We’re here to answer the question, is McMinnville Oregon a good place to live? Yes, living in McMinnville is very nice, thanks to its surrounding area, 1,587 local businesses, welcoming community, and prominent community of wine connoisseurs! The International Pinot Noir Celebration happens in McMinnville annually, and the city is located in the "Heart of Oregon Wine Country."
This populous city is the county seat of Yamhill County and was incorporated in 1876. William T. Newby founded the city in 1856 and named it after his hometown, McMinnville, Tennessee. Mac is the nickname for McMinnville.
Is McMinnville Oregon a Good Place to Live?
Yes, McMinnville OR is a good place to live for families, retirees, wine lovers, and anyone seeking a tight-knit community in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The city offers a balance of affordability (compared to Portland), safety (lower violent crime than state and national averages), quality schools, and abundant recreational and cultural activities. Overall, moving to McMinnville and living in McMinnville Oregon is an excellent choice for those who want small-town charm with easy access to a major metro area.
What Is McMinnville Oregon Known for?
McMinnville, OR, is known for its rolling hill, prominent wine industry, and charming downtown area. Downtown McMinnville is referred to as “Oregan’s Favorite Main Street”, and is home to various boutiques, coffee shops, and eateries. The city is also famous for the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, home of the iconic Spruce Goose, and its annual UFO Festival, which is the second largest in the world.
Where Is McMinnville Oregon Located?
McMinnville, Oregon (the county seat), is located in Yamhill County, southwest of Portland in the Willamette Valley. The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is only 66.8 miles from McMinnville.
Is McMinnville Oregon a good place to live, even though it’s a bit more secluded? Yes, what makes this city so great is its proximity to other notable Oregon communities like Salem, Portland, and Eugene.
Which City is Near McMinnville Oregon?
Lafayette, St. Joseph, and Dayton are within 10 miles of the city. McMinnville is about 50 miles from the Oregon coast. Although it’s near Downtown Portland, the city of McMinnville is not part of the Portland Metro Area.
Getting Around | Public Transportation
Although the city has a transit score of 30, Yamhill County Transit provides public bus transportation to people living in McMinnville. Routes 1, 2, 3, and 4 run through the city; Yamhill County Transit offers English-speaking and Spanish-speaking riding options. Times vary, but you can explore all your options on their routes and schedule page.
McMinnville boasts a walk score of 94 and a bike score of 70, making the city very walkable and bikeable; you do not have to be car-dependent.
Is McMinnville, Oregon Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. McMinnville, Oregon is worth visiting whether you're a wine lover, history enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer. With over 200 wineries within 30 minutes, a historic and walkable downtown filled with unique shops and restaurants, and family-friendly attractions like the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum, there's something for everyone. The city also hosts vibrant community events throughout the year, , making it a popular destination for weekend getaways.
What Is the Population of McMinnville Oregon?
According to the 2025 estimations, McMinnville’s population is 35,255, an increase of 2.6% since the 2010 census. It is the largest city in the county by population. McMinnville has small-town charm, but is quite populous, as the population density of McMinnville Oregon is about 3,244 people per square mile (1,252 per km²)
Is McMinnville, Oregon a Small Town?
While McMinnville has the feel of a small town with its tight-knit community and charming downtown, its population of over 35,000 makes it a mid-sized city by Oregon standards. It's the 19th most populated city in the Oregon state, so it offers more amenities and services than a typical small town while maintaining that beloved small-town atmosphere.
What Is the Demographic Profile of Residents in McMinnville?
Here’s the complete breakdown of McMinnville Oregon demographics:
- Median age: 3
- Sex ratio: 51 females to 49 males
- Poverty rate:1% compared to the US national average of 12.5%
- Marital statuses: 48% married vs 52% unmarried
- Ownership of occupied units: 66% owner-occupied vs 34% renter-occupied
- Types of structure: 70% single family homes, 20% multi-units, 10% mobile homes
- Foreign-born population:8%
- Educational attainment:7% have a Bachelor's degree or higher, while 87% have a high school diploma or higher
- Median home value: $427,600
- Median household income: $76,515 compared to the national median household income of $80,734
What Is the Ethnicity of McMinnville Oregon?
