Median Income
$90,338
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$755,200
168% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
54.9%
63% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cape Meares Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population189
Median Age74.9 yrs
Density55/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,338
Per Capita$48,740
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,475M
Housing
D
Home Value$755,200
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$334,375
Housing Units226
Rent Burden27.0%
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking16.7%
Depression29.6%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain89.8 in/yr
Elevation22 ft (7 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+54.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+51.6%
School Score5.03
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 48%
Broadband75.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries7
Is Cape Meares a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cape Meares receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Cape Meares offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cape Meares is $90,338, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Cape Meares is $755,200, making it a premium housing market at 168% above the U.S. median of $281,900. With a home price-to-income ratio of 8.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Education
Cape Meares is a highly educated community / 54.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cape Meares experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 89.8 inches.
Cape Meares has a population of 189 with a density of 55 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age is 74.9 years, 93% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
189
Total Population
2023 Census
74.9yrs
Median Age
93% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Cape Meares vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Cape Meares vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Cape Meares is $90,338, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $48,740 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,090 business establishments, including 137 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. 73.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Cape Meares vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,338 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $48,740 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,743 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,090 |
| County GDP | $1,475M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 137 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 106 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,208 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 26.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 73.1% |
The median home value in Cape Meares is $755,200, 168% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $334,375, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,143 for a one-bedroom to $1,425 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 226 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $5,208 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 8.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $755,200 |
| 168% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $334,375 |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,051 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,143 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,425 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,963 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,318 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 226 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,208 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.69% |
In Cape Meares, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 16.7% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 29.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,850. The dentist ratio is 1:1,532. 63.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cape Meares vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.7% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 29.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,850 |
| Dentists | 1:1,532 |
| Mental Health | 1:301 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 57.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,982/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Cape Meares experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 89.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 22 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 51.0°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 22 ft (7 m) |
| Area | 2.8 sq mi (7.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 55/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5267°N, 123.9518°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Tillamook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Astoria Regional (AST)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
89.8"
136% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
14.65"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 81.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 57.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
153 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.6. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 22, 2025.
| Mar 25, 1993 |
4 km E of Scotts Mills, Oregon |
M5.6 |
119 km |
| Jul 12, 2004 |
30 km W of Yachats, Oregon |
M4.9 |
139 km |
| Aug 19, 2004 |
19 km W of Newport, Oregon |
M4.7 |
100 km |
| Apr 4, 1992 |
133 km W of Lincoln City, Oregon |
M4.2 |
142 km |
| Apr 24, 2003 |
3 km NW of North Portland, Oregon |
M3.9 |
95 km |
| Apr 15, 2017 |
43 km WNW of Yachats, Oregon |
M3.9 |
132 km |
| Feb 8, 1995 |
9 km ESE of Hubbard, Oregon |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Aug 3, 2006 |
2 km WNW of Cherry Grove, Washington |
M3.8 |
109 km |
| Jun 8, 1993 |
5 km ESE of Scotts Mills, Oregon |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Mar 20, 2012 |
29 km WNW of Yachats, Oregon |
M3.7 |
133 km |
| Jan 31, 2013 |
3 km ENE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.7 |
128 km |
| Feb 24, 1999 |
8 km WSW of Molalla, Oregon |
M3.6 |
109 km |
| Jul 3, 1992 |
57 km W of Waldport, Oregon |
M3.6 |
130 km |
| May 19, 2019 |
3 km ESE of Rose Lodge, Oregon |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Sep 8, 2012 |
8 km N of Scotts Mills, Oregon |
M3.5 |
109 km |
| Aug 2, 1996 |
4 km S of Scotts Mills, Oregon |
M3.5 |
116 km |
| Jul 22, 1991 |
8 km N of Bethany, Oregon |
M3.5 |
85 km |
| Nov 25, 1999 |
5 km NNE of Mount Angel, Oregon |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Oct 16, 2017 |
21 km WNW of Vernonia, Oregon |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| Mar 18, 2012 |
17 km ENE of Willapa, Washington |
M3.3 |
142 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
39 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 2 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 2016 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Dec 8, 1993 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2013 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF1 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2003 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 1991 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1978 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1975 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1967 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 2024 |
EF0 |
10 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 2024 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2022 |
EF0 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2021 |
EF0 |
88 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2020 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2019 |
EF0 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 2018 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 2018 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2017 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
| Nov 6, 2009 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2006 |
EF0 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1700 |
CASCADIA SUBDUCTION ZONE |
Earthquake |
- |
2 |
101 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
5 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: West Crater (151 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| West Crater |
Volcanic field |
1,329 m (4,360 ft) |
-5750 |
151 km |
| St. Helens |
Stratovolcano |
2,549 m (8,363 ft) |
2008 |
156 km |
| Indian Heaven |
Shield(s) |
1,806 m (5,925 ft) |
-6250 |
171 km |
| Hood |
Stratovolcano |
3,426 m (11,240 ft) |
1866 |
177 km |
| Jefferson |
Stratovolcano |
3,199 m (10,495 ft) |
950 |
194 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROCKHOUSE (5,011 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
ROCKHOUSE |
5,011 |
77 km |
| 2020 |
ECHO MTN COMPLEX |
2,161 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
87552212 |
1,166 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
13.4 in |
|
| February |
45°F (7°C) |
9.5 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
10.1 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
7.5 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| August |
60°F (15°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest |
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
7.8 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
13.4 in |
|
| December |
44°F (6°C) |
14.7 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Cape Meares has a seasonal temperature swing of 16°F / from 44°F in December to 60°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 89.8 inches, with December being the wettest month (14.7") and July the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Cape Meares. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155-$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207-$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103-$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827-$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78-$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155-$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26-$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52-$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414-$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103-$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62-$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52-$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155-$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136-$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414-$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687-$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517-$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170-$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068-$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827-$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207-$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034-$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31-$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78-$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16-$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52-$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10-$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59-$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59-$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10-$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14-$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62-$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83-$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52-$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78-$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241-$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31-$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16-$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620-$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517-$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207-$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26-$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414-$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170-$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52-$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31-$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21-$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155-$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103-$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $854 |
| Toddler | $784 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $749 |
| Toddler | $699 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Meares
What is the population of Cape Meares?
Cape Meares has a population of 189 residents and is located in Oregon. The population density is 55 people per square mile, spread across 2.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 74.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.
Is Cape Meares expensive to live in?
Cape Meares has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $90,338, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $755,200 (168% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 8.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Cape Meares?
Cape Meares has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 89.8 inches.
How is the job market in Cape Meares?
The job market in Cape Meares is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 1,090 business establishments in the area, including 137 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Cape Meares?
The median home value in Cape Meares is $755,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $334,375. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,208.
How are the schools in Cape Meares?
Schools in Cape Meares score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 54.9% of adults in Cape Meares hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 51.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cape Meares?
The obesity rate in Cape Meares is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.7% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 29.6% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 63.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,850.
What are the demographics of Cape Meares?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Meares is 96.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 32.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.