Are you looking for the perfect small town in the Pacific Northwest? You may want to consider moving to Ridgefield, WA. Ridgefield is a small city in southwestern Washington located just north of Portland.
Living in Ridgefield, WA, offers a peaceful, rural environment with a close-knit community. Most residents own their homes and enjoy access to numerous parks and outdoor activities. Ridgefield is popular among families and is known for its highly-rated public schools. The town has a small-town charm while providing easy access to nearby urban areas.
Originally named Union's Ridge, the town was initially settled by Union army veterans who migrated to the area after the Civil War. It was renamed Ridgefield in 1890, although it wasn't formally incorporated until 1909. Known for its Native American history and connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Ridgefield, WA is a good place to live for families and young professionals who want low crime and a welcoming community.
If you're pondering a location to this idyllic town, here is everything you should know about living in Ridgefield WA.
Where Is Ridgefield, WA?
Ridgefield is in Clark County, Washington within the Portland metro area. The Lake River, a tributary of the Columbia River, runs along the western border. The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge also surrounds the community to the west and north.
I-5 passes through Ridgefield, offering access to Vancouver and Portland to the South and Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle to the north for commuters living in Ridgefield, WA. Nearby cities and towns include La Center, Duluth, Felida, Battle Ground and Woodland.
Ridgefield, WA is 22 miles or a 27 minute drive from Portland, OR.
Ridgefield Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the Ridgefield population is 10,319. Many new residents are discovering the amazing benefits of living in Ridgefield, WA, and the population increased by 116% between 2010 and 2020. It has a fairly spacious, suburban/rural atmosphere, and the population density is 1554.2 residents per square mile.
Ridgefield is a young, fairly affluent suburb full of families. About 31% of the Ridgefield, WA population is under 18, and married couples make up 76% of households. The median household income of residents living in Ridgefield, WA is $107,308, which is 18% higher than the statewide median.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 87% white (83.7% white, non-Hispanic), 8.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Asian, 1.7% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 1.4% Black or African American, and 6.6% two or more races. Several famous residents have lived in the town, including film producer Scott Mosier and U-Haul founder Leonard Shoen.
Other Ridgefield Demographics
- 53% of residents living in Ridgefield are women and 47% are men
- The median age is 34.4 years old
- 96.6% of residents have a high school diploma, and 34.3% have a bachelor's degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 12.2%
Living in Ridgefield, WA is quite safe. The total Ridgefield crime rate is 1244 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 66.7% lower than the rest of the state and 46.5% lower than the rest of the country.
Violent crime is 72.3% lower than the rest of Washington and 71.9% lower than the rest of the US. Even property crime is 66% lower than the state and 41.6% lower than the country. So crime won't be a major concern if you plan on moving to Ridgefield.
The city's Police Department is responsible for controlling the Ridgefield WA crime rate with the assistance of 13 officers and 2 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Ridgefield, WA
The cost of living in Ridgefield, WA may also be top of mind if you're planning a relocation. A great way to determine how much it costs to live in an area is to consider the cost of living index. It compares the standard price of regular consumer goods to the rest of the US (represented by 100).
The COLI for the Portland area is 120.2, indicating the cost of living in Ridgefield, WA about 20.2% more expensive than the typical US city. Another good resource is the Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute. It reveals that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids must earn about $112,840 per year to afford to live in Clark County.
Typical living in Ridgefield, WA expenses:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $18
- 12 oz bottle of water: $1.88
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $4
- Loaf of fresh white bread: $3.68
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.75
- Regular cappuccino: $4.82
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.26
- Average Ridgefield monthly utility bill: $218.19
Source: Numbeo
*Numbers reflect the general Portland area but will be similar in Ridgefield
The cost of Ridgefield real estate is in line with prices in the rest of the state. Redfin indicates that the median price of homes for sale in Ridgefield, WA is $673,391, which is only 4.6% higher than the statewide median. The median price per square foot of Ridgefield homes for sale is $287.
The majority of Ridgefield WA real estate is owner-occupied and only 18% of properties are rented out. However, tenants living in Ridgefield, WA will find a range of options as well. Rentcafe reveals that the average rent in Ridgefield is $1837 per month. Most rentals are small-scale complexes with under 50 units (52%), while 9% are high rise buildings and 39% are single family homes. Apartments in Ridgefield WA start around $700 for a studio and go up to $2400 for three or more bedrooms.
Ridgefield Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Ridgefield
Ridgefield is full of fantastic neighborhoods offering low crime, beautiful parks, and a high quality of life. While you will find prime Ridgefield real estate anywhere you look, some areas are naturally more attractive to home shoppers than others. To help make the decision easier, here are some of the best neighborhoods for residents living in Ridgefield, WA.
Green Gables | A Charming Community with Reasonably Priced Homes
Green Gables is a picturesque community located off Pioneer Street in west Ridgefield that features an attentive HOA, a community park and beautiful homes ranging in price from $500,000 to $800,000.
Ridgefield Heights | A New Construction Community with Family-Friendly Amenities
Ridgefield Heights is a new construction community developed by reputable builder Lennar that offers modest homes in the $500,000 to $600,000 range with shared amenities such as basketball courts, playgrounds and more.