McMinnville, Oregon, has a predominantly White demographic profile but is increasingly multicultural. According to the most recent data, approximately 70.4% of the population identifies as White. The city's most significant minority group is the Hispanic or Latino community, which now comprises 21.5% of residents, reflecting a vibrant and growing cultural presence in the Willamette Valley.
Residents identifying with two or more races account for 5.4% of the population, while the Asian community represents about 1.4%. The smallest ethnic groups in the city include those identifying as Black or African American (0.4%), American Indian or Alaska Native (0.4%), and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (0.2%), with an additional 0.5% identifying as other races.
Who Is the Most Famous Person From McMinnville Oregon?
Beverly Cleary is the most famous person from McMinnville Oregon. Born in 1916 in McMinnville Oregon, she became one of America’s best-selling children’s authors, with more than 90 million books sold worldwide. Her characters, including Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins, were inspired by her early life in Yamhill County. Other notable figures from McMinnville Oregon include Whitney Blake and former MLB player Scott Brosius
Is McMinnville Oregon Safe?
Yes, McMinnville OR is a safe place to live. It is important to consider the McMinnville Oregon crime rate to answer the question “Is McMinnville Oregon a good place to live?”
What Is the Crime Rate in McMinnville Oregon?
According to the FBI, McMinnville is a safe place to live, backed by these detailed crime statistics:
- McMinnville crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,655
- Oregon crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,719
- US crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,119
These statistics indicate that McMinnville experiences 39.1% less crime than the state average.
What Is the Trend in Violent Crime Rates for McMinnville?
The city of McMinnville sees 31.6% 13% less violent crime than its state and 36.9% 19.4% less than the county, as the latest trends of McMinnville's violent crime rates are:
- McMinnville violent crime rate per 100,000 people:5
- Oregon violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 331
- US violent crime rate per 100,000 people: 359
What Is the Trend of Property Crime Crime Rates in McMinnville OR?
McMinnville, Oregon, has 39.9% less property crime than its state:
- McMinnville property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,434.3
- Oregon property crime rate per 100,000 people: 2,388
- US property crime rate per 100,000 people: 1,760
You can thank the 38 McMinnville Police Department officers for this impressive decrease in crime.
Cost of Living in McMinnville Oregon - Is McMinnville Expensive?
Living in McMinnville OR is slightly more expensive than the national average. But it begs the question, is McMinnville Oregon a good place to live despite the higher cost of living?
According to PayScale, McMinnville's Cost of Living Index (COLI) is 104, making it 4% more expensive than the average US city. If you examine the COLIs for cities near McMinnville, you’ll appreciate McMinnville’s affordability:
The Economic Policy Institute says a family of four would need a household income of $118,995 to live comfortably in Yamhill County. The EPI suggests budgeting $18,432 for housing and $20,076 for taxes.
How Do Grocery Prices in McMinnville Compare to the National Average?
Grocery prices in McMinnville are approximately 11% higher than the national average. However, the city benefits from Oregon's lack of a state sales tax, which effectively reduces the overall cost of goods purchased compared to most other states.
What Is the Average Cost of Living in McMinnville, Oregon?
Typical McMinnville living expenses:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $14.00
- Gallon of milk: $3.65
- Loaf of white bread: $2.88
- Pound of white rice: $1.66
- Dozen eggs: $4.81
- Pound of local cheese: $7.62
- Average McMinnville utilities per month: $229 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo
Homes for Sale in McMinnville Oregon - Is McMinnville Oregon a Good Place to Live & Buy a Home?
The housing market in McMinnville is competitive and more expensive than the average US city. Houses for sale in McMinnville, Oregon, typically sell within 56 days and have a median sale price of $460,000, compared to the US median sale price of $422,980.
McMinnville Oregon real estate supports first time home buyers in Oregon, as they can apply for one of the state's many first-time home buyer grants or mortgages. Regardless of your budget, needs, or desires, buying a house in Oregon is exciting, but a big step. Diligent research is key to ensuring you get the best home for sale in McMinnville and have a successful relocation.
