Doing Business in Downtown Seaside

• Considering starting a new business in Downtown Seaside?
• Buying an existing business in Downtown Seaside?
• Already own a business in Downtown Seaside?

You are probably full of questions. We can help! We've gathered together some basic information about our town, plus helpful links to even more information so that you can make informed decisions.

This page has general and economic information about Seaside and the State of Oregon. We also have a great collection of web links with additional information on regulations, taxes, assistance, helpful forms and brochures, census trends, virtual tours - you name it!

If we can answer specific questions, or put you in contact with others who can help, please let us know - call SDDA at 503-717-1914, or send us an e-mail at director@seasidedowntown.com

General

Location and Driving Distances

Seaside is Oregon's oldest resort community. Situated in Northwest Oregon on the Pacific Ocean, it's just 79 miles west of Portland, and 14 miles south of Astoria (Clatsop County seat) and the Columbia River.

Climate

Seaside, elevation 13', enjoys a coastal marine climate, with cool dry summers and mild but wet winters. Annual precipitation is 75 inches, mostly occurring from late October through March. The average summer high is 70, with August and September being the warmest months. December and January are coldest, with an average high of 50. Humidity varies from 75% (summer) to 85% (winter).

Population and Trends

	1980	1990	2000	2004
Seaside	5,193	5,359	5,900	6,018
Clatsop County	32,489	33,301	35,630	37,315

Points of Interest

Being a tourist destination, there's always plenty to see and do! Highlights include:

• Great restaurants and specialty shops throughout downtown Seaside
• The oceanfront Promenade and the Turnaround
• Seaside Museum and Historical Society
• Seaside Aquarium
• Seaside Carousel Mall
• Amusement arcades, mini-golf, bumper cars, and games
• Pedal surreys and bike rentals
• The Beach and the Cove

There are also a number of annual events held in Seaside, including:

• Wheels and Waves - Car Event
• Muscle Beach Cruz - Car Event
• Spring & Fall Downtown Wine Walks
• Seaside Beach Run
• Miss Oregon Scholarship Pageant
• World's largest beach volleyball tournament
• Hood-to-Coast Relay - Finish Line
• Gingerbread Christmas at Butterfield Cottage
• Barbershop Cabaret
• Oregon Dixieland Jubilee

In addition to the above events, the Seaside Civic and Convention Center hosts a variety of conferences, training sessions, meetings, and specials events every month of the year. The 25,000 square foot center can accommodate groups from 100 to 2000.

Economics

Overview

Seaside's primary industry is tourism - one of only a handful of industries to show strong growth over the last decade. Tourism spending is up - $263 million in Clatsop County in 1999, up 54% from 1991, an annual increase of 5%. Within Clatsop County, natural resource industries such as timber and fishing exist, but their numbers have declined in the last few decades, while tourism and service jobs continue to grow. This trend is likely to continue.

Employment

Almost half of all workers in Seaside are employed in retail and services directly related to tourism, and several others work in support industries. The ratio of tourism-related workers in Clatsop County to the general population is 141/1000, highest in the state, compared with 25/1000 statewide. The largest employers in Seaside are the Seaside School District, Providence Seaside Hospital, Safeway, and the City of Seaside. However, retail and services make up the majority of all jobs.

Sector	Percent of all employment
Services	43.7%
Retail	33.5%
Finance-Insurance-Real Estate	6.0%
Construction	5.0%
Government	4.1%

Unemployment

The unemployment rate in Clatsop County 5.7% in February, 2008 while unemployment in the State of Oregon was 6.4% during the same period and 5.2% nationally.

Income

Census data shows Seaside's median household income in 2000 was $31,074. In Clatsop County 2004 was $37,703, compared to $42,568 statewide.

Taxes, etc.

There is no general sales tax in Oregon. Businesses can expect to pay personal property taxes (through Clatsop County), state excise taxes (corporations), and unemployment insurance. Certain businesses (amusements, alcohol, dry cleaning, etc.) can also expect to pay taxes specific to their industries.