Gladstone is a peaceful, small town with lush greenery, stunning mountain views, and tons of recreational opportunities. Situated along the Willamette and Clackamas rivers in Clackamas County, Gladstone was founded in 1889 and named after the British statesman William Ewart Gladstone. The city was incorporated in 1911. The area was first inhabited by the Native American Clackamas people, as commemorated each year at the Gladstone Community Festival and parade.
Gladstone is known for its many outdoor opportunities, including parks, neighborhoods with walking paths, bike trails, ball fields, nature observatories, and community gardens. The city also borders the Willamette and Clackamas rivers and offers activities for water enthusiasts like kayaking and boating. With its small-town charm, diverse businesses, active community involvement, and good schools, Gladstone is a very nice city to call home. If you’re moving to Gladstone, check out everything you need to know.
Is Gladstone Oregon a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Gladstone is a good place to live. It is a small Clackamas County town of about 11,865 residents and sits roughly 12 miles south of Portland. Hence, Gladstone provides a quiet, walkable, and neighborly feel, while staying a short commute from big-city jobs and amenities. Gladstone is especially ideal for families and outdoor lovers as Gladstone Parks and Recreation manages 14 parks, and the Willamette and Clackamas rivers put kayaking and fishing minutes away.
Where Is Gladstone Oregon?
Gladstone Oregon is located in Clackamas County, where the Clackamas and Willamette rivers merge. Portland is only 12 miles north, making Gladstone a great place for commuters working in the big city. Nearby Oregon City, the historic Clackamas County seat, sits just across the Clackamas River and adds another layer of shopping, dining, and services within easy access of Gladstone residents.
Map of Gladstone, Oregon
Gladstone OR Population and Demographics
Although the population of Gladstone is mostly white, the city has a significant Hispanic population and is much more diverse than the average city in the U.S. The most diverse area of Gladstone is in the northern part of the city. Gladstone hosted the annual Chautauqua Festival up until 2013, to celebrate the first inhabitants of the area, and since then, the annual Gladstone Community Festival and Parade has kept the tradition alive.
The Gladstone population is 11,865 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 estimate). This multicultural community allows the people living here to embrace the cultural diversity there. The racial and ethnic demographics of Gladstone are White alone 78.7%, Black or African American alone 1.3%, American Indian and Alaska Native alone 0.7%, Asian alone 1.5%, two or more races 13.9%, Hispanic or Latino 10.5%, and White alone, not Hispanic or Latino 76.6%.
Here's an overview of Gladstone's demographics:
- Population density: 4,994.5 people per square mile
- Median age: 44.8
- Sex ratio: 51.8% Males, 48.2% Females
- Median household income: $91,250
- Educational attainment: 91.3% high school degree or higher, 25.8% bachelor's degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 7%
- Veteran population: 873
Source: Census Reporter
Gladstone Crime Rate
Gladstone is committed to the safety of its residents. The Gladstone Police Department and its sworn officers and volunteer officers are committed to keeping Gladstone a safe and secure place to live. FBI statistics show that the property crime rate in Gladstone is 1,677 crimes per 100,000 people, so this is the biggest concern for crime while living here. However, it is still 5% lower than the US average. The violent crime rate in Gladstone is 195 per 100,000 people, which is 46% lower than the national average. So, the crime rate shows that Gladstone is a safe place to live.
Homes for Sale Gladstone Oregon and Cost of Living
Gladstone has a relatively affordable cost of living. The cost of living in Gladstone is 14% higher than the US average, but 2% lower than the Oregon average and 10% lower than the cost of living in Portland. The most expensive factor you’ll want to keep in mind when moving to Gladstone is the cost of housing. The median sale price of a Gladstone home is $517,233. The average cost per square foot of the Gladstone OR homes for sale is $288.
Although housing costs are high compared to the average in the U.S., Gladstone’s median sale price sits below the statewide Oregon median of about $508,100. The median price for a home in Portland is $511,736, making Gladstone a good option to buy a home in the Portland Metro area. The Gladstone OR real estate market is competitive, so anyone searching for the right house should be ready to act fast. Check out one of the many homes for sale in Gladstone Oregon.
Houses for Rent in Gladstone Oregon
If you’re looking to rent in Gladstone, the average rent is $1,684, and apartments in Gladstone OR average 947 square feet, according to RentCafe. You can find apartments in Gladstone Oregon for rent and Gladstone OR houses for rent on RentCafe.
