Our Vision Statement
Columbia City is the lower Columbia River’s ideal small town – a City of Beauty and Livability.
- Residents connect in safe, attractive, and quiet neighborhoods.
- The city welcomes diverse community-sustaining businesses.
- Engaged citizens and responsive local governments collaborate to preserve the city’s distinctive identity and independence.
Our Mission Statement
The City of Columbia City encourages community involvement and is committed to:
- Developing and ensuring the highest possible quality of life for our residents, businesses and visitors.
- Providing a safe, secure and healthy community environment.
- Providing an efficient and effective government which is open and responsive to the needs of the community and works for the benefit of all.
Location: Columbia City is located in northwestern Oregon on the banks of the Columbia River approximately 31 miles north of the City of Portland on Highway 30, 2 miles north of the City of St. Helens and 61 miles east of the Pacific Ocean.
The city is dominated, ecologically and visually, by the Columbia River, which is nearly a mile wide here. Fir-clad slopes provide a backdrop west of town. Across the river are the foothills of the Cascade Range. Five snow-covered peaks are visible from the city: Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Jefferson.
Population: The population of the City of Columbia City was estimated to be 1,985 in July 2019.
Climate: Columbia City has a temperate climate with dry, moderately warm summers and wet, mild winters. Average annual precipitation in the County is slightly less than 50 inches. Prevailing winds up and down the Columbia River provide some circulation in local air sheds and assist in dilution of air pollutants. Snow or freezing weather is usually limited to only a few days, and 100° F. is seldom reached in the summer.
Government: The City of Columbia City received its charter in 1926. The City has a Mayor and four Council Members. The City has a seven-member Planning Commission with a Comprehensive Plan and Development Code. The City Hall is located at 1840 Second Street, next to the City’s Community Hall. The Public Works Office and Shops are on the corner of Second Place and “J” Street. The Columbia City Community Library is located at 2000 Second Street, adjacent to the grade school.
Commerce and Industry: There is a convenience store and gas station at “A” Street and Highway 30. The Port of St. Helens owns the only industrial property in the City and has one of the few deep-water docks along the River. The site is also served by Western Pacific Railroad and the Columbia River Highway.
Schools: The Columbia City Elementary School provides classes for kindergarten to 6th grade students.
Churches: None currently located in the City. Closest would be St. Helens.
Housing: There are approximately 737 single-family dwellings, 53 manufactured homes, and 24 duplex units within the City. There are four multiple-family units providing another 16 housing units.
Communications: Cable television is available in Columbia City from Comcast/Xfinity, however there is no local television station. The Post Office is located on the corner of Second and “I” Streets. There are two newspapers, one in Scappoose and one in St. Helens, and a radio station is also located in nearby St. Helens.
Fire and Police Protection: The Columbia River Fire and Rescue offers fire protection to the City and has a substation located along Highway 30 near “G” Street. A Forestry Department office is located in the City near the intersection of Highway 30 and “E” Street. The City’s Police Department is staffed by an Operations Sergeant, Police Sergeant, Police Officers and Reserve Police Officers. In addition, the City is served by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department and the Oregon State Police.
Medical Facilities: Doctors’ offices are in nearby St. Helens, two miles away.
Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 for emergencies: fire, police, and ambulance services. Call C-Com at 503-397-1521 for non-emergency matters or for after hours water and sewer emergencies or animal control issues.
Click HERE for additional information about Columbia City, Oregon.