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Oregon · Silicon Forest · Portland Metro · #112 Most Populous County in the US
Washington County, Oregon
Oregon's Silicon Forest - Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Tualatin anchor the tech corridor where Intel and Nike call home. Portland's affluent western suburb sits between the Tualatin Mountains and the Coast Range. Property tax, courts, public records, probate, and senior services for Washington County residents.
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Washington County's assessment ratio means effective tax rates are low — but incorrect appraisals still cost money. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Office: Washington County Emergency Management – 1400 SW Walnut Street, Suite 241, Hillsboro, OR 97123 | (503) 846-7575; part of the Emergency Management Cooperative (EMC), a coalition of the county and cities of Beaverton, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Hillsboro, North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, and Tualatin, plus Clean Water Services and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue.
Roads: US-26 and OR-8/217 serve Hillsboro, the county seat and Washington County’s largest city.
Transit: TriMet MAX Blue and Red Lines connect Hillsboro directly to Beaverton, Portland, and PDX airport.
Notes: Washington County is Oregon’s second-most-populous county, part of the Portland metro area’s west side.
Business & Permits
BUILDING & PERMITS
Office: Washington County Building Services – confirm current phone via washingtoncountyor.gov.
Notes: Hillsboro is genuinely, nationally known as the heart of “Silicon Forest” – the tech corridor between Hillsboro and Beaverton anchored by Intel’s largest U.S. campus (multiple Hillsboro sites employing tens of thousands), alongside Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Tektronix. Nike’s global headquarters sits just outside city limits in unincorporated Washington County near Beaverton. High-tech industry accounted for roughly 19% of Oregon’s economy in the mid-2000s, a share the Silicon Forest region continues to anchor.
Veterans Services
VETERANS SERVICES
Office: Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS) – 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300, Hillsboro, OR 97124 | (503) 846-3060 | Fax: (503) 846-3059 | [email protected] | Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM (appointments as early as 7:30 AM); serves veterans of all ages alongside older adults and people with disabilities.
Federal: Hillsboro VA Clinic – (503) 906-5000 | Fax: (503) 906-5194; no emergency services on-site.
Libraries
LIBRARIES
System: Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) – a 16-library consortium sharing a courier service and online catalog. Hillsboro Public Library – two locations (Shute Park and near Hillsboro Airport); first opened 1914 in a Carnegie library building, the only public Carnegie library in Washington County; serves a population area of roughly 137,000 with a 329,000-item collection circulating about 2.85 million items annually; Hours: Mon-Thu 10 AM-8 PM, Fri-Sun 10 AM-6 PM.
Parks & Recreation
PARKS & RECREATION
Key Assets: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve and the Silicon Forest tech corridor’s associated cultural/dining scene are notable draws; Hillsboro Hops minor-league baseball at Ron Tonkin Field.
Notes: The genuine “Silicon Forest”/Intel heritage is one of the most economically significant facts covered anywhere in this project.
GIS & Maps
GIS & MAPS
Appraisal/Parcel Search: Washington County Assessment and Taxation – confirm current phone via washingtoncountyor.gov.
Animal Services
ANIMAL SERVICES
County: Washington County Animal Services – Bonnie Hays Animal Shelter, 1901 SE 24th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123 | (503) 846-7041.
Environmental & Waste
ENVIRONMENTAL / WASTE MANAGEMENT
Office: Clean Water Services (regional utility partner) – confirm current contact via cleanwaterservices.org.
NOTES: Washington County is the sixth county in the Oregon v2 redo’s fifth and final batch (Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, Yamhill). The genuine “Silicon Forest” tech-industry heritage – anchored by Intel’s largest U.S. campus and Nike’s global headquarters nearby – is one of the most economically significant facts covered anywhere in this project. All contact information above was sourced via web search as of early August 2026 and should be reconfirmed directly with the relevant office before a visit, deadline-sensitive filing, or emergency-adjacent decision.
About Washington County
Washington County is Oregon’s second most populous county and the engine of the state’s technology economy – the heart of what’s called the Silicon Forest, Oregon’s answer to Silicon Valley. Intel operates its largest US manufacturing complex in the Hillsboro area, employing tens of thousands of workers across its campuses in Jones Farm, Ronler Acres, Hawthorn Farm, and Aloha – making Intel one of the largest private employers in the state of Oregon. Nike World Headquarters is located in Beaverton, making Washington County home to one of the world’s most recognizable consumer brands. Tektronix (now part of Fortive), Planar Systems, Epson (US headquarters), and hundreds of technology, engineering, and semiconductor supply chain companies operate in the county.
