
In 1860, the population reached 430, but declined to 396 in 1870.[6] Forest Grove was incorporated by the state in 1872, the first in the county.[8] In 1880, the nowChemawa Indian School opened in the city to forcibly assimilate Native American children, but moved to Salem in 1884. The city started theFire Department in 1894.[9] The population reached nearly 1,300 in 1900.[6]
In November 1908, theOregon Electric Railway (OE) began serving the city,[10][11] and in January 1914, competitorSouthern Pacific (SP) followed suit, opening its own line, separate from OE's.[10] Both railroads providedfreight and passenger service, SP's passenger service being known as theRed Electric. A company called the Forest Grove Transportation Company operated localstreetcar service that linked downtown toCarnation, Oregon, where the Oregon & California Railroad built its depot, but the service lasted only from 1906 to 1911.[6][10] The Red Electric passenger service to Forest Grove ended in 1929 and Oregon Electric's ceased in 1932.[10]
In February 2016, a high-pitched, hissing noise called theForest Grove Sound was heard by several residents of the town.[12][13]
TheOregon Army National Guard's2nd Battalion-218th Field Artillery Regiment is headquartered in Forest Grove.
Forest Grove is located on the western edge of the Portland metropolitan area and theWillamette Valley.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.88 square miles (15.23 km2), of which 5.74 square miles (14.87 km2) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km2) is water.[14]
One of the largestGiant Sequoia trees of the state of Oregon can be found in Forest Grove.[15]
This region experiences warm (but not hot) and dry summers, with no average monthly temperatures above 71.6 °F (22.0 °C). According to theKöppen Climate Classification system, Forest Grove has awarm-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csb" on climate maps.[16]
| Climate data for Forest Grove (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893-present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 67 (19) | 77 (25) | 82 (28) | 93 (34) | 101 (38) | 113 (45) | 109 (43) | 108 (42) | 104 (40) | 93 (34) | 72 (22) | 64 (18) | 113 (45) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 57.4 (14.1) | 61.1 (16.2) | 70.3 (21.3) | 79.6 (26.4) | 88.9 (31.6) | 92.5 (33.6) | 98.6 (37.0) | 98.7 (37.1) | 93.8 (34.3) | 80.0 (26.7) | 64.3 (17.9) | 56.8 (13.8) | 101.8 (38.8) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 45.0 (7.2) | 49.4 (9.7) | 54.6 (12.6) | 60.1 (15.6) | 68.1 (20.1) | 73.1 (22.8) | 81.4 (27.4) | 82.2 (27.9) | 76.1 (24.5) | 63.3 (17.4) | 50.9 (10.5) | 44.0 (6.7) | 62.4 (16.9) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 38.8 (3.8) | 41.2 (5.1) | 45.2 (7.3) | 49.6 (9.8) | 56.7 (13.7) | 61.4 (16.3) | 67.6 (19.8) | 67.9 (19.9) | 62.4 (16.9) | 52.4 (11.3) | 43.6 (6.4) | 38.4 (3.6) | 52.1 (11.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 32.6 (0.3) | 33.1 (0.6) | 35.9 (2.2) | 39.2 (4.0) | 45.3 (7.4) | 49.7 (9.8) | 53.8 (12.1) | 53.5 (11.9) | 48.7 (9.3) | 41.6 (5.3) | 36.3 (2.4) | 32.8 (0.4) | 41.9 (5.5) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 21.1 (−6.1) | 22.8 (−5.1) | 27.5 (−2.5) | 30.4 (−0.9) | 35.6 (2.0) | 41.4 (5.2) | 45.7 (7.6) | 45.6 (7.6) | 39.6 (4.2) | 31.0 (−0.6) | 24.7 (−4.1) | 20.7 (−6.3) | 15.7 (−9.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −11 (−24) | −12 (−24) | 13 (−11) | 23 (−5) | 28 (−2) | 32 (0) | 34 (1) | 33 (1) | 27 (−3) | 20 (−7) | 6 (−14) | −4 (−20) | −12 (−24) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 7.19 (183) | 5.76 (146) | 5.03 (128) | 3.33 (85) | 2.19 (56) | 1.40 (36) | 0.32 (8.1) | 0.51 (13) | 1.34 (34) | 3.70 (94) | 7.23 (184) | 8.72 (221) | 46.72 (1,187) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.6 (1.5) | 0.6 (1.5) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.2 (0.51) | 0.0 (0.0) | 1.3 (3.3) | 2.7 (6.9) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 18.6 | 15.0 | 17.2 | 15.9 | 11.2 | 8.1 | 2.4 | 2.9 | 5.4 | 11.4 | 18.6 | 19.4 | 146.1 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Source: NOAA[17][18] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 547 | — | |
| 1890 | 668 | 22.1% | |
| 1900 | 1,096 | 64.1% | |
| 1910 | 1,772 | 61.7% | |
| 1920 | 419 | −76.4% | |
| 1930 | 362 | −13.6% | |
| 1940 | 2,449 | 576.5% | |
| 1950 | 4,343 | 77.3% | |
| 1960 | 5,628 | 29.6% | |
| 1970 | 8,275 | 47.0% | |
| 1980 | 11,499 | 39.0% | |
| 1990 | 13,559 | 17.9% | |
| 2000 | 17,708 | 30.6% | |
| 2010 | 21,083 | 19.1% | |
| 2020 | 26,225 | 24.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[19] 2018 Estimate[20][4] | |||
As of thecensus of 2020, there were 26,225 people, 9,356 housing units, and 9,103 families residing in Forest Grove. The racial makeup of the city was 68.1%White, 0.1%African American, 1.2%Native American, 2.7%Asian, 0.3%Pacific Islander, 13.5% fromother races, and 12.9% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 27.2% of the population.[21]
14.3% of residents identified as someone with a disability.
