So, you’re looking at Hillsboro. It’s not just a suburb anymore. People call it the "Silicon Forest," which sounds a bit intense, but it basically just means there are a lot of microchips and expensive coffee shops. If you’re trying to pin down a Hillsboro zip code Oregon location, you’re likely realized that this city is surprisingly spread out. It isn't just one big blob on the map. It's a patchwork.
You've got the historic downtown, the massive Intel campuses, and those brand-new suburban developments that seem to pop up overnight in the North Plains direction. Each zip code carries a different vibe, a different tax implication sometimes, and definitely a different commute time.
Understanding the geography here is everything. If you pick the wrong spot, you’re looking at a 45-minute crawl down Sunset Highway (US-26) just to get groceries. Trust me, nobody wants that.
The Big Three: 97123, 97124, and 97006
Most people searching for a Hillsboro zip code Oregon end up in one of these three. They are the heavy hitters. But they are not the same. Not even close.
97123: The Soul of the City
This is South Hillsboro. It’s where you find the actual "town" part of Hillsboro. If you like old houses with actual character, big porch swings, and being able to walk to a Tuesday Night Market, this is your zone.
It’s older. It’s established.
You’ve got the Washington County Fairgrounds here.
It feels like Oregon.
But there’s a massive project happening here called "South Hillsboro." It’s one of the largest master-planned communities in state history. We are talking thousands of homes being built on what used to be farmland. It’s changing 97123 from a sleepy historic district into a high-density suburban hub.
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97124: The Tech Engine
Then there’s 97124. This is North Hillsboro. If you work at Intel (specifically Ronler Acres or Jones Farm), this is your backyard. It’s the land of the "Silicon Forest."
Honestly, 97124 feels more corporate-chic. You have Orenco Station, which is basically a walkable "European-style" village dropped into the middle of the Pacific Northwest. It’s got high-end lofts, a New Seasons Market, and people walking golden retrievers to get $7 lattes. It’s convenient. You’re right on the MAX Blue Line, which is the light rail that takes you straight into Portland.
97006: The Beaverton Blur
Now, 97006 is a bit of a trick. Half of it is Hillsboro, and the other half is technically Beaverton or unincorporated Washington County. It covers the Tanasbourne area. If you love shopping—like, really love having a Target, a Nordstrom Rack, and a Whole Foods within a five-minute drive—this is the spot.
It’s dense. Traffic around 185th Avenue is a nightmare during rush hour. You’ve been warned.
Why the Zip Code Actually Matters for Your Wallet
It’s not just about your mailing address. In Oregon, zip codes can dictate your school district boundaries and even your utility rates.
Hillsboro is served by the Hillsboro School District (HSD), but the boundaries aren't always intuitive. Some pockets of 97006 might actually fall into the Beaverton School District. Parents care about this—a lot. Beaverton schools often rank slightly higher in statewide metrics, though Hillsboro has some incredible specialized programs, especially in STEM, thanks to those tech partnerships.
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Then there is the "address" factor.
An address in 97124 might command a higher rental price because of its proximity to the tech corridor.
In contrast, 97123 offers more land.
You might get a quarter-acre in the south, while in Orenco, you’re lucky to get a patio.
The Outliers: 97129 and 97113
Not every Hillsboro zip code Oregon is about the suburbs.
If you head toward 97129, you’re looking at the rural fringe. This is the area heading toward Cornelius. It’s where the city starts to melt back into the Willamette Valley’s agricultural roots. You’ll see berry farms and nurseries. It’s quieter, sure, but you’re also further from the high-speed internet and the easy commutes.
Then there's 97113. This is technically Cornelius, but it bleeds into the Hillsboro outskirts. It’s often where people look when they realize they’ve been priced out of the 97124 tech bubble.
The Traffic Reality Check
Let's talk about the 26. The Sunset Highway is the umbilical cord between Hillsboro and Portland. If you live in 97124, you have a slight head start on the commute. If you're in 97123, you’re adding ten minutes just to get to the highway.
- Cornell Road: The "secret" back way that everyone knows about, so it's not a secret. It gets jammed.
- TV Highway (Oregon Route 8): This is the gritty alternative. It’s full of stoplights, car dealerships, and great Mexican food trucks. It’s slower but more direct if you’re heading to the south side of Beaverton.
- The MAX: The light rail is a lifesaver if you work downtown. It runs right through 97124 and 97006.
What Most People Get Wrong About Hillsboro
A lot of folks think Hillsboro is just a suburb of Portland. It isn't.
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Hillsboro is actually the fifth-largest city in Oregon. It has its own economy that doesn't rely on Portland at all. In fact, more people commute into Hillsboro for work than commute out of it. Intel alone employs over 20,000 people here. Then you have Genentech, Salesforce, and Tokyo Electron.
It’s a city of industry.
It’s a city of immigrants.
It’s a city of farmers.
The diversity here is reflected in the zip codes. 97123 has a deep-rooted Hispanic community with some of the best panaderias you’ll ever find. 97124 has a massive international population of engineers and researchers from all over the globe. It’s a melting pot, but it’s spread out across these five-digit codes.
Strategic Steps for Navigating Hillsboro Zip Codes
Don't just pick a house based on the photos. The Hillsboro zip code Oregon you choose will define your daily life.
- Check the School Map: Use the Hillsboro School District boundary map before you sign a lease. Don't assume a 97006 address puts you in the district you expect.
- Test the Commute at 8:00 AM: Drive from your potential zip code to your workplace on a Tuesday. Monday and Friday are "light" because of remote work. Tuesday is the real test.
- Look at Property Taxes: Washington County taxes can vary based on whether you are within city limits or in an unincorporated pocket. Unincorporated areas sometimes have lower taxes but fewer services (like sidewalks or streetlights).
- Visit the Parks: Hillsboro has incredible parks. 97124 has the massive 53rd Avenue Community Park (with the hidden "Hidden Creek" community center). 97123 has Rood Bridge Park, which is basically a forest in the city.
Hillsboro is a place where you can live in a high-tech condo one minute and be standing in a pumpkin patch ten minutes later. It’s weird, it’s fast-growing, and it’s complicated. Getting the zip code right is the first step to making it work.
Move toward the south for history and space.
Move toward the north for tech and transit.
Move toward the east for shopping and density.
The "best" zip code doesn't exist. There is only the one that fits how much time you're willing to spend in your car and what you want to see when you walk out your front door.