Moving to Banks, Oregon

by btobers · Published June 27, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Banks, Oregon is a small city located in the northern part of the state, about 20 miles west of Portland. The climate in Banks is generally mild year-round, with temperatures rarely reaching extreme highs or lows. Summers are usually warm and sunny, while winters can be damp and chilly.

The history of Banks dates back to the mid-1800s when it was known as a logging community. In recent decades, it has grown from a small rural town to a thriving suburban city with a population of around 5,500 people.

Politically, Banks leans slightly left and is represented in the Oregon House of Representatives by Democrat Jeff Barker and in the Oregon Senate by Republican Chuck Thomsen.

The economy of Banks is largely dependent on its local businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, and manufacturing plants. There are also numerous agricultural operations in the area that provide jobs for many local residents.

The local school district includes three elementary schools (Banks Elementary School, Pine Grove Elementary School, and Tillamook Elementary School), one middle school (Banks Middle School), and one high school (Banks High School). All schools are well-funded and offer an array of educational opportunities for students.

As for landmarks in Banks, there are several historical buildings that date back to its early days as a logging town. The most notable is the Old Town Hall which was built in 1871 and now serves as a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Banks’ past. Other notable landmarks include David Hill Winery which offers breathtaking views from its hilltop location; Alderbrook Park which features lush green spaces for outdoor recreation; and Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint which offers spectacular views of Mt Hood and the surrounding countryside.

Population: 1,286. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,562 (+21.5% change)
Males: 635 (49.4%), Females: 651 (50.6%)

Washington County

Zip code: 97106

Demographics

Median resident age: 28.7 years
Median household income: $57,500
Median house value: $165,100

Population by Race

Races in Banks:

White Non-Hispanic (89.5%)
Hispanic (3.8%)
Two or more races (3.1%)
Other race (2.8%)
American Indian (0.9%)
Korean (0.7%)
Filipino (0.7%)

Ancestries: German (23.5%), English (13.0%), Irish (12.9%), United States (10.8%), Dutch (5.9%), Norwegian (5.0%).

Elevation: 245 feet

Land area: 0.3 square miles

Population by Education

Banks, Oregon is a small city located in the northern part of the state. It is home to approximately 4,200 people as of 2019. The population is mainly comprised of Caucasian Americans, with a small minority population of African Americans and Hispanics. The median age in Banks is 39 years old, with the majority of its citizens being between the ages of 25 and 44.

The population of Banks is made up of families, single adults, seniors, and young professionals. The town has a robust economy that supports many local businesses and provides employment opportunities for its citizens. It also offers strong public services such as police protection, fire protection, parks and recreation services, and public schools. In addition to its strong economy, Banks boasts an impressive array of amenities such as parks, libraries, museums, and golf courses that make it a great place for families to live.

The city’s population has grown steadily over the past decade due to an influx of new residents attracted by its vibrant downtown area which features numerous dining options and shops. Additionally, Banks has several nearby attractions such as the Tillamook State Forest which makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities like camping or hiking. With its diverse population and abundance of amenities Banks offers something for everyone making it an ideal place to call home!

For population 25 years and over in Banks

High school or higher: 86.2%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.4%
Graduate or professional degree: 3.1%
Unemployed: 1.9%
Mean travel time to work: 25.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Banks city

Never married: 20.2%
Now married: 66.4%
Separated: 1.8%
Widowed: 1.8%
Divorced: 9.8%

3.8% Foreign born (1.6% Asia, 1.0% Europe, 0.9% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +717 (+126.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Banks:

TUALITY HEALTHCARE (about 14 miles; HILLSBORO, OR)
PROVIDENCE NEWBERG HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; NEWBERG, OR)
PROVIDENCE ST VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER (about 25 miles; PORTLAND, OR)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Banks:

MC MINNVILLE MUNI (about 30 miles; MC MINNVILLE, OR; Abbreviation: MMV)
PORTLAND INTL (about 37 miles; PORTLAND, OR; Abbreviation: PDX)
MCNARY FLD (about 50 miles; SALEM, OR; Abbreviation: SLE)

Other public-use airports nearest to Banks:

SKYPORT (about 6 miles; CORNELIUS, OR; Abbreviation: 4S4)
PORTLAND-HILLSBORO (about 14 miles; PORTLAND, OR; Abbreviation: HIO)
VERNONIA AIRFIELD (about 19 miles; VERNONIA, OR; Abbreviation: 05S)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Banks:

GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY (about 23 miles; NEWBERG, OR; Full-time enrollment: 2,032)
UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND (about 26 miles; PORTLAND, OR; Full-time enrollment: 2,683)
PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY (about 30 miles; PORTLAND, OR; Full-time enrollment: 13,255)
LEWIS AND CLARK COLLEGE (about 30 miles; PORTLAND, OR; Full-time enrollment: 2,795)
CLARK COLLEGE (about 32 miles; VANCOUVER, WA; Full-time enrollment: 5,106)
LOWER COLUMBIA COLLEGE (about 39 miles; LONGVIEW, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,237)
CLACKAMAS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 41 miles; OREGON CITY, OR; Full-time enrollment: 3,446)

Schools

Public high school in Banks:

BANKS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 417; Location: 450 S MAIN ST; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high school in Banks:

BANKS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (Students: 127; Location: 100 N MAIN STREET; Grades: KG – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Banks:

BANKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 579; Location: 42350 NW TRELLIS WAY; Grades: KG – 06)
BANKS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 215; Location: 450 S MAIN ST; Grades: 07 – 08)

Private primary/middle schools in Banks:

ST FRANCIS (Students: 93; Location: 39085 NW HARRINGTON ROAD; Grades: KG – 8)
SWALLOWTAIL SCHOOL (Students: 33; Location: PO BOX 84/ 16511 NW DAVIDSON; Grades: KG – 6)

Libraries

Library in Banks:

BANKS PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $70,685; Location: 111 MARKET STREET; 15,991 books; 232 audio materials; 344 video materials; 75 serial subscriptions)