St. Paul, Oregon

Geography:
The farm community of St. Paul, known mostly for its Fourth of July rodeo and rich agricultural history, is located about 30 miles southwest of Portland on Oregon Highway 219 on the northwest side of Marion County. The city sits in the Willamette Valley and remains buffered from the growth of Portland and Salem by some of the richest farmland in the world. The town sits on the French Prairie, which is bordered to the west by the Willamette River.
To St. Paul's east - less than an hour away - are the Cascade Mountains with skiing and hiking. At an hour's driving time to the west lies the Pacific Coast with many beautiful beaches. Many rivers and forests are within easy driving distance offering boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities. Several golf courses are located in the county. Portland and all its cultural attractions is just 45 minutes away. Salem, Oregon's state capital, is 20 miles south. The area for 20 square miles around St. Paul is some of the most fertile irrigated farm land in the country. Farmers raise a great diversity of crops here including grasses, grains, nursery, hops, fruits and vegetables.

Population:
Click here to see population numbers from the latest census for St. Paul and other Oregon cities.
The largest neighboring cities are Newberg to the north and Woodburn to the southeast.

Facts, Climate and Temperature:
Elevation: 175 feet
Land: Land area in St. Paul is 0.745 sq. kilometers.
Precipitation: 42 inches/year
Growing Season: 174 days/year
High Temperature (avg.) 65º
Low Temperature (avg.) 39º

History:
St. Paul was founded in 1901 and named by the Archbishop Francis Norbert Blanchet for the apostle Paul. The area in which the town is located was settled in the 1830s by French Canadians and the area became known as French Prairie. The center of St Paul has been designated a national historic district. The area called Champoeg, four miles north of St. Paul, was settled first by Hudson Bay Company trappers. Even before St. Paul had much activity, Champoeg was the site of the formation of the Oregon provisional government (1843).

Media:
The Newberg Graphic newspaper serves St. Paul and is published twice weekly (Wednesday and Saturday) with a circulation of approximately 5,500.

Parks And Recreation:
The Chehalem Park and Recreation District in nearby Newberg has many recreational opportunities and facilities accessible. There are individual and family opportunities available including swimming, athletics, crafts, arts, drama, dance music, clubs, tours, self-enrichment, educational & fitness programs, camps and special events. One of the most beautiful state parks, Champoeg State Heritage Area, is four miles north of St. Paul. Rich in history, Champoeg also offers nature and recreation at its finest. The park provides camping with all the amenities, picnic sites, open fields, an amphitheater, and bike and hiking trails along the Willamette River. Champoeg's past is preserved in several buildings and historical sites.

Education:
St. Paul Public Schools are committed to educating all students to achieve their full potential as competent, self-assured citizens in a rapidly changing world. St. Paul also has a Catholic grade school. St. Paul High School boasts one of the best agricultural programs in the state.