Homes for Rent McMinnville Oregon - Is Renting a Good Option When Living in McMinnville?
According to ATTOM’s 2026 Rental Affordability Report, finding a home for rent in McMinnville is more affordable than purchasing property in Oregon, despite the fact that buying is becoming more affordable in most counties. Zumper reports that the average rent in McMinnville is $1,599, which is a 6% drop from 2025. The majority of the rental listings in McMinnville are in the range of $1501-$2250, but you can also find good options to rent at $751-$1500.
What Are the Best Real Estate Websites to Find Homes in McMinnville Oregon?
The best real estate websites to find homes for sale or rent in McMinnville Oregon include Redfin, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Movoto. It is also recommended that you work with McMinnville-based real estate agents who specialize in Yamhill County and have access to new listings before they hit major national platforms.
McMinnville Neighborhoods | Where to Stay in McMinnville Oregon
Living in McMinnville Oregon get more comfortable, enjoyable, and efficient by selecting the right neighborhood. You can get the small-town feel this larger-than-life city provides, as all the McMinnville neighborhoods offer urban amenities, minus the stress that the other bigger cities bring.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Buy a Family Home in McMinnville Oregon?
The top-rated neighborhoods in McMinnville for families include Downtown McMinnville, Orchard Park, Baker Creek/Pinehurst, St. Joseph, McMinnville Northwest, and McMinnville West. Each offers different advantages depending on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in McMinnville Oregon you should know about:
The homes in Downtown McMinnville (or Third Street, McMinnville) boast proximity to everything in the city’s central area. Arguably, the best part of residing in this McMinnville neighborhood is your access to the many restaurants and stores. Not only is it a great place to call home, but it's also safe and suitable for growing families or older individuals.
The housing market in the downtown area is competitive, but if you do see homes for sale, they likely will be priced between $400,000 and 1+ million.
McMinnville Downtown Association hosts many gatherings and annual events, including the Santa Parage and UFO Festival; talk about a close-knit community feel! Downtown residences are also close to Joe Dancer Skatepark and its other amenities.
Orchard Park - Small Town Atmosphere
If you move to Orchard Park in McMinnville, you will find a unique blend of older individuals and young families. This lovely community offers easy access to Highway 99 without living in a big city like Portland. Most residents (68%) own their homes, but a good number still rent.
Baker Creek and Pinehurst - Historic Homes
Located near the Michelbook Country Club, Baker Creek and Pinehurst is a terrific neighborhood to live in. Memorial Elementary School is within walking distance, and a nearby park boasts tennis, pickle, and basketball courts.
What's the Nicest Place to Live in Oregon?
Oregon offers many desirable places to live, and McMinnville consistently ranks among the best for those seeking a balance of affordability, community, and natural beauty. Other popular cities include Bend, Ashland, Lake Oswego, and Corvallis. McMinnville stands out for its wine country lifestyle, charming downtown, and lower cost of living compared to Downtown Portland and Portland metro communities. Overall, McMinnville has many top-rated neighborhoods, and if you choose to move to McMinnville OR, you can contact us to make your move a smooth and stress-free experience.
McMinnville Weather & Climate
If you are thinking what the weather is like in McMinnville Oregon, you should know that you are likely to love living in McMinnville if you enjoy wet winters and dry summer days. Similar to the climate in Oregon, Portland, McMinnville has a Koppen climate classification of Csb, or warm-summer Mediterranean climate.
Weather Spark says temperatures vary in McMinnville drastically, although they rarely go below 26 degrees Fahrenheit or above 94. The rainy season starts in November and goes until January; the average rainfall in November is 9.1 inches, compared to July’s (the driest month) 0.3 inches. While
Does McMinnville, Oregon Get Snow?
Yes, McMinnville does get snow, but only about 3.0 inches per year on average. Snow is infrequent and typically melts quickly. The city's wet winters are dominated by 43 inches of rainfall rather than snow, with the rainy season running from approximately November through March.
