Is Beaverton Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Beaverton, Oregon, is just outside of Portland in the Tualatin (“Twa-luh-tin“) Valley.

It’s largely a suburban area with some great outdoor spaces and closing in on 100,000 residents.

The first inhabitants of the land were the Indigenous Atfalati people, living off the creeks supplying water.

They named it “Land of the Beaver,” which was later shortened to Beaverton.

Early settlers, drawn by fertile land and abundant resources, established the town as a center for farming and lumber.

The railroad bridged the gap between Portland and Beaverton.

Today, Beaverton is a dynamic metropolis pulsating with youthful energy.

As home to Nike’s global headquarters, the city is transforming into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, families looking to escape the cost of living and crime concerns in Portland headed to the suburbs, explaining why the city has grown almost 10% in the past decade.

Lush parks like the Tualatin Hills Nature Park offer respites from the urban buzz, while vibrant farmers’ markets showcase the bounty of the surrounding valley.

Beaverton is also one of the safest and closest Portland suburbs, with major shopping areas and mass transit to get you to Portland without sitting in traffic.

Beaverton also has a bustling food scene, complementing yet competing with the abundance of international options in Portland.

Warnings & Dangers in Beaverton

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low overall risk in Beaverton. Even without many things to do, it's a great, safe central location to the Portland area and Tualatin Valley.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Portland's TriMet system has several options in Beaverton, including express trains to downtown Portland. Taxis and rideshares are super easy to find, and rental cars are widely available. You'll need to use big city safety steps no matter which option you choose. Keep reading to learn more about why. We dive into that deeper a little later on.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

This is bordering on a medium risk, with an average of 33 pickpockets or purse snatchings per year. Based on what I can tell, most thefts here are a crime of opportunity, not a strategic attack.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Winter can bring snowfall and icy roads, so bring warm layers and check forecasts before hitting the road. Low-lying areas near rivers are prone to flooding, especially in winter and spring, so monitor water levels and heed evacuation warnings. Though infrequent, Beaverton sits in a seismically active zone, so practice earthquake drills and pack an emergency kit. Dry summer months can bring wildfire risks, particularly in the surrounding hills, so stay informed about fire restrictions and evacuation orders.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

While theft is a problem here, theft by force isn't as much. Robberies are 41% lower than the national average, with just 15% of those being highway robberies. To keep the risk low, avoid dark, unsecured areas at night and stick to well-lit areas.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

A large metro city like Portland will get a medium risk, but mostly because of its size and not because of major hard targets. Beaverton wouldn't be considered a high-risk area. However, it's always important to report any suspicious activity you see.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Scams here are highly focused on residents since it's such a dense suburban area. Learn about the latest scams through law enforcement, the Better Business Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission to keep the risk low.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or news reports suggests women would be at higher risk than anyone else. Solo travelers, seniors, and single parents should feel safe visiting here as long as standard safety precautions are used.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2022 Water Quality Report shows no violations and full compliance. You can read detailed water conservation tips and how to lower the risks of lead in your water by reading the full report on the city's website.

Safest Places to Visit in Beaverton

Since Beaverton is part of the Tualatin Valley, you’ll find a specific page for it on the TualatinValley.org website.

You can also review the Travel Oregon website for Beaverton information.

For a Portland travel guide, that site is TravelPortland.com.

Downtown Beaverton is where you can immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant heart.

Shop local boutiques, savor diverse cuisine, and catch live music at trendy cafes.

From farmers’ markets to art galleries, downtown offers a captivating mix of history and modern buzz.

Learn more about downtownbeaverton.org.

Willamette Stone State Heritage Site is a step back in time.

Witness towering columns of fossilized trees, remnants of an ancient forest, and learn about the history of stone quarrying and its impact on the region.

Breathe deep in the 500-acre sanctuary of Tualatin Hills Nature Park & Interpretive Center.

Hike winding trails, observe playful otters in the creek, or picnic under majestic cedars.

The Interpretive Center unlocks the park’s secrets, from Native American history to wildlife ecology.

Another outdoor escape is Cooper Mountain Nature Park.

Seek panoramic views and quiet reflection, or hike among meadows, ponds, and forests, discovering unique rock formations and diverse plant life.

The summit rewards you with breathtaking vistas of the Tualatin Valley.

Jenkins Estate is at the top of the woods on Cooper Mountain.

Peek into Beaverton’s past at this elegant mansion.

Explore the beautifully restored home, learn about the intriguing Jenkins family, and wander through the peaceful gardens.

Look for special events happening here during your visit.

While Beaverton is highly residential, you are also within 10 miles of some great Portland attractions, like the Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and Pittock Museum.

Places to Avoid in Beaverton

The highest crime rates in Beaverton are in the downtown core, which makes sense since more people are there.

Then, a few neighborhoods on the west side have increased crime rates.

That said, there’s no neighborhood “too dangerous” to visit.

Residents here have an average income of nearly $90,000, and the poverty rate is just below average.

I would recommend you review the Emergency Management website for Beaverton and explore the disaster scenarios.

In particular, flash flooding can cause big problems.

Avoid driving on any flooded road or where water is rising.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Beaverton

So... How Safe Is Beaverton Really?

Any threat in Beaverton is also connected to a larger problem in Oregon.

Let’s look at the 2022 crime data, which is the latest official data we have access to as of this publication.

The violent crime rate is at 310 crimes per 100,000 people.

That’s 9% lower than the state average and 22% lower than the national average.

For some context, 43% of all violent crimes happen in private homes.

23% happen against strangers.

Nearly one in five violent crimes happen on a street, sidewalk, or parking area.

That means a visitor is less likely than anyone else to be the victim of a violent crime, but it’s not low enough to let your guard down.

The Beaverton Transit Center on Lombard consistently ranks at the top or in the top five of the highest calls for service through the sheriff’s office.

Some of that is warranted, but other times, it could be people reporting someone “suspicious” sitting in a car when they are really just waiting for the train to arrive.

Either way, it’s a place you don’t want to get lost in your headphones or ignore your surroundings.

Theft is a problem in Beaverton as much as all of Oregon.

The theft rate here is almost 50% higher than the national average.

The thefts are fueled by shoplifting, which makes up 41% of all thefts, and car break-ins/accessory thefts, accounting for 36% of thefts.

The police did make a major bust on a catalytic converter theft ring in 2022.

However, those thefts are still 7,600% higher than in 2019, according to a car insurance research project.

Overall, Beaverton is still safer than Portland and many of the communities on the east side of Portland.

You just need to use common sense and standard urban personal safety measures.

How Does Beaverton Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

A visa or visa waiver is required for anyone entering the U.S. from another country. The U.S. State Department website can help you get started on the right path. Make sure your passport is valid and not within six months of expiring.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar is accepted here. Your home bank offers the lowest rates and fees, but you will find foreign currency exchange options at Portland's airport baggage claim area.

Weather

Pack light layers like t-shirts and sweaters year-round, adding a fleece for cooler months. Portland's notorious rain demands a trusty rain jacket, while comfy shoes like sneakers or boots conquer its walkable streets. Ditch the fancy wear – jeans and casual attire fit the laid-back vibe. Don't forget a small umbrella, even in summer! Winters get chilly, so pack a warm hat and gloves if you're visiting between November and March.

Airports

Portland International Airport is 20 miles from Beaverton. Be sure you are researching PDX, as there's also Portland International Jetport. However, that's in Maine, 3,200 miles away.

Travel Insurance

We always recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover various challenges, like weather delays, accidents, or emergency travel cancelations.

Beaverton Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Oregon - Safety by City