Taverner Ridge | A Sophisticated Ridgefield Neighborhood with Spacious Homes
Taverner Ridge is an upscale subdivision near the Lake River off Hillhurst Road that offers spacious homes ranging from about 2200 to 3200 square feet starting around $600,000.
Ridgefield Weather & Climate
Ridgefield has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate according to the Koppen classification system. That indicates warm, dry summers and cool, clear winters. The temperature typically stays between 35°F and 84°F, although the winter can get as cold as 25°F, while the summer can get as hot as 95°F. It's best to visit an acquaintance living in Ridgefield, WA in early July or late August.
Ridgefield is located in the shadow of the Cascade Mountains, which means it doesn't get as much rain as other parts of the Pacific Northwest. However, it's still wise to prepare for precipitation if you plan on moving to Ridgefield, as the city still averages 47 inches of rain and 2 inches of snow each year. So don't forget your umbrella and winter coat.
Things to Do in Ridgefield
From nature areas to casinos, you find a wide range of things to do in Ridgefield, WA. Downtown Ridgefield is full of amazing restaurants, coffee shops and shops like Rare Earth Decor, Native Nomad Jewelry and Arktana Boutique. Here are a few other interesting attractions for people living Ridgefield, WA.
The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a sprawling 5,200 acre protected nature area that is home to many rare species of birds and other animals that make a great destination for hiking, bird-watching and other outdoor adventure.
28908 NW Main Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 887-4106
Located on the Cowlitz Reservation, Ilani Resort is a popular casino and hotel with over 3000 slot machines, 75 card tables, and a children's amusement center with fun, family-friendly activities.
1 Cowlitz Wy, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (877) 464-5264
The Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex is a 53-acre outdoor facility with six multipurpose sports fields, walking trails and a community center that makes it one of the best things to do in Ridgefield with kids.
3101 S Hillhurst Rd, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Additional Ridgefield Attractions
For residents living in Ridgefield, WA looking for additional activities, the local parks, trails and recreation services have a full list of public facilities on its website.
Ridgefield Restaurants
You'll also find an interesting assortment of delicious restaurants in Ridgefield WA, serving everything from Italian cuisine to craft beers. So if you're in the mood for a bite to eat, here are some of the best restaurants in Ridgefield WA.
La Catrina is a cozy Mexican eatery and one of the top Ridgefield restaurants for authentic plates like tortas and nachos.
219 Pioneer St, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (564) 236-4065
Ridgefield Craft Brewing Co and Taphouse is one of the top Ridgefield WA restaurants if you're in search of quality craft beers and delicious bites from a rotating list of food vendors.
120 N 3rd Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 727-3046
BevRidge Public is a local hotspot serving craft cocktails, beer on tap, and elevated bar food such as blackened street tacos and smoked gouda mac and cheese.
4315 S Settler Dr suite 100, Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 727-2195
Jobs in Ridgefield
For a small city, moving to Ridgefield offers a plethora of quality job opportunities. It's famous for being the birthplace of the rental and storage company U-Haul (although the company is currently based in Phoenix, AZ).
The largest industries in Ridgefield are healthcare and social assistance, retail and manufacturing. Most residents living in Ridgefield, WA are employed in management, office and administrative support and sales occupations. The close proximity to Portland also offers exciting jobs in Ridgefield, WA in sectors such as technology and outdoor apparel.
The top employers in Clark County offering Ridgefield WA jobs:
Ridgefield public schools employment is also available for those looking for work in education. You can also find excellent city of Ridgefield Washington jobs with the local government in roles such as maintenance workers or police officers.
According to Payscale, Portland area jobs pay an average salary of $80,000 per year. If you're looking for private sector employment, you'll find an interesting range of Ridgefield jobs available in roles such as service coordinator or chemical operator.
Ridgefield Schools
The Ridgefield School District consists of five public schools; two elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school and one high school. South Ridge Elementary school serves students in grades K-6. It's a well respected school that ranks #162 out of all Washington elementary schools and 72% of students test at or above proficiency in reading, while 77% do so in math.
Union Ridge Elementary serves grades K-4 and ranks #361 out of all Washington elementary schools. Sunset Ridge Intermediate School serves remaining students in grades 5 and 6. It's a relatively new middle school that recently opened in the 2018-2019 school year and occupies a complex alongside View Ridge Middle School which serves students in grades 7 and 8.
Across the street is Ridgeview High School, which serves students in grades 9 through 12. It's highly-regarded school and ranks #79th in the state with a graduation rate of 91% and AP participation rate of 43%.
Cedar Tree Classical Christian School is a private K-12 school in Ridgefield offering a religious education. Any students living in Ridgefield, WA are also welcomed to stop by the Community Library to take out books and rent other media.
Ridgefield Statistics & Information
- County: Clark County
- Ridgefield area: 7.48 square miles
- Ridgefield zip code: 98642
- Ridgefield area code: 360 and 564
- Ridgefield elevation: 259 ft
- Ridgefield time zone: Pacific Standard Time (UTC -7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Ridgefield: The Portland International Airport (PDX) is 20 miles away
Ridgefield, WA Map
Discover more fun things to do, attractions, and restaurants with this map of Ridgefield Washington.
Ready to move to this idyllic town? Trust our dedicated Ridgefield WA movers to make your next move easy and affordable. Call (503) 746-8795 today for a free quote.