What Is the Best Time to Visit McMinnville OR?
If you’re a nature lover, the best time to visit McMinnville is from early July to late August. You won’t have to plan according to the rain, and you can enjoy the city’s natural beauty and rolling hills in dry socks!
Things to Do in McMinnville
There are tons of fun things to do in McMinnvilleOregon. While shopping at McMinnville Town Center and Baker Street Square is the first choice for some, others want to explore the city’s history and natural wonders. Here are the best outdoor activities and other attractions in McMinnville.
Take flight at the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum (EASM), one of McMinnville's best things to do. You can learn about their historical aircraft, the history of aviation, and what it takes to get to space. This notable museum helps foster children's imagination about all things space and aviation.
Wings & Waves Waterpark, Evergreen Nature Trail, and the Evergreen Space Museum Playground are on the premises.
500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128, (503) 434-4180
The McMinnville Theater is a staple, especially during those extra hot summer days or rainy winter weeks. Catching a movie here is the ideal date night or whole family outing; no wonder it has hundreds of positive reviews.
300 NE Norton Ln, McMinnville, OR 97128, (503) 472-2627
Explore the great outdoors at Wortman Park, one of the top free things to do in McMinnville, Oregon! There are walking trails, a disc golf course, clean restrooms, rentable structures, and BBQ pits.
2051 NE Lafayette Ave, McMinnville, OR 97128, (503) 434-7310
Additional McMinnville Events & Attractions
Community events are beloved by people living in McMinnville, and they’re typically held in the downtown area. The International Pinot Noir Celebration attracts wine enthusiasts from across the country, and the UFO festival is the second largest in the world!
McMinnville Parks and Recreation maintains the 18 parks in McMinnville.
What Are the Top Wineries to Visit Near McMinnville Oregon?
McMinnville is the gateway to Oregon's Willamette Valley wine region, with over 200 wineries within 30 minutes of downtown. Top wineries to visit include Domaine Drouhin, Sokol Blosser, Stoller Family Estate, Erath Winery, and Willamette Valley Vineyards. Many offer tastings, tours, and scenic vineyard experiences.
What Outdoor Activities Are Available Around McMinnville Oregon for Adventure Seekers?
McMinnville and the surrounding Yamhill County offer excellent outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, kayaking on the Yamhill River, disc golf at Wortman Park, and wine country cycling tours. Nearby state parks and the Oregon Coast Range provide additional trails and camping opportunities. The city also maintains 18 parks through McMinnville Parks and Recreation, including Joe Dancer Park, Tice Park, and Discovery Meadows Community Park.
McMinnville Restaurants
McMinnville is famous for its wine and nuts; we’ve included various hearty options of the best restaurants in McMinnville Oregon here:
If you’re seeking McMinnville, Oregon, dining at its finest, consider 1882 Grille. Reviewers find their fish and chips to die for, and the blue cheese burger is one of the best around. This creative pub is one of the top restaurants in McMinnville, Oregon, primarily because of its food, but partially for the great service and atmosphere.
Alpine Cross and Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in downtown McMinnville! It boasts a diverse menu featuring breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Their most popular dishes are the alpine skillet, risotto bites, and the parmesan-encrusted halibut. Alpine Cross and Kitchen offers a full bar with craft cocktails and locally brewed beer.
920 NE 8th St, McMinnville, OR 97128, (503) 687-2737
Two Dogs Taphouse is a casual dining option for people living in McMinnville. Visitors find their beer refreshing, food tasty, and atmosphere thoroughly enjoyable—what more could you want from a McMinnville restaurant?
401 NE Evans St, McMinnville, OR 97128, (503) 857-0753
Where Can You Find Family-Friendly Dining Options in McMinnville?
McMinnville offers plenty of family-friendly dining options beyond the restaurants listed above. Golden Valley Brewery, Nick's Italian Cafe, and Pura Vida Cocina are popular with many families. Most downtown McMinnville restaurants welcome children, and many feature outdoor seating and picnic areas during the warmer months. If you are searching for the best Italian restaurants in McMinnville Oregon, you should visit Nick's Italian Cafe because it has been a beloved local institution for decades.