There were 9,356 housing units, of which 23.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, and 36% weremarried couples living together. The average family size was 3.41.[21]
As of the census of 2010, there were 21,083 people, 7,385 households, and 4,871 families residing in the city. Thepopulation density was 3,673.0 inhabitants per square mile (1,418.2/km2). There were 7,845 housing units at an average density of 1,366.7 per square mile (527.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 78.8% White, 0.8% African American, 1.1% Native American, 2.6% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 12.5% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 23.1% of the population.[22]
There were 7,385 households, of which 37.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% weremarried couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.0% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.31.[22]
The median age in the city was 32.7 years. 26.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.6% were from 25 to 44; 22.2% were from 45 to 64; and 12.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.[22]
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,708 people, 6,336 households, and 4,131 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,850.5 inhabitants per square mile (1,486.7/km2). There were 6,702 housing units at an average density of 1,457.3 per square mile (562.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 81.46% White, 0.43% African American, 0.89% Native American, 2.11% Asian, 0.24% Pacific Islander, 11.39% from other races, and 3.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.31% of the population.[22]
There are 6,336 households, out of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.24.[22]
In the city the population was spread out, with 27.4% under the age of 18, 13.4% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 16.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males.[22]
The median income for a household in the city was $40,135, and the median income for a family was $47,733. Males had a median income of $36,139 versus $25,703 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $16,992. About 10.4% of families and 14.3% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 16.2% of those under age 18 and 11.4% of those age 65 or over.[22]
There are 12 properties individually listed on theNational Register of Historic Places and two historic districts: the 18-blockClark Historic District with homes dating as far back as 1854 (and several dozen pre-1900) and thePainter's Woods Historic District.[23] These include theAlvin T. Smith House,First Church of Christ, Scientist, andOld College Hall.
Annual events include a sidewalk chalk art festival,[24] and a holiday light parade.[25]
Valley Arts Association, established in 1966, is one of the oldest nonprofit, volunteer associations in the Pacific Northwest. Its gallery sells member art, and offers art classes.[26]
The Star Theatre, built in 1912, featured films and live productions.[27] A community theater company performs there.[28]
Pacific University is a private university in Forest Grove. Notable buildings includeOld College Hall andMarsh Hall.
Forest Grove, as well asGales Creek,Dilley, and portions ofCornelius, are all part of theForest Grove School District.
In the 1990s, filming for the television show,Nowhere Man, took place in Forest Grove numerous times. In 2015, an episode ofThe Librarians was filmed at Pacific University and two other sites in Forest Grove. The city's Forest Theater hosted a free public screening of the episode at the same time it aired on TV .[29] The 2019 seriesPretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists was filmed in Forest Grove, mostly at Pacific University.[30]
Highways includeOregon Route 8 (Tualatin Valley Highway) andOregon Route 47.
Bus service is provided byTriMet andYamhill County Transit Area.[31][32]Ride Connection provides free, non-profit bus service called "GroveLink" in suburban areas.[33]
Tuality Forest Grove Hospital is located in Forest Grove.
Forest Grove'ssister city isNyūzen, Japan.[35]
Municipalities and communities ofWashington County, Oregon,United States | ||
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| Other communities | ||
| Ghost towns | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
