Radon levels in Multnomah County, Oregon

ModerateEPA Zone 2

Predicted long-term basement average of 2.0 pCi/L (model estimate) across 31 ZIP codes - close to the US average of 1.8, about 1.2× the Oregon average of 1.7. Ranked #9 of 36 Oregon counties.

Test Multnomah County, OR - the EPA says "consider fixing" in this range

The predicted basement average here is 2.0 pCi/L, in the 2-4 pCi/L band where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. Plenty of individual homes in a moderate area test above 4. Start with a short-term test; if it comes back at 2 or higher, follow up with a long-term test or a continuous monitor.

Already tested at 4 pCi/L or higher? Find a certified mitigation professional (EPA). A mitigation system typically runs $800-$2,500 installed.

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Predicted (model estimate). The pCi/L figures on this page are long-term area averages from a peer-reviewed national model built on millions of real radon tests (2001-2021). They describe the typical home in this area - not your home, which can be several times higher or lower. The EPA radon zone is a separate, 1993 county-level classification. How the numbers work.

2.0 ± 0.08

pCi/L predicted basement mean (model SD)

1.0 ± 0.09

pCi/L predicted upstairs (above-ground) mean

1.2-2.6

range of ZIP-level basement predictions in the county

What this means for Multnomah

The typical Multnomah County home is predicted in the 2-4 pCi/L band. The EPA's guidance for this range is to consider fixing, because there is no known safe level and roughly one home in several in a moderate area will test above 4.

The 1993 EPA zone (2) and the 2001-2021 model agree for Multnomah. County figures weight each ZIP by its 2010 Census population, so they describe where people live rather than empty land.

Comparable Oregon counties: Gilliam County (2.0), Lake County (2.0), Klamath County (2.0), Harney County (1.9). The state's highest is Union County at 2.5 pCi/L.

ZIP codes in Multnomah County

Predicted basement and upstairs means by ZIP (model estimate). ZIPs whose land is mostly in this county.

ZIPBasementUpstairsGrade
972062.3 ± 0.071.3Moderate
970801.2 ± 0.090.6Low
972302.4 ± 0.091.5Moderate
972332.1 ± 0.071.1Moderate
972022.1 ± 0.071.0Moderate
972191.4 ± 0.070.8Low
972362.2 ± 0.091.1Moderate
970301.8 ± 0.070.8Low
972662.1 ± 0.061.2Moderate
972172.1 ± 0.081.0Moderate
972112.4 ± 0.081.0Moderate
972032.0 ± 0.071.0Low
972132.6 ± 0.091.4Moderate
972202.6 ± 0.071.3Moderate
972122.2 ± 0.071.2Moderate
972142.1 ± 0.071.0Moderate
970601.6 ± 0.070.9Low
972152.1 ± 0.071.0Moderate
972162.3 ± 0.091.2Moderate
972011.5 ± 0.080.8Low
972091.6 ± 0.070.8Low
972182.5 ± 0.091.1Moderate
972391.3 ± 0.120.8Low
972211.3 ± 0.090.8Low
972322.2 ± 0.061.0Moderate
972101.7 ± 0.090.8Low
970241.7 ± 0.060.9Low
972051.2 ± 0.100.8Low
972311.5 ± 0.091.0Low
972271.9 ± 0.060.9Low
970191.4 ± 0.061.0Low

If your test comes back at 4 pCi/L or higher

Mitigation is a routine job: a fan-driven pipe that vents soil gas from under the slab to above the roofline, typically $800-$2,500 installed (typical range; local quotes vary). Use certified professionals: EPA find-a-professional. Read the full mitigation guide.

Multnomah County radon questions

Is radon high in Multnomah County, Oregon?
Moderate. The model predicts a long-term basement average of 2.0 pCi/L in Multnomah County (close to the US average of 1.8 and about 1.2× the Oregon average of 1.7). That is in the 2-4 pCi/L range where the EPA recommends considering mitigation. Ranked 9 of 36 Oregon counties.
Should I test for radon in Multnomah County?
Yes, soon. With a predicted average of 2.0 pCi/L, many homes in Multnomah County will test above the 4 pCi/L action level. Use a short-term kit first; if it reads 2 or higher, confirm with a long-term test or continuous monitor before deciding on mitigation.
What does EPA Radon Zone 2 mean for Multnomah County?
Zone 2 - moderate potential (2-4 pCi/L). The zone map dates from 1993 and classifies whole counties. The 2001-2021 model agrees with the zone here. Neither replaces a test of your own home.
How much does radon mitigation cost in Multnomah County?
A standard active sub-slab depressurization system typically runs $800-$2,500 installed nationally; Oregon quotes vary with foundation type (slab, crawlspace, basement), home size and local labor. Get two or three bids from certified mitigators listed by your state radon program or the EPA's find-a-professional page.

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