Jobs in McMinnville Oregon
McMinnville has a strong economy and proximity to more extensive options, like the robust opportunities in Salem and Portland. McMinnville’s economy employs 14,700 people, many of whom work in Yamhill County’s leading industries: agriculture, forest products, manufacturing, education, and wine production. The city of McMinnville (jobs) is also a notable employer, with 93 employees.
Who Are the Top Employers in McMinnville Oregon?
McMinnville's largest employers are Cascade Steel Rolling Mills, the McMinnville School District, Linfield University, Willamette Valley Medical Center, and the City of McMinnville. These employers span multiple sectors. According to MEDP's 2025 Principal Employer Report, the city's principal employers support nearly 4,900 jobs across manufacturing, healthcare, education, government, utilities, services, and professional sectors.
What Is the Average Salary in McMinnville Oregon?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average hourly wage in McMinnville is approximately $22.66, and the average annual salary is around $47,125. With a diverse job market spanning local businesses to commercial enterprises, you should have solid opportunities during your McMinnville jobs hunt and enjoy a good median income in McMinnville.
Schools in McMinnville Oregon
Is McMinnville a good place to live and be a student? McMinnville School District (MSD) has served McMinnville and surrounding cities since 1876! It’s Yamhill County’s largest district, with most students residing in McMinnville, Lafayette, and other nearby cities.
What Are the Top-Rated Public Schools in McMinnville Oregon?
McMinnville School District stands out as the home to the best public schools in McMinnville. While we are currently in 2026, the most recent official data released by the McMinnville School District dates to November 2024. At that time, the McMinnville School District reported an enrollment of 6,276 students across nine schools in McMinnville, which includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high school. These schools have a racial composition of 55% White, 39% Latino, and 7% multiracial or other ethnicities.
U.S. News World & Report MSD has a student-to-teacher ratio of 17:1 (18:1 is the state average) and ten full-time counselors. This ratio helps ensure students have more consistent access to the same teacher throughout the school year. All teachers are certified, and most (93.1%) have three or more years of teaching experience. The district also received a college readiness score of 14.6, with 55% of high school students testing above reading proficiency.
Which Private Schools in McMinnville Oregon Have the Best Academic Programs?
While McMinnville's public schools are the primary educational option, there are private and charter school alternatives in the greater Yamhill County area. Families seeking private education options can also consider nearby Newberg and Salem, which offer additional private school choices, including faith-based institutions.
Is McMinnville Oregon a Good Place to Live as a College Student?
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an older adult interested in furthering your education, living in McMinnville provides ample educational resources.
Linfield University is a private liberal arts university located in McMinnville, offering over 60 undergraduate programs. Chemeketa Community College is in the city, and Northwest University (Salem Campus) is 34.6 miles southeast of it. George Fox University is a Christian university in neighboring Newberg.
Additional Resources
For additional educational resources, explore the McMinnville Public Library and its offerings. At a glance, there are events nearly seven days a week on varying topics. You'll have plenty to do between writing workshops, children's storytimes, and eco-conscious programs.
McMinnville Statistics & Information
- McMinnville Oregon County: Yamhill
- McMinnville area: 10.58 square miles
- McMinnville zip code: 97128
- McMinnville area code(s): 503, 971
- McMinnville elevation: 161 feet
- McMinnville time zone: Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to McMinnville OR: Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is 28.5 miles from McMinnville and is the closest commercial airport. McMinnville also has its own McMinnville Municipal Airport (MMV) to handle smaller operations.
Map of McMinnville Oregon
Explore more of this lovely city with this McMinnville Oregon map!
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in McMinnville
What Is the Quality of Life in McMinnville Oregon?
The quality of life in McMinnville Oregon is high, particularly for those who value community, nature, and wine country living. Residents enjoy a downtown with walking pathways, access to over 200 nearby wineries, 18 well-maintained city parks, family-friendly picnic shelters, and a strong sense of community. The city offers a slower pace of life than Portland while still providing modern amenities, good schools, diverse dining options, and opportunities for small businesses to thrive. The main trade-offs are limited public transit and higher-than-average property crime.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in McMinnville Oregon?
