Semi-rural city known for spring tulips, cultural events and an outlet mall in Marion County
Woodburn is a growing city near Salem and Portland, surrounded by farmland and wineries. Located in the Willamette Valley, it offers multiple green spaces, international foods and views of the Coast Mountain Range foothills in the distance. In 1889, it had a population of a few hundred people, but today, there are nearly 30,000 residents, according to 2023 Census data. The railroad made Woodburn’s fortune, and downtown still has tracks passing through it. In fact, railroad jobs brought large numbers of Russian and Mexican immigrants to the city. Their descendants remain in Woodburn, and over 90% of businesses are owned by people of Hispanic origin. “I like to call it a ‘little big city.’ There’s a lot going on, but it’s still got that small-town feel,” says Gina Audritsh, a Realtor with Hallmark Properties with almost 30 years of experience. “It’s very diverse and very accepting. That’s what the community is all about.”
Woodburn is an agricultural heartland with a short commute to Salem and Portland.
Dancers wear traditional Mexican outfits and dance at the Woodburn Cinco De Mayo Festival.
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Green spaces, the Tulip Festival and a golf course
The city maintains over 110 acres of green spaces and facilities while overseeing programs like an after-school club and adult and youth sports leagues. Legion Park has a soccer field, a stadium and stands of Douglas Fir trees. The city’s oldest green space, it’s been the site of numerous archeological discoveries and has a fossil-themed playground. Settlemier Park has paved walking paths and is adjacent to the Woodburn Aquatic Center, which offers swimming lessons and a summer league. Woodburn’s largest green space, Centennial Park, covers 25 acres with soccer and baseball fields, a seasonal splash pad and a dog park.
Community events, like the Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana in August and Taste of Woodburn in June, celebrate the city’s unique heritage through dance, parades and international cuisines. The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm hosts the city’s largest event, the Tulip Festival, every spring as the flowers bloom. Another attraction is the public OGA Golf Course, which has been home to the Oregon Golf Association since 1993. In addition to 18 holes, it has a full-service practice facility with a driving range and chipping green.
Woodburn homes offers a private 18-hole golf course as their backyard.
Baseball is available for all ages at Centennial Park in Woodburn.
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Pierogis, Woodburn Premium Outlets and specialty stores
The city's dining scene has an international flare thanks to its melting-pot nature. Russian, Mexican and American restaurants cluster along Highway 214 and the Interstate 5 commercial corridor. National quick service and fast casual restaurants sit next to locally owned spots serving pierogis, pad Thai, burgers and fajitas. Woodburn Premium Outlets is home to over 100 national and name-brand retailers and 12 eateries. It’s a regional destination for high-end clothing, furniture and more. Mid Valley Plaza has eateries, professional services and specialty stores. The city also has a large selection of national and local grocers.
Find the flavor that satisfies your sweet tooth at El Paisanito in Woodburn.
Woodburn has a small downtown district where you’ll find an abundance of Latino taquerias.
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Rising appreciation rates in the Willamette Valley
Woodburn has a mixture of turn-of-the-century housing, midcentury ranch-styles and neo-Craftsman homes from the 1990s and 2000s. Housing developments were built for farm workers in the 1990s, and contractors continue to create new subdivisions. Over 60% of homes are detached single-family dwellings with two to three bedrooms. Townhouses and manufactured homes are also scattered across town. Many lots are oversized and bordered by sidewalks and trees. Home appreciation rates have risen by nearly 2% over 2024, making the median sales price $410,000, nearly even with the national average of $400,000.
Traditional home prices typically range from $250,000 to $600,000 in Woodburn.
Single-family homes are available in Woodburn.
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Dual language programs, the Welcome Center and after-school clubs
The Woodburn School District oversees eight campuses and over 5,000 students. It earned a C-minus from Niche and is known for its multicultural and multilingual courses. The immersive dual language program teaches Russian or Spanish and English classes to build language skills and connect students to the city’s heritage. Upon high school graduation, those who complete the program receive the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy.
The district’s Welcome Center helps new students and families learn about available classes and connect them with community resources. An after-school club provides children from kindergarten through eighth grade with enrichment activities, tutoring and social engagement opportunities.
Educational opportunities abound at Lincoln Elementary School in Woodburn.
Woodburn High School offers plenty of fun after-school activities in Woodburn.
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Bus routes, train tracks and Portland International Airport
Highway 214 and Interstate 5 pass through the city, taking people 20 miles to Salem, 30 miles to Portland or 42 miles to Portland International Airport. Cherriots Transit System operates bus routes through the city and region, making rural areas of Marion County more accessible. Freight train tracks bisect the town, creating noise as trains whistle and pass. Woodburn has an abundance of trees, whose roots often crack and break sidewalks. In 2024, the city began an initiative that offers homeowners 50% of the cost of fixing damaged sidewalks around their homes.
Woodburn Health Center, Interstate 5 and Amazon
Legacy Medical Group-Woodburn Health Center provides urgent care services alongside family and internal medicine practices. The center and other medical clinics help make healthcare one of Woodburn’s leading industries, along with manufacturing, retail and agriculture. Prominent employers include Wilbur-Ellis, FJORD, Ltd. and Woodburn Diamond Die. Easy interstate access has made the city a convenient hub for transportation and warehousing. For instance, Amazon is building an almost 4 million square foot warehouse set to open in 2025, bringing approximately 1,500 jobs to the area.
Legacy Medical Group-Woodburn Health Center provides urgent care services in Woodburn.
Prominent employers in Woodburn include Wilbur-Ellis, a provider of fertilizer products.
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Short summers, varying air quality and the MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility
Woodburn has wet, cold winters and short, dry summers, although the weather is mild overall. Around 11 days each year, people are advised to wear masks outdoors during unhealthy air warnings.
Woodburn’s violent and property crime rates are higher than the national and Oregon averages. Violent crime in the city is 4% above the national average. However, the property crime rate is 84% above the national average. Also, MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility sits just outside the city limits and houses young male offenders as they are rehabilitated.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
