Why Live in Monmouth
Monmouth, a quaint college town in the heart of the Willamette Valley wine country, offers a blend of historical charm and modern convenience. Located about 15 miles southwest of Salem, this grid-formatted community, established by pioneers in the mid-1800s, is home to approximately 11,000 residents and 3,000 college students. Western Oregon University, originally founded as Monmouth University in 1856, is a central feature of the town. The downtown area, centered around Main Street and Pacific Avenue, features an eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants, providing plenty of things to do. Notable spots include Rick’s Place for coffee, Habebah Mediterranean Cuisine for lunch, and the family-owned Main Street Ice Cream Parlor. The community also enjoys live music and theatrical performances at the Main Street Park outdoor amphitheater, which includes a splash pad and gazebo.
Residential streets are lined with single-family homes, including early 20th-century Craftsman houses, midcentury ranch-style homes, and newer traditional builds. Wide streets, mature trees, and large lot sizes contribute to a classic suburban feel. Parks and walking trails are scattered throughout the neighborhood, with Madrona Park being the largest, offering a picnic shelter and playground. Monmouth shares many amenities and services with the nearby town of Independence, including holiday celebrations and a school district. Commuters benefit from the town’s proximity to Salem, just a 15-minute drive away, and easy access to Interstate 5. The coast is about an hour's drive, and Portland is reachable in an hour and 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monmouth a good place to live?
Monmouth is a good place to live. Monmouth is considered car-dependent and bikeable. Monmouth has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is fairly sparse in population with 4.0 people per acre and a median age of 31. The average household income is $79,297 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 27.7% of residents. A majority of residents in Monmouth are renters, with 52.4% of residents renting and 47.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Monmouth can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Monmouth neighborhood guide.
Is Monmouth, OR a safe neighborhood?
Monmouth, OR is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Monmouth?
The median home price in Monmouth is $450,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $90,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $2,330 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $100K a year to afford the median home price in Monmouth. The average household income in Monmouth is $79K.
What are the best public schools in Monmouth?
The best public schools that serve Monmouth are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Monmouth, Monmouth, OR?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Monmouth, Monmouth, OR?
Home Trends in Monmouth, OR
On average, homes in Monmouth, OR sell after 78 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Monmouth, OR over the last 12 months is $570,000, up 70% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$570,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$450,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$311,990
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$699,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$430,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$271
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Last 12 months Home Sales
53
Median List Price
$450,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
70%
