What County Is Cornelius In?

Learn about what county is cornelius in?

If you’re wondering “what county is cornelius in?” here’s the simple answer: Cornelius is in Washington County, Oregon. Below, you’ll see why that matters for services, schools, voting, and travel—plus what to expect when visiting or moving here.

Quick Answer

Cornelius, Oregon is in Washington County, within the west side of the Portland metro area. The county seat is nearby Hillsboro. Cornelius sits between Hillsboro (about 3 miles east) and Forest Grove (about 2 miles west) along Tualatin Valley Highway, with wineries, farms, and parks minutes away.

What what county is cornelius in? Means

Knowing Cornelius is in Washington County helps you figure out:

  • Which government offices you’ll use (taxes, permits, courts, sheriff)
  • Where you’ll vote and which local elections apply
  • Which county library system serves you
  • Who maintains certain roads and services

In short, Washington County handles many services that affect daily life in Cornelius.

Why People Search for This in Cornelius, Oregon

  • Moving here and need to set up utilities, property taxes, or permits
  • Figuring out schools and boundaries (Cornelius is largely in the Forest Grove School District)
  • Planning a visit and mapping travel times from Portland or the coast
  • Looking for county parks, wineries, or outdoor spots nearby

What to Expect

  • Location: A small city on Oregon 8 (Tualatin Valley Highway), between Hillsboro and Forest Grove
  • County seat: Hillsboro, where you’ll find courts, county offices, and major services
  • Travel times:
    • Portland: about 25 miles east (35–50 minutes, traffic-dependent)
    • Hillsboro: ~3 miles (10–15 minutes)
    • Forest Grove: ~2 miles (5–10 minutes)
    • Henry Hagg Lake: ~12 miles south (25–30 minutes)
    • Banks–Vernonia State Trail (Banks trailhead): ~10 miles north (20–25 minutes)
  • Vibe: Friendly, small-city feel with strong ties to agriculture and Tualatin Valley wine country
  • Weather: Mild, wet winters; warm, dry summers. Harvest season (late summer–fall) can bring busier roads and popular wineries.

Local landmarks and nearby highlights:

  • Cornelius Public Library (modern, community-focused)
  • Tualatin Valley Highway (OR 8) for easy east–west access
  • Wineries near Forest Grove and Cornelius
  • Fernhill Wetlands (birding, walking paths) in neighboring Forest Grove
  • Family farms and seasonal u-pick spots

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Getting around:
    • Driving: OR 8 can be busy at commute times; allow extra time on weekdays.
    • Transit: TriMet’s Line 57 runs along Tualatin Valley Highway, connecting Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, and Beaverton, with MAX light rail connections in Hillsboro.
  • Services:
    • For property taxes, permits, elections, and the sheriff, go through Washington County.
    • Libraries are part of the Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS); your Cornelius library card works countywide.
  • Family-friendly:
    • City parks and playgrounds, nearby wetlands, and easy day trips to Hagg Lake.
  • Wine and farm visits:
    • Weekends during harvest (Aug–Oct) can be busy—make reservations where possible and plan for traffic.
  • Parking:
    • Downtown Cornelius offers free street parking; most shops along OR 8 have on-site lots.

Frequently Asked Questions About what county is cornelius in?

  • What’s the county seat for Cornelius?

    • Hillsboro is the county seat for Washington County.

  • How far is Cornelius from Portland?

    • About 25 miles west. Plan on 35–50 minutes depending on traffic.

  • Which school district serves Cornelius?

    • Most of Cornelius is in the Forest Grove School District.

  • Is Cornelius kid-friendly?

    • Yes—parks, nearby wetlands, u-pick farms, and easy access to Hagg Lake make it great for families.

  • Is there public transit?

    • Yes. TriMet buses (notably Line 57) connect Cornelius to Hillsboro, Forest Grove, and MAX light rail.

Best Local Resources

  • City of Cornelius — city services, parks, and events
  • Washington County, Oregon — taxes, permits, courts, sheriff, elections
  • WCCLS: Cornelius Public Library — cards, programs, and countywide access
  • Visit Tualatin Valley — wineries, farms, and regional attractions
  • TriMet — bus schedules and MAX connections

Summary

Cornelius is in Washington County, Oregon, with Hillsboro as the county seat. That means county-level services, elections, libraries, and many permits come through Washington County. Expect an easygoing small-city feel, quick access to Hillsboro and Forest Grove, and nearby wineries, wetlands, and parks.

  • Moving to Cornelius: Neighborhoods, Commute, and Everyday Life
  • Best Parks, Trails, and Nature Spots Near Cornelius
  • Getting Around Cornelius Without a Car (Transit, Bikes, and Rideshares)