Rockcreek, OR
- About the City
- Climate and Weather
- Transport
- Museums
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Rockcreek is an unincorporated suburban community and census-designated place in Washington County, Oregon, located within the Portland metropolitan area.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The official name of this community is Rockcreek, Oregon. It is an unincorporated census-designated place (CDP) in Washington County, Oregon, United States . As an unincorporated area, it does not have its own municipal government. Instead, services are provided by Washington County and various regional districts . The region, Washington County, is a major part of the Portland metropolitan area and is known for its mix of high-tech industry (the "Silicon Forest"), agriculture, and suburban communities.
Date of Foundation and Age
The community takes its name from the nearby Rock Creek, a tributary of the Tualatin River . While the name "Rock Creek" for the stream in the area has been universally accepted for many years—early maps showed it as "Stony Creek"—the community of Rockcreek is a relatively modern suburban development . It grew primarily in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as part of the westward expansion of the Portland metro area.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Rockcreek is located in northwestern Oregon at the geographic coordinates 45.5526° N, -122.876° W . It is situated north of U.S. Route 26, also known as the Sunset Highway . The community is bordered to the south and west by the city of Hillsboro, with Cornelius Pass Road acting as the dividing line on the west . The elevation of the community is approximately 52 to 55 meters (171-180 feet) above sea level . Geographically, it is a suburban area situated in the Tualatin Valley, a fertile plain west of the Tualatin Mountains.
City Type and Economic Specialization
Rockcreek is primarily a residential suburban community and a bedroom community for the nearby major employment centers of Portland, Hillsboro, and Beaverton. Its economy is intrinsically linked to the broader region, which is a hub for technology (with companies like Intel in Hillsboro), healthcare, and education.
Population and Demographics
At the 2020 census, the population of Rockcreek was 9,862 people . With a land area of just under 2 square miles, it has a high population density for a suburban community, at approximately 5,016 people per square mile . The community is diverse; according to the 2010 census, the racial makeup was 72.7% White, 19.1% Asian, and 5.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race . It is characterized by a high percentage of families with children and married couples .
"City's Calling Card" (In Short)
Rockcreek is a quiet, family-oriented suburban enclave in Oregon's Washington County, offering a peaceful residential base with easy access to the high-tech jobs of the "Silicon Forest" and the urban amenities of nearby Portland. It is a community defined by its parks, schools, and convenient location rather than by a single landmark.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Rockcreek has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate (Csb), characteristic of the Willamette Valley, though it is often described as a temperate oceanic climate. It features mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers .
Average Monthly Temperatures
Summers are warm and dry, with August being the warmest month, averaging a high of 28°C (82°F) and a low of 12°C (54°F) . Winters are chilly and very cloudy, with December being the coldest month, averaging a high of 7°C (45°F) and a low of 2°C (36°F) .
| Month | Avg. High (°C / °F) | Avg. Low (°C / °F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8.2 / 46.8 | 2.9 / 37.2 |
| February | 9.8 / 49.6 | 3.0 / 37.4 |
| March | 12.9 / 55.3 | 4.5 / 40.2 |
| April | 16.1 / 61.0 | 6.2 / 43.1 |
| May | 20.6 / 69.0 | 9.0 / 48.3 |
| June | 23.6 / 74.4 | 11.6 / 52.8 |
| July | 28.3 / 83.0 | 13.9 / 57.0 |
| August | 28.5 / 83.3 | 14.3 / 57.7 |
| September | 24.5 / 76.0 | 12.0 / 53.6 |
| October | 17.3 / 63.2 | 8.2 / 46.7 |
| November | 10.8 / 51.4 | 4.8 / 40.7 |
| December | 7.1 / 44.8 | 1.9 / 35.4 |
*Source: Tomorrow.io Weather *
Precipitation and Humidity
The vast majority of precipitation falls during the winter months. The average annual rainfall is 1207 mm (48 inches) . November is the wettest month, with an average of 226 mm of rain, while July is the driest, with only about 12 mm . Snowfall is light, averaging just 40 mm (2 inches) per year . The sky is extremely cloudy from October to June, with December being the cloudiest month .
Sunshine and UV Index
The community enjoys significant sunshine from mid-June to early October. July and August are the sunniest months, with clear or mostly clear skies over 75% of the time .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Rockcreek for warm-weather outdoor activities is from early July to late August, when temperatures are pleasantly warm and rainfall is at its minimum .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures gradually warm up, but rainfall is still significant. The landscape becomes lush and green.
