We invite you to journey through time — from Tigard’s founding in 1961 to the vibrant, diverse city we are today.
1950
1960s
The year is 1961. Tigard becomes a city after a failed attempt in 1958. A quiet town of farms, mills, and families, where community members knew their neighbors, waved from porches, and shared stories over picket fences. And from those porches, radios played songs that were a reminder to stand together, come what may.
Across the country, the Civil Rights Movement was rising. And just up the road in Portland, a garage band recorded a track that became a national rock ’n’ roll anthem. Raw, rebellious, and full of soul — it became a piece of Oregon music history.
Tigard’s population in the 1960s: just under 2,000 community members.
1970s
In 1973, construction began on Washington Square Mall — reshaping Tigard into a regional hub and — opening in 1975. Families were growing, neighborhoods expanding, and downtown buzzing with possibility.
But along the Tualatin River, in the ’70s, Cook Park began to take shape as a local recreation area for families — filled with hiking trails, kayaks, and the promise of outdoor adventure.
Tigard’s population in the 1970s: around 7,000 community members.
1980s
The 1980s marked a transformative period for Tigard. The city's population surged to over 18,000, reflecting rapid suburban growth.1983 saw the opening of the current City Hall/Police complex (which the included the previous Library in the wing closest to Hall Blvd).
In 1988, the 12-story Lincoln Tower was completed, becoming the tallest building in Washington County and symbolizing Tigard's evolving skyline. Cook Park expanded its amenities, solidifying its role as a beloved community space. Folks came down to Cook Park to play ball!
Throughout the city, community members embraced the era’s vibrant culture—hosting neighborhood block parties, dancing to the latest hits, and fostering a strong sense of community spirit.
1990s
The 1990s brought a wave of energy to Tigard. Kids biked through neighborhoods with Walkmans in their backpacks, and Tigard launched its very own Farmers Market — a new tradition full of color, flavor, and connection.
Smooth R&B and pop ruled the airwaves. Tigard’s population in the 1990s: over 30,000 community members.
2000s
In the 2000s, Tigard entered a new millennium. 2004 saw the opening of the current Library, across Hall, on the site of an apple orchard. Bridgeport Village opened, a skate park popped up, and City Hall moved. Families posted their first digital photos online. And despite the Y2K scare — the world kept turning.
The Tigard Festival of Balloons floated on to become one of Oregon's most cherished and recognized events. Every summer, the skies filled with color.
Tigard’s population in the 2000s: around 42,000 community members.
2010s
The 2010s saw downtown Tigard come alive. Farmers markets, food carts, and Friday night festivals brought neighbors back together — and music filled the air.
In Tigard, people danced at concerts in the park, shared meals, and kept showing up — rain or shine.
Tigard’s population in the 2010s: nearing 50,000 community members.
2020s
Regardless of challenges in the 2020s, the Tigard community came together to support, uplift, and build. And that’s where we look to the future — to building a better Tigard together.
We move toward a future that celebrates our amazing city and the folks that make us great.
Tigard’s population today: over 54,000 community members and growing.
