What County Am I In, Portland? A Tale of Geographic Woes
So, you're in Portland. Cool! You've joined the ranks of hipsters, coffee snobs, and people who own way too many flannel shirts. But let's get down to business: what county are you actually in?
What County Am I In Portland |
The Great County Conundrum
Now, this might seem like a pretty straightforward question. After all, Portland is a city, right? And cities are usually in counties. But hold your horses, friend. Things get a little more complicated when you start digging into the details.
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
You see, Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County. That means the county government hangs its hat in Portland, but the city itself is just one part of the county. Kind of like how your living room is part of your house, but it's not the whole dang thing.
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Don't Panic!
If you're starting to feel a little dizzy from all this geographic jargon, don't worry. You're not alone. Most people just assume they're in Multnomah County if they're in Portland, and that's usually a safe bet.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
But if you're the type of person who likes to know exactly where you are at all times (and let's be honest, who isn't?), then you can always break out your trusty map or GPS and double-check. Or, you know, just ask Siri. She's usually pretty good at this kind of stuff.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
Other Portland Counties?
Just to throw a wrench in the works, there are actually other parts of Portland that are in different counties. For example, the tiny unincorporated area of Hazelwood is in Clackamas County. But unless you live in Hazelwood, you probably don't need to worry about this.
So there you have it. Portland is in Multnomah County, but it's not the only county in the Portland area. And if you're still confused, well, welcome to the club!
How To Find Out Your County in Portland
- How to find your county using online tools: Use a map service like Google Maps or Map Developers to pinpoint your location and determine the county.
- How to find your county using your address: Your address will usually indicate the county you reside in. Look for the county name after the city and state.
- How to find your county using your phone: Most smartphones have built-in GPS features that can display your exact location, including the county.
- How to find your county using local government websites: The county government website for your area will typically have information about the county boundaries.
- How to find your county using public libraries: Local libraries often have maps and reference materials that can help you determine your county.