Nehalem ZIP Codes — Tillamook County, OR

There is one unique ZIP code in Nehalem, Oregon and it is 97131. Area code: 503/971.

ZIP codes

138.88

sq mi land

4.01

sq mi water

503/971

area code

Nehalem, OR ZIP code map

About Nehalem, OR

Nehalem is a charming city located in the scenic coastal region of Oregon. Nestled in Tillamook County, it offers residents and visitors a serene atmosphere accompanied by stunning natural beauty. Known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community spirit, Nehalem is a delightful destination for those exploring the Oregon coast.

Location & geography

Nehalem is situated along the Nehalem River and is bordered by breathtaking forested hills and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Notable nearby cities include Manzanita, which is approximately 4 miles to the north, and Wheeler, located about 3 miles to the southeast. The city encompasses a total land area of 138.88 square miles, with 4.01 square miles covered by water, contributing to its unique coastal charm.

Community & economy

Nehalem boasts a close-knit community characterized by its welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. The local economy is primarily driven by tourism, with many visitors drawn to the area's outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and beachcombing. Daily life in Nehalem reflects a blend of small-town charm and a passion for preserving the natural environment, making it an idyllic place for families and individuals alike.

Transportation

Traveling to and from Nehalem is facilitated by Oregon Highway 101, which connects the city to nearby coastal towns and attractions. The nearest major airport is the Portland International Airport, located approximately 90 miles to the east. Public transportation options may be limited, but the scenic drives along the coastline make for a beautiful journey.

History

Nehalem was founded in the late 19th century, initially serving as a logging community that capitalized on the region's abundant forest resources. Over the years, the city evolved with a focus on tourism, as visitors began to flock to the area for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Notable events in the city's history include the establishment of the Nehalem Bay State Park, which preserves the area's unique ecosystems and attracts outdoor enthusiasts.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Nehalem is that it is named after the Nehalem Tribe, a native group that historically inhabited the region. Additionally, the city enjoys a remarkable blend of coastal and forest environments, providing a perfect backdrop for various outdoor activities year-round.

ZIP codes for Nehalem, OR (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
97131	Nehalem	Tillamook	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,587

Population

57.6

Median age

$66,038

Median household income

$44,393

Per capita income

$395,700

Median home value

$1,318

Median monthly rent

87.8%

Home ownership

9.2%

Poverty rate

4.8%

Unemployment

1,726

Housing units

20.9%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

146

35–44

129

168

45–54

148

179

55–59

158

117

60–64

102

336

65–74

295

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	360	13.9%
18 and over	2,227	86.1%
65 and over	836	32.3%
Median age	57.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 81.3%

Hispanic or Latino 6.1%

Other race 5.8%

Asian 3.9%

Two or more races 2.4%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.4%

Group	Count	%
White	2,242	81.3%
Hispanic or Latino	169	6.1%
Other race	161	5.8%
Asian	107	3.9%
Two or more races	65	2.4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	12	0.4%

Household income

Under $10k 4.5%

$10k–$15k 1.3%

$15k–$25k 4.3%

$25k–$35k 9.7%

$35k–$50k 9.9%

$50k–$75k 37.8%

$75k–$100k 9.1%

$100k–$150k 12.8%

$150k–$200k 1.5%

$200k+ 9.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	4.5%
$10k–$15k	1.3%
$15k–$25k	4.3%
$25k–$35k	9.7%
$35k–$50k	9.9%
$50k–$75k	37.8%
$75k–$100k	9.1%
$100k–$150k	12.8%
$150k–$200k	1.5%
$200k+	9.3%
Median income	$66,038

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 15.3%

$50k–$100k 2.4%

$100k–$150k 0.9%

$150k–$200k 8.5%

$200k–$300k 9.3%

$300k–$500k 33.7%

$500k–$1M 18.9%

$1M+ 11.0%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$395,700
Median rent / month	$1,318
Owner occupied	87.8%
Renter occupied	12.3%
Vacant	35.9%
Single-family detached	75.3%
Large apartment buildings	1.5%
Mobile homes	18.9%
Median rooms	5.1
Avg household size (owned)	2.01

