Not to be confused with the ancient Syrian city, Damascus, Oregon is a CDP (Census-Designated Place) and disincorporated city in Clackamas County, Oregon. Damascus was established in 1867 and was incorporated in 2004. On July 18, 2016, during a special Oregon Legislature-directed election process, Damascus became unincorporated in efforts to enable local land use decision-making control. Damascus is known for its beautiful nature trails, rivers, and fishing opportunities.
Damascus is a very good place to live, thanks to its tight-knit community, safe neighborhoods, and its (small) but good school district.
Where is Damascus?
Damascus, OR, is located in Clackamas County and is bordered by Happy Valley and Boring. Damascus is part of the Portland Metro Area and is considered a Portland suburb. It’s 16 miles from Damascus to Portland OR.
Damasus has beautiful Oregon scenery at every turn, from forests full of western junipers and big leaf maples to scurrying creeks with curious wildlife. Oregon is a notoriously scenic place to live, and the same applies to Damascus.
Damascus Population and Demographics
Damascus has a population of 11,050 as of 2020 and a population of 10,539 in 2010. Damascus is the 2nd smallest city in Clackamas County, with the 11th highest median household income of $101,574, which is significantly higher than the state median income of $70,084.
Damascus demographics:
- 51% male vs. 49% female
- Median age: 45.2 years old
- Ethnic make-up: 85% White, 6% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 3% Two or more, 1% Other
- Foreign-born population: 9.5%
- Educational attainment: 96.6% have high school diplomas, 29% have bachelor’s degrees
The Damascus crime rate is 2,143 per 100k people, compared to Oregon’s crime rate of 2,951. Damascus has a lower crime rate than the state.
- Damascus violent crime: 97.92 per 100k people
- Oregan violent crime: 292 per 100k people
- US violent crime: 388 per 100k people
Damascus has less violent crime than the state and the US.
- Damascus property crime: 929.3 per 100k people
- Oregan property crime: 2,659 per 100k people
- US property crime: 1,958 per 100k people.
Damascus is in the 64th percentile for crime, meaning 64% of US cities are more dangerous than Damascus. Damascus is a very safe place to live, and citizens are served by the Clackamas County Police Department.
Cost of Living in Damascus OR
The Cost Of Living Index in Damascus, OR, is 141.0, meaning it’s 41% higher than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, for a family of four to live comfortably in Clackamas County, OR, they would have to earn $107,566 a year, except similar figures for Damascus.
Typical Damascus, Living Expenses:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $18.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.81
- Loaf of white bread: $3.46
- Carton of eggs: $3.84
- Local cheese: $6.65
- Average Damascus utilities per month: $437
*Although these figures are for Portland, OR, you can expect similar or more expensive figures in Damascus.
Source: Numbeo
According to RedFin, the median home price in Damascus, OR, is $755,000, equivalent to $295 a square foot. These prices have dropped 6.5% in the last year. The housing index in Damascus is 208.2.
Although they can be pricey, the homes in Damascus are beautiful and unique. Browse these homes for sale in Damascus, OR.
Renting is always an option, and Damascus, Oregon, has plenty of rental properties available. According to Apartment Home Living, the monthly rent in Damascus ranges from $1,015 to $2,842, making $1,778 the average monthly rent in Damscus, OR.
Damascus Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Damascus
Finding the perfect neighborhood is no easy feat; here are the best Damascus neighborhoods!
Damascus Heights | Affordable
Damascus Heights is located near the heart of the CDP and is near some local favorites like Pub 212 and Elliott Springs. Damascus Heights is configured with single-family homes, each built with character and TLC.
Crest View Townhomes | New-Construction
Crest View Townhomes are new-construction single-family homes awaiting your arrival to Damascus, OR. With subdivisions in Damascus and Happy Valley, there are plenty of homes to choose from. Expect a brand-new interior and a unique exterior. These townhomes are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and are 1,534 square feet.
Hillsview | Affluent
Hillsview is an affluent Damascus neighborhood complete with numerous multi-million dollar homes. Most homes are positioned on large pieces of property spanning 25 to over 50 acres. The neighborhood gained its name thanks to the rolling hills and beautiful views they provide. Most residents of this area have large wrap-around porches to enjoy the scenery. Hillsview is located near Persimmon Country Club, where many residents golf and enjoy the amenities.