Typical Gladstone Living Expenses:
- Meal, inexpensive restaurant: $18.00
- Domestic beer: $6.50
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.96
- Dozen eggs: $4.07
- 1 pound of chicken: $5.89
- Average Gladstone monthly utility bill: $270.61
Source: Numbeo, Portland, OR
The Best Neighborhoods in Gladstone Oregon
Gladstone is a small city, but it’s also a collection of quiet communities surrounded by many parks. At just around 2.5 square miles in size, Gladstone feels like one big neighborhood. Many homes were built in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, typically having 3 to 5 bedrooms and 2 to 3 baths. Anywhere you live in Gladstone, you’ll have access to shopping, dining, schools, and public transportation.
Gladstone Oregon Weather & Climate
Gladstone enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers and cool winters. The average high temperatures in summer are in the upper 70s, while winters offer average highs in the low 50s. Summers tend to be dry, and it rains mainly in the cooler months in Gladstone. The average annual precipitation is over 40 inches, which is 13% higher than the national average.
You’ll need to pack your umbrella in Gladstone! Although it rains a lot, you won’t see much snow, only about 2 inches a year. The best time of year to visit Gladstone is from early July to late August to take advantage of all the warm-weather activities the city has to offer.
Things to Do in Gladstone OR
Gladstone and the surrounding area offer plenty of activities, especially outdoor fun for residents and visitors alike. There is also convenient local shopping at the Gladstone Mercantile and
The Wurst Market. Or, you can grab all of your typical needed items at the Walgreens in Gladstone Oregon.
Enjoy a fun adventure paddling along the Willamette River. View Willamette Falls and stop for a bit of relaxation at Cedar Island Park. You can also explore the Clackamas River, kayak under the John McLoughlin Bridge, and enjoy the scenery from local waterways. Gladstone Kayak Rentals has all the equipment you need, including kayaks and paddleboards. You can rent by the hour or the day, or you can reserve a group rental.
Dahl Beach City Park, (503) 908-4829
Boardman Wetlands Nature Park features a 1,500-foot boardwalk trail that winds through the park’s wetlands, offering spectacular views of the natural surroundings. The park offers a chance to see a wide range of plants and wildlife. Bring your camera because you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture photos of the local flora and fauna. Bird watchers will enjoy the many species of birds, including the red-winged blackbird. For families, the park has an interactive nature play area where kids can play and learn hands-on about the ecology of the wetland.
17908 SE Addie St, Milwaukie, OR 97267, (503) 742-4348
The Campbell Course is a unique public golf course that includes The Children's Course and the First Tee, dedicated to providing educational programs to children that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
19825 River Road, Gladstone, OR 97027, (503) 722-1530
Additional Attractions Near Gladstone, OR:
Living in Gladstone is never boring. Although Gladstone is a small city encompassing just 2.4 square miles, Gladstone Parks and Recreation manages 14 parks and recreational areas, including Cross Park, Dahl Beach, Dierickx Field, and Gladstone Nature Park. The parks offer trails, shelters, ball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, beaches, fishing, and more. Gladstone also offers quality youth and sports programs like baseball, softball, soccer, football, and basketball.
The parks and youth programs add to the family-friendly atmosphere of the city and provide plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors and maintain active lifestyles within the community. Check out the Gladstone Community Events Calendar for festivals, events, and community activities.
Restaurants Near Gladstone Oregon
The Campbell Course is a unique public golf course that includes The Children's Course and the First Tee, dedicated to providing educational programs to children that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
19825 River Road, Gladstone, OR 97027, (503) 722-1530
Additional Attractions Near Gladstone, OR:
Living in Gladstone is never boring. Although Gladstone is a small city encompassing just 2.4 square miles, Gladstone Parks and Recreation manages 14 parks and recreational areas, including Cross Park, Dahl Beach, Dierickx Field, and Gladstone Nature Park. The parks offer trails, shelters, ball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, beaches, fishing, and more. Gladstone also offers quality youth and sports programs like baseball, softball, soccer, football, and basketball.
The parks and youth programs add to the family-friendly atmosphere of the city and provide plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors and maintain active lifestyles within the community. Check out the Gladstone Community Events Calendar for festivals, events, and community activities.
