Gaston, Oregon Population &Amp; Demographics

Learn about Gaston, Oregon Population & Demographics

Curious about Gaston, Oregon Population & Demographics? Here’s a clear, local-friendly look at how many people live in Gaston, who’s here, and what that means for everyday life. You’ll learn the town’s size, the community mix, and what to expect if you’re visiting or thinking about moving.

Quick Answer

Gaston is a tiny, close-knit city in western Washington County with about 700–800 residents. It’s a rural hub between Forest Grove and Yamhill, minutes from Hagg Lake. Expect a family-forward community, mostly single-family homes, a K–12 school campus in town, and many residents commuting to Forest Grove, Hillsboro, or Portland.

What Gaston, Oregon Population & Demographics Means

When people ask about Gaston, Oregon Population & Demographics, they’re usually looking for the basics that shape life here:

  • Population size and recent trend (roughly mid-700s; steady to slowly growing)
  • Age mix (families with kids, working adults, and long-time residents; median age likely mid-30s to early 40s)
  • Household types (mostly single-family homes; a mix of owners and renters)
  • Diversity (predominantly White, with a meaningful Hispanic/Latino community and smaller shares of other groups)
  • Work and commute (agriculture, vineyards, small businesses; many commute to nearby cities)
  • Rural character (small-town pace, light traffic in town, services are limited but friendly)

Think of Gaston as a small agricultural community with wine-country roots and easy access to outdoor recreation.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • To gauge if the town’s size and vibe fit their lifestyle
  • To understand commuting realities to Forest Grove (about 10 miles), Hillsboro (about 18 miles), and Portland (about 30 miles)
  • To get a sense of schools and family friendliness (Gaston School District, K–12 on one campus)
  • To plan a visit around Hagg Lake and local wineries
  • To compare rural living to nearby suburbs

What to Expect

  • Population: About 700–800 residents. Gaston is one of the smallest incorporated cities in the Portland metro area.
  • Community feel: Friendly and low-key. You’ll see kids at the school campus, neighbors who know each other, and a quiet main street.
  • Housing: Mostly detached homes, a few small rentals. Growth is gradual.
  • Work life: Many folks commute to Forest Grove and Hillsboro for jobs (tech, healthcare, services). Agriculture and wineries are part of the local economy.
  • Diversity: Increasingly mixed, though still majority White; Spanish is heard around town.
  • Safety: Generally calm and safe; typical small-town awareness applies.
  • Services: Essentials are nearby, but choices are limited in town. For big-box stores, head to Forest Grove or Hillsboro.
  • Outdoors: Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park) is about 4 miles away for boating, fishing, trails, and summer picnics.
  • Seasons:
    • Spring/Fall: Mild, great for winery visits and hiking.
    • Summer: Warm, dry; Hagg Lake gets busy on weekends.
    • Winter: Cool, wet, occasional fog and rare icy mornings; rural roads can be slick.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Getting around: You’ll want a car. Parking is easy in town and at trailheads; Hagg Lake has a day-use fee.
  • Commuting: Plan 25–35 minutes to Hillsboro, 45–60 minutes to downtown Portland depending on traffic.
  • Transit: There’s no local bus in Gaston; the nearest services are in Forest Grove.
  • Daily needs: Stock up in Forest Grove or Hillsboro. Hours for small shops in Gaston can be limited, especially Sundays.
  • Connectivity: Cell service can dip in the hills near Hagg Lake. Home internet options vary by street; ask providers before you move.
  • Wineries: You’re near Yamhill-Carlton and Chehalem Mountains AVAs. Several tasting rooms carry a Gaston address; call ahead for hours.

Best Local Resources

  • City of Gaston (city services, meetings): Search “City of Gaston Oregon”
  • Gaston School District (K–12 campus info): Search “Gaston School District Oregon”
  • Scoggins Valley Park / Hagg Lake (fees, hours, conditions): Search “Hagg Lake Washington County”
  • Washington County (permits, roads, public safety): Search “Washington County Oregon”
  • U.S. Census and State Population Research (latest estimates): Search “Gaston Oregon census” or “PSU Population Research Center”

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaston, Oregon Population & Demographics

  • How far is Gaston from Portland?

    • About 30 miles west; roughly 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic.

  • What time of year is best to visit?

    • Late spring through early fall for wineries, dry weather, and lake activities. Winter is quieter and wetter.

  • Is it kid friendly?

    • Yes. There’s a small-town feel, a K–12 school campus in town, and easy access to parks and Hagg Lake.

  • Is parking available?

    • Yes. Street parking in town is straightforward. Hagg Lake has multiple lots; expect a day-use fee.

  • Where do most people work?

    • Many commute to Forest Grove and Hillsboro (Intel and other employers). Some work in agriculture, vineyards, and small local businesses.

Summary

Gaston is a small, rural city with roughly mid-700s population, a friendly community, and an outdoorsy lifestyle anchored by nearby Hagg Lake and wine country. Expect quiet streets, family-centered routines, limited in-town services, and convenient access to Forest Grove and Hillsboro for jobs and shopping.

  • Living in Gaston: Neighborhoods, Housing, and Daily Life
  • Guide to Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park): Trails, Fishing, and Day-Use Tips
  • Wineries Near Gaston: Best Tasting Rooms and Scenic Drives