Hillsboro is the county seat – a city that has transformed from a small agricultural town to a major technology hub over the past four decades, growing alongside Intel’s expansion. Beaverton is the county’s largest city and a diverse, fast-growing community. Tualatin, Forest Grove, Cornelius, and Sherwood round out the county’s municipalities. The county also contains portions of the Tualatin Valley – fertile farmland producing wine grapes, berries, hazelnuts, and Christmas trees – along with the western slopes of the Tualatin Mountains (the West Hills) that separate Washington County from Multnomah County and Portland.
County government is a five-member Board of County Commissioners with elected offices for the Assessor/Tax Collector, Clerk, Sheriff, and District Attorney.
All Services
Browse every category and topic available for this county.
Oregon’s property tax system has two distinct values for every property, established by Ballot Measure 50 (1997):
Real Market Value (RMV): The county appraiser’s estimate of what the property would sell for on January 1 of the tax year. Updated annually by the Washington County Assessment & Taxation Department at 155 N First Avenue, Suite 130, Hillsboro (503-846-8826).
Maximum Assessed Value (MAV): A separate value established in 1997 at 90% of 1995-96 RMV, which can increase no more than 3% per year regardless of market appreciation. MAV resets only when significant new construction or other changes occur.
Assessed Value (AV): The lower of RMV or MAV – this is what your taxes are actually calculated on. In most of Washington County, where Intel’s campus growth and the tech-driven housing market have pushed RMV significantly above the 3%-capped MAV, many property owners pay taxes on an Assessed Value well below current market value. This Measure 50 protection is powerful for long-term owners – but it resets to current market value at sale.
Tax statements are mailed in late October. Payment due dates: November 15 (3% discount if paid in full), February 15 (2/3 payment), May 15 (final third). Or pay full amount by November 15 for maximum discount.
The appeal process – PVAB:
If you disagree with the Real Market Value on your tax statement, file a petition with the Washington County Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) at 155 N First Avenue, Suite 130-MS9, Hillsboro (503-846-3854). The appeal deadline is December 31 of the current tax year. PVAB hearings are conducted by independent citizen board members and are available via Zoom (links posted on the county website for the current tax year). Forms are available online or by calling 503-846-3854.
If unsatisfied with the PVAB decision, appeal to the Oregon Tax Court – Magistrate Division in Salem (503-986-5650; $50 filing fee). Decisions can be further appealed to the Regular Division of the Tax Court, and then to the Oregon Supreme Court.
Key point: The PVAB hears appeals of your property’s Real Market Value – not the amount of tax you pay. Appealing RMV below your MAV generally has no immediate tax impact unless RMV falls below MAV (making it the lower value). The appeal is worth filing if your RMV appears inflated relative to comparable sales, to establish a correct market value baseline.
Senior and disabled deferral: Qualifying homeowners age 62 or older (or disabled) who have owned and lived in the property for at least 5 years, with household income below $60,000 (2025) and net worth below $500,000, may defer payment of property taxes through Oregon’s state deferral program. The Oregon Department of Revenue pays the taxes, places a lien at 6% interest, and collects when a disqualifying event occurs. Apply between January 1 and April 15 (or through December 1 with a late filing fee).
Oregon has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax – only federal estate tax applies. This is one of the few favorable distinctions relative to neighboring states.
OWNWELL CTA: Washington County PVAB appeal deadline December 31. Appealing RMV matters most when RMV approaches or falls below MAV, or to establish correct market value. Senior deferral (age 62+, income ≤$60,000) lets the state pay taxes and collect at sale. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Recommended
Washington County PVAB appeal deadline December 31. Appealing RMV matters most when RMV approaches or falls below MAV, or to establish correct market value. Senior deferral (age 62+, income ≤$60,000) lets the state pay taxes and collect at sale. Ownwell manages the appeal with no upfront cost.
Courts & Legal
Courts & Legal
The Washington County Circuit Court at 150 N First Avenue, Hillsboro (503-846-8888) handles all civil, criminal, family, and probate matters. Washington County is in Oregon’s 20th Judicial District. The Washington County Recording Division at 155 N First Avenue, Suite 130, Hillsboro (503-846-8752) maintains all land records – deeds, mortgages, and recorded documents. Oregon property records are searchable online.