The pros of living in McMinnville Oregon are affordable cost of living compared to Portland, a charming and walkable downtown, access to world-class wineries, strong community events, proximity to the coast and larger cities, good schools, and low violent crime. On the other hand, limited public transit, higher-than-average property crime, wet winters with heavy rainfall, and a competitive housing market are some of the cons of moving to McMinnville.
What County Is McMinnville Oregon in?
McMinnville is in Yamhill County, Oregon. It is the county seat and the most populous city in the county, located in the Willamette Valley southwest of Portland.
Is McMinnville a Suburb of Portland?
No, McMinnville is not a suburb of Portland. While it's located approximately 37 miles southwest of Portland, McMinnville is an independent city and the county seat of Yamhill County. It has its own distinct economy, government, and community identity separate from the Portland Metro Area.
When Was McMinnville Oregon Founded?
McMinnville Oregon was founded in 1856 by William T. Newby, who named it after his hometown of McMinnville, Tennessee. The city was officially incorporated in 1876 and has served as the county seat of Yamhill County ever since.
What Is the Average Rent for a One-Bedroom Apartment in McMinnville?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in McMinnville is approximately $1,245–$1,650 per month, depending on the source, which is 17–25% lower than the national average.
What Are the Top-Rated Restaurants in McMinnville?
Some of the top-rated restaurants in McMinnville include 1882 Grille (known for creative pub fare like their fish and chips and blue cheese burger), Alpine Crossing and Kitchen (a versatile downtown spot with breakfast through dinner service), Two Dogs Taphouse (a casual favorite with craft beer and comfort food), Nick's Italian Cafe (a longstanding local institution), and Golden Valley Brewery. McMinnville's dining scene is diverse, ranging from fine wine-country cuisine to family-friendly eateries.
Where Can I Book Wine Tasting Tours in McMinnville Oregon?
Wine tasting tours in McMinnville Oregon can be booked through local operators like Insiders Wine Tour, Oregon Wine Tours, and Grape Escape Tours. Many downtown tasting rooms also offer walk-in tastings without needing a reservation, making spontaneous wine exploration easy.
What Are the Best Grocery Stores in McMinnville Oregon?
McMinnville has a solid selection of grocery stores to serve its residents. Major options include Fred Meyer, WinCo Foods, Safeway, and Grocery Outlet Bargain Market. McMinnville Farmers Market also operates to offer fresh produce, artisan goods, and locally made products. Natural and organic shoppers will also find options at local health food stores in the downtown area.
Where Can I Find Healthcare Job Listings in McMinnville Oregon?
Healthcare job listings in McMinnville Oregon can be found through Willamette Valley Medical Center's careers page, Indeed, LinkedIn, and the Oregon Employment Department's job listings. Healthcare & social assistance is the city's largest employment sector, offering opportunities for nurses, medical assistants, technicians, and administrative staff.
What Is the Highest Recorded Temperature in McMinnville, Oregon?
The highest recorded temperature in McMinnville, Oregon was 114 degrees Fahrenheit on June 28, 2021. This record shattered previous local milestones by a significant margin; for nearly a century, the city's record high had been 110°F, a mark first reached in June 1925 and tied again during a notable heatwave in July 1926.
Is McMinnville Oregon a Good Place to Move to?
Yes, McMinnville is a good place to move and live for families, retirees, wine lovers, and anyone seeking a tight-knit community in Oregon's Willamette Valley. The city offers a balance of affordability (compared to Portland), safety (lower violent crime than state and national averages), quality schools, and abundant recreational and cultural activities. Moving to McMinnville is an excellent choice for those who want small-town charm with easy access to a major metro area.
Moving to McMinnville With PDX Movers
Is McMinnville Oregon a good place to live? Yes, McMinnvillle has a robust economy, plenty of things to do, and a low crime rate. If living in McMinnville sounds like the city for you, call us at (503) 746-8795; we have the best McMinnville movers ready to make your transition stress-free and enjoyable.
