In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant trends in housing costs and income levels in Washington County, revealing a stark disparity between rising home values and stagnant income growth. Data from 2017 to 2022 showed a 49% increase in median home values across the county, with specific cities like Beaverton, Hillsboro, and Tigard experiencing increases between 46% and 52%. In contrast, median household income growth did not keep pace, leading to concerns about affordability for residents.

The meeting highlighted that while median gross rent increased by 24% to 50% over the same period, the rent burden for renter households remained unchanged at 49%. However, there was a slight decrease in cost burden for owner households, from 24% to 22%. This stagnation in rent burden, despite rising costs, raises questions about the economic pressures faced by renters in the area.

Tigard was noted for its higher median household income, reportedly double that of other jurisdictions, attributed to a shift towards higher-paying jobs in the area. Officials acknowledged the need for further investigation into this trend to understand the underlying factors contributing to Tigard's economic landscape.

The meeting also addressed homeownership rates, which showed a slight increase for Asian and non-Hispanic white households, but a concerning decline for Black and African American communities, as well as for American Indian and Alaska Native populations. This disparity underscores the need for targeted efforts to address equity in homeownership opportunities.

Officials discussed ongoing initiatives to enhance affordable homeownership, particularly in Hillsboro, where the city has allocated significant funding for affordable housing projects. The collaboration between Washington County and local cities aims to address the pressing housing crisis exacerbated by the pandemic.

As the county moves forward with its consolidated plan, officials emphasized the importance of community engagement and data analysis to inform future housing policies and programs. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring solutions to improve housing affordability and accessibility for all residents.