- Summer (June-August): The weather is at its best: warm, dry, and sunny. This is the ideal time for hiking, biking, and exploring the region.
- Fall (September-November): Early fall remains pleasant and dry, but rains return in October and become heavy by November.
- Winter (December-February): The weather is cold, wet, and predominantly cloudy, with occasional frost.
Transport
Main Highways
The primary roadway serving Rockcreek is U.S. Route 26 (Sunset Highway) . This major highway connects the community directly to Portland to the east and the Oregon Coast to the west. Cornelius Pass Road is a key north-south arterial road that borders the community to the west .
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Rockcreek is provided by TriMet, the regional transit authority. Several bus lines serve the area, connecting residents to the broader metropolitan region. Key routes include the 52 and the Bethany Link .
- Bus Routes: The 52 bus, for example, connects the PCC Rock Creek campus to the Beaverton Transit Center . The Bethany Link provides service to the Sunset Transit Center, which offers connections to the MAX Light Rail system .
- Nearby Transit Centers: Major transit hubs like the Sunset Transit Center and the Beaverton Transit Center are easily accessible by bus from Rockcreek, providing park-and-ride facilities and connections to light rail and other bus routes.
Airports
The primary airport serving Rockcreek is Portland International Airport (PDX). Located about 20 miles east of the community, it is accessible via I-205 and U.S. Route 26.
Rail Service
Long-distance rail service is available from Portland Union Station, located about 12 miles east of Rockcreek. It is a major hub for Amtrak trains, including the Amtrak Cascades and the Empire Builder. As the Moovit route planner shows, it is possible to travel from Rockcreek to Union Station by taking TriMet bus routes .
Museums
Five Oaks Museum
Located on the traditional lands of the Kalapuya people, the Five Oaks Museum is a key cultural destination in the Rockcreek area, situated on the campus of Portland Community College (PCC) Rock Creek . This museum focuses on exhibiting contemporary art and telling stories that connect the community, often with an emphasis on regional artists and cultural heritage . The museum is open from Thursday to Saturday and offers free admission to all, with a suggested donation to support its programming . It provides a welcoming and accessible space for visitors, featuring wheelchair access, seating areas, and flexible masking policies to ensure comfort for all guests .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Portland Community College (PCC) Rock Creek Campus
The most significant educational institution directly in the Rockcreek area is the Portland Community College (PCC) Rock Creek Campus . As part of Oregon's largest post-secondary institution, this campus serves as a major educational hub for the community . It offers a wide range of two-year degree programs, professional certifications, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The campus is not only a center for learning but also hosts cultural sites like the Five Oaks Museum, integrating education with community engagement . For residents of Rockcreek, PCC provides accessible higher education with an open admission policy .
Universities and Colleges Near Rockcreek
Within a short driving distance, Rockcreek residents have access to over 25 colleges and universities, including several highly regarded institutions . The closest four-year university is the now-closed Oregon College of Art and Craft, but other notable options within a 30-mile radius include Linfield University and the top-rated Reed College in Portland . The largest university in the vicinity is Portland State University, enrolling over 20,000 students and offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs . For those seeking more affordable options, community colleges like Chemeketa Community College and Tillamook Bay Community College are also within commuting distance .
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Local Medical Services in Rockcreek
Rockcreek is equipped with medical facilities to serve the healthcare needs of its residents. Key providers include Primary Care Family Medicine, which offers comprehensive family care services for children and adults, as well as emergency care when necessary . For more specialized medical needs, Rock Creek Hospital provides general medical and surgical services to the community . The town also has numerous dental offices that offer both routine preventative care and treatment for complex dental issues .
Regional Healthcare Context
The Rockcreek area benefits from a strong healthcare environment, with a physician-to-population ratio that is slightly higher than the U.S. average . The cost of healthcare in the area is notably lower than the national average, with a health cost index of 82.9 compared to the U.S. baseline of 100 . While the air quality index of 44 is lower than the national average of 58, the area scores exceptionally well on environmental health measures, with a Superfund site cleanliness index of 99, far exceeding the national average of 87 . This indicates a very low presence of hazardous waste sites that could pose a danger to public health. The water quality index of 53 is close to the national average of 55 .
Fitness and Wellness
Supporting the community's focus on health and wellness, Rockcreek has several physical fitness centers available for residents. These facilities help promote an active lifestyle, which is an important factor in the overall health of the community . The average commute time for residents is 22.7 minutes, which is shorter than the U.S. average and can contribute to better work-life balance and health outcomes .