Camas

Affluent, family-friendly locale with a strong community spirit

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Overview for Camas, WA

26,779 people live in Camas, where the median age is 40.6 and the average individual income is $61,518. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

26,779

Total Population

40.6 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$61,518

Average individual Income

Welcome to Camas, WA

Affluent, family-friendly locale with a strong community spirit

 

Camas is a historic mill town turned affluent tech suburb located 20 miles east of Portland along the Columbia River. The city combines small-town charm with modern luxury—think 1920s brick storefronts, award-winning schools, and executives commuting to nearby tech campuses. Most residents are families and remote professionals drawn by the Camas School District, outdoor recreation at Lacamas Lake, and a tight-knit community culture. The vibe is active, civic-minded, and fiercely protective of its "no big-box" downtown aesthetic.

History

Camas was born in 1883 when Henry Pittock established the LaCamas Colony Company to power a paper mill using local lake water. The Georgia-Pacific mill became the world's largest specialty paper producer, defining the city for over a century. A devastating 1923 fire destroyed the original downtown, leading to a rebuild in sturdy brick architecture that still defines Main Street today. The city transitioned from industrial hub to "silicon forest" suburb in the 1990s-2000s as tech firms moved into the area. Despite this evolution, Camas High School still proudly calls its teams the "Papermakers."

Location & Geography

Camas sits in Clark County, bordered by Vancouver to the west and Washougal to the east. It's 20 miles east of Portland and 15 miles from Vancouver, connected via State Route 14 along the Columbia River. The city spans dramatic elevation changes—from river level to Prune Hill, an extinct volcanic vent offering views of Mt. Hood and Portland. Lacamas Lake anchors the north side, while the Columbia River defines the southern boundary. The city serves as the western gateway to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Climate is temperate Mediterranean-influenced: 45 inches of rain annually, warm dry summers (low 80s°F), and cool damp winters (40s°F) with occasional "East Wind" freezes.

Real Estate Market Snapshot

As of January 2026, Camas has shifted to a balanced market. The median sold price is $839,000, down 1-3% year-over-year. Price per square foot ranges $330-$350, climbing higher for view properties. Inventory has rebounded to 140+ active listings—roughly 4-5 months of supply—ending the shortage years. Days on market average 107-113 days, though well-priced homes under $750k still move in under 60 days. Sellers maintain pricing power in the entry-level bracket due to school district demand, while buyers have gained leverage in the $1M+ luxury tier where multiple offers are rare.

Types of Homes Available

  • Single-Family (Majority): Historic 1920s craftsman bungalows and mid-century cottages cluster near Downtown and Crown Park. Executive estates on Prune Hill (3,000+ sq ft, 1990s-2000s builds) feature high-end finishes and panoramic views. New construction in Green Mountain and Camas Heights offers Northwest Contemporary designs with smart home technology.
  • Condos & Townhomes: Modern luxury condos near Camas Meadows Golf Club and downtown cater to lock-and-leave buyers. Townhomes run $550,000-$750,000.
  • Rentals: Modern complexes like Kielo at Grass Valley charge $2,300-$2,750/month, reflecting premium schools and safety ratings.

Factors to Consider When Buying

  • HOA Fees: Most post-1990 homes on Prune Hill or Grass Valley charge $50-$150/month (up to $400+ in gated communities). Expect strict rules on RV parking and exterior paint.
  • School Boundaries: Critical. Some western addresses have Camas zip codes but fall into Evergreen School District, reducing value 10-15%. Verify boundaries before offers.
  • Environmental Risks: Homes near Lacamas Lake trails face wildfire insurance concerns. Low-lying areas near Columbia River may require flood insurance. Prune Hill has slope stability restrictions affecting additions.
  • Noise & Odor: The Georgia-Pacific mill occasionally produces sulfur smell downtown. BNSF freight trains run along the Columbia River—river-view homes come with train noise.

Factors to Consider When Selling

  • Timing: List late March through June when families buy before the school year. Winter inventory drops, requiring turn-key condition.
  • High-ROI Upgrades: Professional roof cleaning and modern garage doors (250% ROI). Heat pumps outperform older gas furnaces. Stage a dedicated home office—remote workers dominate the buyer pool. Covered outdoor living spaces add major perceived value.
  • Pricing Strategy: Overpricing by 3-5% leads to 100+ day listings. Price exactly at market value to trigger bidding within 14 days.

Dining and Entertainment

  • Fine Dining: Feast@316 (steaks/seafood), Roots Restaurant & Bar (Pacific Northwest).
  • Casual & Global: Nuestra Mesa (Mexican), Kop Chai (Thai), The Sushi Joint, Top Burger Drive-In (1957 landmark).
  • Breakfast/Coffee: Natalia's Cafe, Cedar Street Bagel Company, Caffe Piccolo, Hidden River Roasters.
  • Bars: Birch Street Uptown Lounge (speakeasy), Grains of Wrath Brewery (award-winning IPAs), Salud! Wine Bar.
  • Venues: Liberty Theatre (1920s cinema), First Fridays downtown events, Camas Farmer's Market (Wednesdays, June-Sept).