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.1%
2010–2019	5.4%
2000–2009	16.0%
1990–1999	22.6%
1980–1989	9.7%
1970–1979	23.5%
1960–1969	6.1%
1950–1959	4.2%
1940–1949	5.0%
1939 or earlier	7.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	4.0%
1 bedroom	13.5%
2 bedrooms	24.3%
3 bedrooms	47.4%
4 bedrooms	10.4%
5+ bedrooms	0.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	8.1%
1 vehicle	31.9%
2 vehicles	41.9%
3 or more	18.1%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	1.8%
Electricity	73.2%
Propane / LP gas	4.3%
Fuel oil	0.6%
Wood	19.8%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	720	60.0%
Cohabiting couple	40	3.3%
Male householder, no spouse	274	22.8%
Female householder, no spouse	166	13.8%
Households with children under 18	137	11.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	591	49.3%
Average household size	2.13

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	19.1%	20.0%
Married	61.9%	61.9%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	7.1%	9.0%
Divorced	11.9%	9.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.8%

Some HS, no diploma 5.1%

HS graduate 24.1%

Some college, no degree 39.5%

Associate's degree 8.6%

Bachelor's degree 15.2%

Graduate / professional 5.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	93.1%
Bachelor's or higher	20.9%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	29	7.3%
Kindergarten	5	1.3%
Elementary school	206	52.2%
High school	90	22.8%
College / grad school	65	16.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Retail trade 22.7%

Arts, food & hospitality 15.5%

Construction 11.1%

Finance & real estate 7.9%

Transportation & utilities 7.7%

Public administration 7.6%

Education & healthcare 7.5%

Professional & management 4.8%

Other services 4.2%

Agriculture & mining 3.9%

Manufacturing 3.8%

Wholesale trade 3.0%

Information 0.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	16.5%
Service	28.2%
Sales & office	26.6%
Natural resources & construction	16.2%
Production & transportation	12.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.0%
Government	16.0%
Self-employed	7.9%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	70.0%
Carpool	7.2%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	0.4%
Other means	4.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	17.3

Poverty

All people 9.2%

Under 18 years 11.4%

18 and over 8.8%

Married-couple families 0.8%

Female-led households 9.3%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	46.1%
Retirement income	31.2%
Supplemental Security	6.2%
Cash public assistance	0.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	6.4%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	36.6%
High cholesterol	36.2%
Heart disease	8.4%
Stroke	3.9%
Asthma	10.3%
Arthritis	30.4%
Kidney disease	3.6%
Pulmonary disease	8.1%
Cancer	9.3%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.2%
No physical activity	19.2%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	28.0%
Fair or poor health	15.0%
Poor mental health	13.2%
Poor physical health	11.3%
No health insurance	9.3%
Visited doctor (checkup)	76.0%
Visited dentist	69.0%
Cholesterol screening	92.8%
Teeth loss	12.0%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	300	13.5%

Disability	%
Any disability	21.2%
Under 18	10.8%
18–64 years	20.4%
65 and over	27.2%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	63.2%
Public insurance	54.4%
Uninsured under 19	0.5%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,545	98.4%
Spanish	78	3.1%
Other Indo-European	47	1.8%
Asian & Pacific Islander	6	0.2%
Other languages	25	1.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,501	96.7%
Born in same state	2,476	95.7%
Born in different state	1,429	55.2%
Foreign born	25	1.0%
Naturalized citizen	86	3.3%
Not a US citizen	40	46.5%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	456	17.6%
Italian	352	13.6%
Arab	166	6.4%
Polish	107	4.1%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	39	1.5%
Dutch	35	1.4%
English	16	0.6%
Irish	2	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	46.4%
Internet access	84.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Nehalem, OR have?

Nehalem, OR has one ZIP code: 97131. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.