Restaurants Near Gladstone Oregon
Gladstone offers you a variety of dining options that are sure to satisfy a wide range of tastes. Try the local eateries, pubs, family-friendly restaurants, and more. There are many great restaurants near Gladstone! Check out some of Gladstone’s best dining establishments, such as:
KB Teriyaki Grill serves up hearty, traditional Japanese rice and noodle dishes, with chicken, pork, and beef options. They prepare their chicken fresh every day with onions, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, sear it to perfection, and give it a delicious char-broiled taste you won’t soon forget.
19660 McLoughlin Blvd, Gladstone, OR 97027, (503) 387-5505
Stanley’s Corner is a great neighborhood family restaurant with a wide selection of menu items, a full-service bar, and all lottery games. Choose from juicy burgers, classic deli sandwiches, specialty hot dogs, or entrees like prime rib, chicken strips, and wings made with their house barbeque.
19905 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Gladstone, OR 97027, (503) 655-5544
Also known as Happy Restaurant, Gladstones is a fun neighborhood pub with an extensive menu of burgers, sandwiches, breakfast items, Tex Mex, and much more. Come on Tuesday night for music bingo with food and drink specials and prizes.
270 Portland Ave, Gladstone, OR 97027, (503) 850-6124
Jobs in Gladstone Oregon
Retail trade provides over one in four jobs in Gladstone. The largest industries are retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, private education, and construction. The average salary in Gladstone is $52,000 per year and $21.09 per hour, according to Payscale. Future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 43.1%, about 10% higher than the US average. The major employers in the Gladstone area include the Clackamas County government, the Gladstone School District, and Willamette Falls Medical Center. If you’re looking for a job in Gladstone, check out Indeed and the Gladstone Job Openings.
Schools in Gladstone OR
Gladstone is served by the Gladstone School District, which includes John Wetten Elementary, Kraxberger Middle, and Gladstone High School. Gladstone public schools provide a comprehensive education with technology opportunities at all levels, as well as career-technical and college credit opportunities in high school. In addition to public schools, the area offers several private school options, including the popular Rivergate Adventist Elementary School.
There are several colleges and universities close to Gladstone if you’re looking to further your education. The nearest colleges are the University of Portland, Portland State University, and Clark College.
The Gladstone Public Library is part of the Library Information Network of Clackamas County, where you can check out books and movies, take care of your printing/copying/scanning needs, use the study room, take advantage of the reference services, use the public computers, and lots more.
Gladstone OR Statistics & Information
- County: Clackamas County
- Area: 2.49 square miles
- Gladstone Oregon Zip code: 97027
- Area code: 503
- Elevation: 89’
- Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC-8)
- Closest airport: Portland International Airport
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Gladstone
What County Is Gladstone Oregon in?
Gladstone is located in Clackamas County, Oregon, in the northwest corner of the county where the Clackamas and Willamette rivers meet. It sits within the greater Portland metropolitan area, with downtown Portland roughly 12 miles to the north, making it a convenient base for county and metro commuters.
How Far Is Gladstone From Portland?
Gladstone lies about 12 miles south of downtown Portland, roughly a 20-minute drive in light traffic via I-205 or McLoughlin Boulevard. That proximity makes it a popular home base for commuters who want a quieter, small-town setting while staying close to the city’s jobs, dining, and amenities.
What Is the Cost of Living in Gladstone Oregon?
The cost of living in Gladstone is roughly 13% higher than the U.S. average, driven mainly by Pacific Northwest housing costs. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation also trend slightly above average, though Gladstone remains more affordable than neighboring Portland and several other Portland-metro suburbs.
What Is the Average Home Price in Gladstone, Oregon?
The median sale price of a home in Gladstone is about $517,233, which is below the statewide Oregon median. The market is competitive, with homes often selling within a few weeks, so buyers should be ready to move quickly when the right house comes up.
What Is the Average Rent in Gladstone, Oregon?
The average rent in Gladstone is about $1,684 a month, according to RentCafe, with apartments averaging around 947 square feet. Most rentals fall in the $1,500–$2,000 range, and rents have stayed essentially flat over the past year.
What Is the Weather Like in Gladstone, Oregon?
Gladstone has a mild climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Summer highs reach the upper 70s and winter highs sit in the low 50s. The city averages about 43 inches of rain a year but only around 2 inches of snow.
What Schools Are in Gladstone, Oregon?
Gladstone is served by the Gladstone School District, which includes John Wetten Elementary, Kraxberger Middle School, and Gladstone High School. Private options such as Rivergate Adventist Elementary are also available, and colleges including Portland State University and Clark College are a short drive away.
Contact PDX Movers to Move to Gladstone OR
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