Damascus OR Weather and Climate
According to the Köppen classification, the summers in Damascus, OR, are warm, short, and dry, whereas the winters are cold, bitter, and wet, with constant overcast and cloudy days.
The annual rainfall in Damascus is 61 inches, and the annual snowfall is 2 inches. The average temperature in Damascus, Oregon, is a low of 35 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best time of the year to visit Damascus, OR, is mid-July to late August.
Things to do in Damascus OR
There are tons of fun things to do in Damascus, OR! Aside from catching up on your errands at the Bi-Mart Membership Discount Stores or the Stop N Go Market, you can enjoy this list of Damascus, OR excursions.
Top Dog Racing
Whether you ride dirt bikes or you just like to watch, Top Dog Racing is a fierce racing course in Damascus, OR with numerous riding ramps, dirt paths, and trails to discover. This is one of the top Damascus outdoor activities.
21361 SE Hwy 212, Damascus, OR 97089, (503) 558-1339
Olson Farms
Olson Farms is a family-owned and operated strawberry and pumpkin patch. Nothing feels more small-northern-town than spending a warm summer day picking strawberries with your family. If you have kids, Olson Farms is certainly an outdoor attraction to check out.
22255 SE Borges Rd, Damascus, OR 97089, (503) 658-2237
Dalzell Community Gym
Dalzell is a community gym in Damascus offering indoor basketball facilities, great for a cold, rainy, or snowy day.
17951 SE Hemrich Rd, Damascus, OR 97089
Additional Attractions in or Near Damascus OR
*Although these attractions don’t have a Damascus address, they’re all located within 20 miles of Damascus and are only a short drive!
The Clackamas Parks and Rec Department maintain these beautiful parks; take a look at their special events calendar so you don’t miss anything exciting happening in your new home!
Damascus Restaurants
Here is a list of the best restaurants in Damascus, OR, for you and your family to enjoy!
Sparky’s Pizza
Sparky’s is your place if you’re looking for a casual restaurant in Damascus, OR! Indulge in authentic Italian pizza, pastas like fettuccine alfredo, and desserts like cannolis or tiramisu.
20430 SE Hwy 212, Damascus, OR 97089, (503) 658-6665
Los Fogones food truck
Experience a bite of Mexico at Los Fogones food truck, one of the best restaurants in Damascus, OR. From authentic carne asada tacos to hearty chili relleno burritos
19701 SE Hwy 212, Damascus, OR 97089, (503) 387-9278
Watermelon Crawl
Watermelon Crawl is a 5-star restaurant and bar in Damascus known for its refreshing alcoholic beverages, outdoor seating, plus, its dog and minor-friendly!
14415 SE Wiese Rd, Damascus, OR 97089, (503) 869-2707
Jobs in Damascus OR
Damascus has seen a slight job increase of 0.9% in the last year and has a projected job growth of 43.1% by 2033, above the US average.
The average hourly rate in Damascus is $11.99, according to Payscale.
Largest industries in Damascus, OR:
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Construction
Largest Employers in Portland Metro Area:
Finding the perfect job isn’t always easy; here are jobs in Damascus, OR, and the city of Damascus jobs.
Damascus Schools
Damascus, OR, is part of the Gresham-Barlow School District and has many great schools for your children.
- Verne A. Duncan Elementary School
- Beatrice Morrow Cannady Elementary School
- Deep Creek-Damascus K-8 School | #58 in Oregan middle schools, according to US News.
There are even a few notable colleges near Damascus, like Mt. Hood Community College, Linfield University Portland Campus, and Warner Pacific University.
The closest library to Damascus is the Happy Valley Public Library, a great place to bring your children or catch up on personal reading goals!
Damascus OR Statistics & Information
- County: Clackamas County
- Damascus Area: 16.14 mi²
- Damascus Zip Code: 97089
- Damascus Area Code: 503, 971
- Damascus Elevation: 712”
- Damascus Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- The closest airport to Damascus: Portland International Airport (PDX), is 19.4 miles from Damascus.
Map of Damascus OR
Damascus has even more to offer than we could include; explore more of this wonderful Portland suburb with this Map of Damascus, Oregon!
If moving to Damascus has sparked your attention, we aren’t surprised. Living in Damascus is a great option! Before taking on this adventure alone, you’ll need a reliable moving company to handle the heavy lifting. Call Damascus movers today at 503-746-8795 for a free estimate.
