My Local Guide

Valley Communities With Agriculture And Technology

Washington County, Oregon

Hillsboro anchors Washington County in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley, where orchards, vineyards and high-technology industries contribute to a varied local identity. Beaverton, Forest Grove and other communities broaden the county map, with Pacific University and Hagg Lake offering distinct points of interest. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated 611,708 residents in Washington County, Oregon, on July 1, 2025. The county has approximately 724 square miles of land, according to the 2020 Census Gazetteer.

Washington County at a Glance

Population611,708 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatHillsboro
Largest MunicipalityHillsboro • Beaverton • Tigard
Established1843 (organized; NACo County Explorer)
ZIP CodesTualatin Valley
Total Area, Including Water726.634 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesUS 26 • OR 217 • OR 8
Area Codes503 / 971
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Discover Washington County

Washington County

The county began as Tuality District in 1843, one of Oregon's original administrative divisions. It was renamed Washington in 1849, and later boundary changes created neighboring counties. Its modern economy brings agriculture and horticulture together with manufacturing and technology, giving the older valley landscape a continuing role within a changing region. The earlier Tuality name is a useful historical clue, while the current mixture of industries reflects several development periods. University, farm and urban settings each contribute a different community perspective.

Choose Hillsboro for the civic starting point, Forest Grove for a university-town perspective or a specific valley recreation destination. The county's agricultural places and urban centers deserve separate attention, allowing the contrast between them to become part of the experience. A Forest Grove stop and a valley destination can make that contrast tangible. Consult individual public-site information before adding an agricultural business or lakeside activity to the same route.

What Shapes Us

Local Character

Hillsboro anchors Washington County in Oregon's Tualatin Valley, where orchards, vineyards and high-technology industries contribute to a varied local identity.

Community History

The county began as Tuality District in 1843, one of Oregon's original administrative divisions. It was renamed Washington in 1849, and later boundary changes created neighboring counties.

Explore Locally

The county's agricultural places and urban centers deserve separate attention, allowing the contrast between them to become part of the experience.

Discover the valley connections between established roots and new work.
OPB — Oregon & Regional News

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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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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 Washington County

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

Local Questions

Washington County Questions, Answered

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

611,708 (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 Washington County

Places to visit

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

  • Henry Hagg Lake
  • Tualatin Valley vineyards
  • Pacific University
  • Old Scotch Church
  • Banks–Vernonia State Trail

Explore the Washington 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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