Gearhart, OR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,978
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$92,250/yr
7.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,506
2.7% year-over-year change

Gearhart population

How many people live in Gearhart

Gearhart is home to 1,978 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.4% of Gearhart locals are male, and 51.6% are female.

Total population
1,978
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.4%
958
Female
51.6%
1,020
Value Percent YoY change
Male 958 48.4% 2.1%
Female 1,020 51.6% -0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Gearhart is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 5.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.9% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
48.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
5.9%
25 to 44
20.9%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
31.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 336 17% 0.9%
15 to 24 117 5.9% -29.9%
25 to 44 414 20.9% 13.1%
45 to 64 489 24.7% -10.6%
Over 65 622 31.4% 13.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Gearhart, 93.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 85.1% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 5.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,852 93.6% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 66 3.3% -20.5%
Non-citizens 60 3% 33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
85.1%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
5.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,683 85.1%
Black or African American 3 0.2%
Asian 116 5.9%
Two or more races 176 8.9%

Households in Gearhart

A peek inside Gearhart households

Gearhart has 828 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 78.5% are families, while the remaining 21.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
828
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
178
Family households
650
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 178 21.5% -3.8%
Family households 650 78.5% 6.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Gearhart

The housing landscape of Gearhart

Gearhart's housing consists of 1,506 units, with 76.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,506
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,155 76.7%
1 unit, attached 32 2.1%
2 units 7 0.5%
3 or 4 units 71 4.7%
5 to 9 units 83 5.5%
10 to 19 units 64 4.2%
20 to 49 units 44 2.9%
50 or more units 38 2.5%
Mobile home 9 0.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
35
59.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gearhart

In Gearhart, the median construction year is 1985. About 12.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 184 12.2% -3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 106 7% -19.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 62 4.1% 59.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 163 10.8% -16.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 170 11.3% -23.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 128 8.5% -5.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 176 11.7% 50.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 308 20.4% 18.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 174 11.6% 12.3%
Built in 2020 or later 35 2.3% 59.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Gearhart occupancy rates

Out of the 828 occupied housing units in Gearhart, 85.8% are owner-occupied, while 14.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 45% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
828
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
118
Owner occupied
710
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 118 14.2% -22.4%
Owner occupied 710 85.8% 10.4%
Unoccupied housing units
45.0%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Gearhart housing costs

Housing costs in Gearhart come to a median of $1,136 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,093.

Median housing costs per month
$1,136/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Gearhart
$1,093/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Gearhart

Gearhart education at a glance

About 20.5% of the population in Gearhart went to high school, while 27.4% pursued college studies. Another 5.4% earned an associate degree and 26.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 19 1.2% -70.3%
High school diploma 329 20.5% -18.6%
College diploma 440 27.4% 10.0%
Associate degree 86 5.4% -5.5%
Bachelor's degree 431 26.8% 26.0%
Graduate degree 302 18.8% 14.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Gearhart

How much people earn in Gearhart

The average annual household income in Gearhart was $126,870 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $92,250, reflecting a +7.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gearhart
$126,870/year
9.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gearhart
$92,250/year
7.3% year-over-year change

Gearhart income by age

In Gearhart, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $163,108. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $93,184 overall. Overall, 96.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $163,108 2.9%
45 - 64 $93,184 37.3%
Over 65 $76,071 2.1%
Above poverty level
1,900
Below poverty level
71
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,900 96.4% 5.4%
Below poverty level 71 3.6% -51.4%

Average renter income in Gearhart

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gearhart, their median household income was $65,500 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 20%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$65,500
Rent-to-income ratio
20%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Gearhart

Workforce and job types in Gearhart

The job market in Gearhart is powered by 891 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.4% run their own businesses, 62.6% are employed by private companies, and 17.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
891
-0.5% year-over-year change
White collar
754
Blue collar
137
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 754 84.6% 3.9%
Blue collar 137 15.4% -18.9%
Employer type
Self employees
17.4%
Private companies
62.6%
Governmental workers
17.2%
Not for profit companies
2.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 155 17.4% -5.5%
Private companies 558 62.6% 4.3%
Governmental workers 153 17.2% 12.5%
Not for profit companies 25 2.8% -58.3%
Unemployment rate
6.6%
472.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gearhart stands at 6.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Gearhart

How people get around in Gearhart

Commuting methods vary: 73.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 6.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 649 73.2% 4.2%
Bus or trolleybus 14 1.6% 180.0%
Walk 56 6.3% -9.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Gearhart by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
97138 11,035 5,214 $60,411 $98,458

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FAQs about Gearhart demographics 

What is the total population of Gearhart?

Gearhart has a total population of 1,978 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gearhart?

The gender ratio in Gearhart is as follows:
  • 48.4% males (958 residents)
  • 51.6% females (1,020 residents)

What is the median age in Gearhart?

The median age in Gearhart is 48.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gearhart?

The age distribution in Gearhart is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (336 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.9% (117 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.9% (414 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (489 residents)
  • Over 65: 31.4% (622 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gearhart?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gearhart is as follows:
  • White: 85.1% (1,683 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 5.9% (116 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.9% (176 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

What percentage of the population in Gearhart are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.6% of the population in Gearhart.

How many housing units are there in Gearhart?

There are 1,506 housing units in Gearhart, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Gearhart and what is the average household size?

Gearhart has a total of 828 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gearhart?

Gearhart has a median household income of $92,250, representing a +7.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Gearhart?

The employment rate is 93.4% in Gearhart, with a workforce of 891 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.6% (754 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.4% (137 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.4% (155 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.6% (558 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.2% (153 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.8% (25 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025