Oregon probate is governed by ORS Chapter 111-117. Oregon has no state estate tax and no state inheritance tax – only federal estate tax applies. Oregon recognizes Transfer on Death deeds for real property.
Intel and tech-sector estate planning: Washington County’s concentration of Intel, Nike, and tech-sector employees creates specific estate planning dynamics – significant RSU (restricted stock unit) vesting schedules, ESPP (employee stock purchase plans), 401(k) and deferred compensation accounts, and in some cases substantial unvested equity. These assets pass by beneficiary designation or vest according to plan terms, largely outside of probate. Estate planning for tech employees in Washington County routinely involves coordination between estate attorneys, financial planners, and sometimes tax advisors familiar with concentrated stock positions and Oregon’s income tax treatment of RSU income.
Senior Services: The Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS) (503-846-3060) coordinates senior programming, home-delivered meals, transportation, SHIBA Medicare counseling, caregiver support, Adult Protective Services, and connections to Oregon Medicaid long-term care programs. Oregon’s K-Plan Medicaid waiver provides home and community-based care for qualifying seniors.
Marriage & Vital Records
Marriage licenses, divorce records, and birth & death certificates are handled by the following office(s):
COUNTY CLERK
155 North 1st Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-8752
Genealogy
County-level record sources
Washington County Circuit Court, Hillsboro (probate/estate case files – see Probate section above).
The 1928-1930 Neo-classical Washington County Courthouse is a significant local landmark.
Local societies
No dedicated Washington County genealogical society was confirmed in available directories.
Probate & Estate
Losing someone and having to deal with courts and paperwork at the same time is hard. This section won’t make that easier, but it should tell you what to expect, what it costs, and where to go – so at least you’re not walking in blind.
Where to go
Washington County Circuit Court 145 NE 2nd Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124 (503) 846-8888
Washington County was established July 5, 1843 as the Twality District (Oregon’s oldest county), renamed for George Washington, in the Portland metro area, seated in Hillsboro – Oregon’s most populous county after Multnomah, with over 600,000 residents.
Step 1: figure out which path applies
Oregon has NOT adopted the Uniform Probate Code, maintaining its own independent probate code under ORS Chapters 111 through 117. Probate is handled in the probate department of the Circuit Court in the county where the decedent lived (ORS 111.085). Oregon does not offer a separate unsupervised/informal probate track – its “simple estate” process and formal administration are the two paths.
Simple Estate Affidavit (ORS 114.505–114.560) – available when the total fair market value of the estate is $275,000 or less, made up of no more than $75,000 in personal property and no more than $200,000 in real property. The affidavit (“Affidavit of Claiming Successor”) cannot be filed until at least 30 days after death and must be filed with the clerk of the probate court. It requires a detailed asset description, a list of known creditors, and notice that claims are barred unless presented within 4 months of filing.
Full Probate Administration – required for estates that exceed the simple estate limits or don’t otherwise qualify. A personal representative is appointed by the court and administers the estate under ongoing court oversight.
Step 2: filing for administration
A petition for probate is filed in the Circuit Court in the county where the decedent resided (or, for simple estates, an Affidavit of Claiming Successor is filed with the probate clerk at least 30 days after death).
If a will exists, it’s filed with the petition or affidavit.
For full administration, the court appoints a personal representative and issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notice is given to heirs, devisees, and creditors; claims against the estate must generally be presented within the statutory period.
The personal representative (or affiant, for simple estates) inventories assets, pays valid debts and taxes, and distributes what remains according to the will or Oregon’s intestacy laws.
Full administration closes once a final account is filed and approved by the court; simple estates close once assets are distributed and any required notices are filed.
What it costs
Filing fees vary; check with Washington County directly for current fees.
Oregon imposes a state estate tax on estates exceeding approximately $1,000,000, with rates ranging from 10% to 16%. No state inheritance tax.
Probate filings, estate administration, and guardianship matters are handled by the following office(s):
Public Safety & Arrests
Arrest records, inmate search, and law enforcement services are handled by the following office(s):
SHERIFF
215 SW Adams Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 846-2700
Elections & Voting
Voter registration, polling locations, and elections information are handled by the following office(s):
ELECTIONS
3700 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 846-5800
Health & Human Services
Offices & Contacts
Health services, social services, and assistance programs are handled by the following office(s):
Public Health
155 North 1st Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-8851
Department of Human Services
155 North 1st Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-8501
Public Health Information
PUBLIC HEALTH
Office: Washington County Public Health – confirm current contact via washingtoncountyor.gov.
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