Shopping

  • Downtown Boutiques: No chains. Camas Antiques (vintage), Juxtaposition and Poppy & Hawk (home goods), Arktana (clothing/shoes), Autumn Leaf Books, The Soap Chest (skincare).
  • Grocery: Downtown Safeway. New Seasons Market at Fisher's Landing (Vancouver) for organic.
  • Big Box: 192nd Station on Camas/Vancouver border has Costco, Home Depot, medical clinics.

Parks and Recreation

  • Lakes: Lacamas and Round Lake offer kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing. Heritage Park has boat launch, picnic areas, playground. "Pot Holes" below Round Lake dam feature natural pools and small waterfalls.
  • Trails: Heritage Trail (7-mile flat path along Lacamas Lake), Lacamas Park Trails (6-mile rugged network with Lower Falls views and April camas lily blooms), Washougal River Greenway (2.5-mile paved).
  • Golf: Camas Meadows Golf Club—18-hole championship course with lighted/heated driving range.
  • Sports: Grass Valley Park has tennis, pickleball, basketball, baseball fields.

Local Culture

Camas is family-centric and fiercely proud of its mill heritage. The Georgia-Pacific smokestack remains the most visible landmark. Residents prioritize small-town feel and resist big-box development downtown. Major events include Camas Days (July parade and Bathtub Races), First Fridays (monthly themed block parties like Chocolate Walk), and Plant & Garden Fair (pre-Mother's Day). The "Papermaker" identity runs deep—high school sports, community grit, and blue-collar work ethic persist despite the tech industry influx.

Schools and Education

  • Camas School District: Top 5% in Washington. 93%+ graduation rate, $16,919+ per student.
  • Top Elementary: Dorothy Fox, Grass Valley, Prune Hill.
  • Middle Schools: Skyridge, Liberty, Odyssey (project-based).
  • High Schools: Camas High (flagship), Discovery High (project-based), Hayes Freedom High (individualized). Notable programs include MST Magnet and CamTech.
  • Preschools: Camas Community Education, The Heights Community Preschool, Agape Christian Academy.
  • Nearby Colleges: WSU Vancouver (15-20 min), Clark College (Vancouver).

Commute and Accessibility

  • Highways: SR-14 (Lewis & Clark Hwy) connects to I-205 (10 min) and I-5 (15 min). 192nd Avenue links residential areas to East Vancouver tech employers.
  • Commute Times: Vancouver (15-20 min), PDX Airport (15-20 min), Portland (25-35 min non-peak, doubles in morning rush).
  • Transit: C-TRAN Route 92 connects to Fisher's Landing Transit Center for Portland Express buses and MAX Light Rail.
  • Walkability: Downtown Camas is highly walkable. Prune Hill requires cars.

Most Coveted Streets & Estates

  • Prune Hill: The premier luxury enclave. Multi-story estates with Mt. Hood views, executive finishes, and large lots dominate this extinct volcanic ridge.
  • Crown Park/Downtown Historic District: Walkable 1920s craftsman bungalows near Liberty Theatre. High demand for vintage charm.
  • Camas Meadows Vicinity: New luxury condos and townhomes near the golf club appeal to lock-and-leave buyers.
  • Grass Valley/Green Mountain: Newest construction areas with Northwest Contemporary builds, smart home tech, and family-sized lots.

Why People Love Camas

Camas delivers rare balance: top-tier schools without urban sprawl, outdoor recreation without sacrificing city access, and small-town community without isolation. Families love the 12+ miles of trails and Lacamas Lake lifestyle. Professionals appreciate the 20-minute commute to Portland and PDX Airport. The brick-lined downtown offers independent boutiques and cafes that Portland suburbanites drive out for. Most importantly, the Camas School District justifies premium home prices for buyers prioritizing education. It's a place where mill-town grit meets modern luxury—and residents wouldn't have it any other way.

Around Camas, WA

There's plenty to do around Camas, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

7
Car-Dependent
Walking Score
48
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Get To-Gather Farm, Allure Boutique, and Chinook Landing.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 3.39 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 1.62 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 3.02 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars
Active 1.59 miles 7 reviews 5/5 stars
Beauty 1.78 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Camas, WA

Camas has 9,138 households, with an average household size of 2.92. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Camas do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 26,779 people call Camas home. The population density is 1,902.64 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

26,779

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

40.6

Median Age

50.68 / 49.32%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
9,138

Total Households

2.92

Average Household Size

$61,518

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Camas, WA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Camas. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
Camas

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