Gearhart, Oregon Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Gearhart, Oregon had a total population of 1,978, the 168th largest city in Oregon, with a median household income of $92,250, which is 11% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 3.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 3.6% — among the lowest in Oregon.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.5x the median household income.
Gearhart Quick Facts
How Gearhart Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,959 | 1,978 | +1.0% |
| Median household income | $85,966 | $92,250 | +7.3% |
| Median home value | $522,100 | $688,100 | +31.8% |
How Gearhart Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 46 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Gearhart Rankings in Oregon
Explore Oregon Rankings
Other Cities in Clatsop County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astoria | 10,109 | $68,007 | 16.8% | $444,800 |
| Seaside | 7,192 | $47,361 | 17.6% | $459,500 |
| Warrenton | 6,327 | $70,670 | 7.0% | $415,800 |
| Cannon Beach | 1,361 | $69,375 | 4.5% | $823,200 |
| Knappa | 806 | $96,641 | 6.0% | $442,100 |
| Svensen | 784 | $88,750 | 23.8% | $383,100 |
| River Point | 475 | N/A | 3.8% | $487,900 |
| Westport | 263 | $33,598 | 9.1% | $62,000 |
| Jeffers Gardens | 235 | N/A | 43.4% | $347,200 |
Cities Similar to Gearhart
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia City | 2,006 | $96,750 | $460,000 | 20.6% | 9.4% |
| Durham | 1,983 | $81,250 | $759,600 | 42.7% | 13.9% |
| Amity | 2,089 | $87,396 | $377,700 | 13.2% | 16.7% |
| Brownsville | 1,912 | $83,098 | $373,000 | 27.6% | 10.0% |
| Bay City | 1,875 | $82,589 | $393,600 | 26.5% | 8.5% |
Population Overview
Gearhart is a small community located in Oregon, within Clatsop County. The total population is 1,978. It ranks as the 168th most populous out of 420 Census-designated places in Oregon.
Age Demographics
The median age in Gearhart is 48.1 years. This is 19% higher than the state median of 40.4 years. 11.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Gearhart is $92,250. This is 11% higher than the state median of $83,011. It is also 14% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 3.6%. This is 70% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.9%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 6.6%. This is 23% higher than the state rate of 5.4%. The median home value is $688,100. Housing costs are 44% higher than the state median of $477,600. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 85.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 35% higher than the state average of 63.3%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Gearhart is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.1%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (7.1%) is well below the state average of 14.7%.
Education
48.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% higher than the state rate of 36.8%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.8%. Notably, 19.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Gearhart, Oregon is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Oregon state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 420 Census-designated places in Oregon. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Gearhart, Oregon?
Gearhart, Oregon has a population of 1,978 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Gearhart, OR?
The median household income in Gearhart is $92,250, which is 14% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Gearhart, OR?
The poverty rate in Gearhart is 3.6%. This means approximately 71 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Gearhart, Oregon?
Gearhart's population is 83.6% White, 0.1% Black, 7.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 5.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Gearhart, OR?
The median home value in Gearhart is $688,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x.
How educated is Gearhart, Oregon?
48.1% of adults (25+) in Gearhart hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 19.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.