Thinking About Moving to Clark County, Washington?

Clark County sits just north of Portland across the Columbia River, offering small-town warmth, big-city access, and plenty of outdoor adventure. With 540,000 estimated residents in 2025, it’s got everything you need but still has a small town cozy vibe.

Families come for more affordable housing, good schools, and room to breathe. Outdoor lovers enjoy hiking, fishing, and wide-open parks. Whether you want farmland, a walkable downtown, or new construction, Clark County has a fit for every lifestyle.

This guide covers nine neighborhood area, each with a different vibe: La Center, Woodland, Yacolt, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, and Brush Prairie.

Northern Clark County: Small-Town Serenity

These northern communities offer peace, space, and great value for the money. They’re quiet, friendly, and not too far off I-5 — ideal for buyers who want privacy without total isolation.

La Center: Classic Small-Town Life

Population: ~4,000
La Center feels tight-knit, with one school per level

• Homes: Acreage estates and smaller subdivisions
• Pros: Affordable housing, charming and quiet
• Cons: Limited shopping, longer drives for errands

Woodland: Established and Accessible

Population: ~7,000
Woodland stretches into Cowlitz County, with easy I-5 access and older, established homes, but also considerable new home options. One of our favorite new construction options in the area right now is Alder & Ash by Holt Homes, a tremendous value for a quality newly built home, and just 5 min to i5

• Amenities include Safeway, Walmart, and local shops
• Pros: Convenient, affordable, stable community
• Cons: Aging infrastructure, long time locals are more opposed to growth

Yacolt: Remote and Budget-Friendly

Population: ~2,000
A true rural retreat. Great for privacy seekers and hobby farmers, this town is NOT close to i5, so it’s perfect for those who really want to be out of the city

• Pros: Very affordable homes and land, peaceful living
• Cons: Minimal services, longer commutes, poor home internet service in most areas

Mid-County Favorites: Battle Ground, Ridgefield & Hockinson

Closer to Vancouver, these towns blend open land with modern conveniences. Families and professionals love the space, parks, and easy access.

Battle Ground: Rural Meets Accessible

Population: ~20,000
A mix of suburban neighborhoods, farms, and acreage estates.

• Family-oriented, with expanding schools and parks
• Pros: Variety of housing, nature access, strong community feel
• Cons: Traffic can really clog up on the highway at rush hour, the city is growing fast and has substantial infrastructure needs

Brush Prairie and Hockinson: Quiet and Rural

Hockinson is the east side of Brush Prairie, and although it doesn’t have it’s own city, it has it’s own highly sought after school district of 3 schools. The downtown area is small, but inviting

• Home styles range from vintage farmhouses to custom estates
• Hockinson has its own school district; Brush Prairie relies on nearby cities schools
• Pros: Rural charm, large lots, space for hobbies
• Cons: Limited amenities, longer commutes

Ridgefield: Fast-Growing and Family-Friendly

Population: ~14,000+
One of Clark County’s most active housing markets, just 15 minutes north of Vancouver.

• Home to Ilani Casino and Ridgefield Raptors baseball team in the summer
• Pros: Lots of New build options, entertainment, and short commutes to i5 and nearby cities
• Cons: Ongoing construction, fewer home options built before 2000, home prices are higher than in many parts of Vancouver

Southern Clark County: Urban Convenience in Vancouver, Camas & Washougal

Vancouver: The County Hub

Population: 200,000+
Vancouver offers everything in one place — shopping, dining, events, and jobs.

• Neighborhoods: There are thousands of subdivisions and dozens of areas in Vancovuer – Salmon Creek, Felida, Minnehaha, Cascade Park, Fisher’s Landing, Orchards, Pleasant Valley, and The Heights just to name a few!
• Schools: Most of Vancouver (in and outside city limits) falls in the Vancouver Public School District for anything west of i205, or Evergreen Public Schools for anything east of i205.
• Pros: Ultimate convenience, diverse options, city energy
• Cons: Busier pace, higher density

Camas: Premium Living Surrounded by Nature

Population: ~23,000
Known for excellent schools, lakes and nature, and a strong community spirit.

• Centered around Lacamas and Round Lake
• Pros: Top schools, professional jobs, scenic neighborhoods, high end community where homes are taken care of
• Cons: Highest homes prices in Clark County, limited available land, rapid development

Washougal: River Views and Nature Access

Population: ~17,000
A mix of suburban homes and rural acreage along the Columbia River and Washougal River. People call Washougal the ‘Gateway to the Gorge’, as it is the last city before you enter Skamania county – in fact, part of Washougal is located in Skamania county.

• More affordable, scenic, and peaceful
• Pros: River access, mountain views, quiet feel
• Cons: Old historic Downtown in need of revitalization, split between counties and jurisdictions

Conclusion

Clark County offers the best of the Pacific Northwest — affordable homes, natural beauty, and community-focused living. From Yacolt’s quiet hills to Camas’s lakeside streets, each area brings its own pace and personality. Whether you’re after city convenience or country calm, you’ll find it here.

Thinking about buying or selling a home in Vancouver or Camas? Text or email us at Dubyne Realty Group for local guidance, data-backed negotiations, and neighborhood insight.

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