My Local Guide

Urban Neighborhoods Along Two Great Rivers

Multnomah County, Oregon

Multnomah County combines Portland with eastern communities such as Gresham and Troutdale, extending toward the Columbia River Gorge. The lower Willamette area has a long Chinookan history. Its modern county boundaries emerged in 1854, bringing a growing river city and surrounding communities into a separate jurisdiction. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 795,391 residents in Multnomah County, Oregon, on July 1, 2025.

Multnomah County at a Glance

Population795,391 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatPortland
Largest MunicipalityPortland • Gresham • Troutdale
Established1854
ZIP CodesPortland & Columbia Gorge
Total Area, Including Water465.170 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-5; I-84; I-205; I-405; US 26; US 30
Area Codes503 / 971
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

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Discover Multnomah County

Multnomah County

Multnomah County was formed in 1854 from portions of Washington and Clackamas counties, following a petition by Portland business interests. Its name is connected with Chinookan peoples of the lower river, whose history in the region long predates the county. Portland became the county seat. The Willamette and Columbia rivers remained central to the area’s development, while eastern communities extended the county’s identity toward the Columbia River Gorge and its surrounding landscape.

Portland supplies a major urban center, but Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village add other local reference points in Multnomah County. The Columbia River Gorge forms part of its eastern setting, creating a substantial contrast with central-city neighborhoods. A county-wide visit should account for that change in scale and terrain. Selecting a particular community or gorge destination first helps connect the county’s urban life with its broader river landscape.

What Shapes Us

Local Character

Multnomah County combines Portland with eastern communities such as Gresham and Troutdale, extending toward the Columbia River Gorge. The lower Willamette area has a long Chinookan history.

Community History

Multnomah County was formed in 1854 from portions of Washington and Clackamas counties, following a petition by Portland business interests.

Around the County

Portland supplies a major urban center, but Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village add other local reference points in Multnomah County.

City neighborhoods open toward a great river landscape.
OPB — Oregon & Regional News

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Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

ABBA’s Integrity Lock & Safe — portrait advertisement
Mr Plywood — portrait advertisement
County Resources

Find the Right Local Connection

Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.

Get to Know Multnomah County

Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.

Local Questions

Multnomah County Questions, Answered

Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.

795,391 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

ABBA’s Integrity Lock & Safe — portrait advertisement
Mr Plywood — portrait advertisement
My Local Guide

Explore Multnomah County

Places to visit

Start with these local landmarks, outdoor destinations and community places in Multnomah County.

  • Washington Park
  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
  • Portland Art Museum
  • Multnomah Falls
  • Vista House
  • Blue Lake Regional Park
  • Oxbow Regional Park

Explore the Multnomah County profile in the Oregon Blue Book

County photograph: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives. County profile and map: Oregon Secretary of State.

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