Asphalt Driveway Cost in Gresham, Oregon: 2026 Price Guide

What Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost in Gresham?

Gresham sits at the eastern edge of the Portland metro, where Multnomah County's wet winters and the long shadow of Mount Hood shape how driveways are built and how long they hold up. Homeowners here deal with steady rainfall from October through May, the occasional hard freeze rolling in off the Columbia River Gorge, and clay-heavy soils that hold water. All three factors influence what you pay to pave a driveway and how the base needs to be prepared.

For a standard residential project, industry sources have historically reported baseline ranges of $3 to $7 per square foot for a new asphalt driveway, with most homeowners landing somewhere in the middle for a typical two-car layout. A common 600-square-foot driveway has been baselined around $1,800 to $4,200, while larger or more complex projects climb well beyond that. Keep in mind these are starting reference points — actual Gresham costs frequently run higher once site conditions, removal, and base work are factored in.

Whether you are paving a fresh driveway on a new build near Pleasant Valley or replacing a cracked surface in an older Rockwood neighborhood, understanding the cost breakdown helps you budget accurately and read contractor quotes with a clear eye.

Gresham Asphalt Driveway Prices: Detailed Breakdown

Cost by Driveway Size

Industry baseline ranges shown below. Actual costs vary and may be significantly higher based on soil, slope, removal, and base prep requirements.

Driveway Size	Approx. Square Footage	Industry Baseline Range
Single car	300–400 sq ft	$1,000–$2,800
Two car	600–800 sq ft	$1,800–$5,600
Three car / extended	1,000–1,200 sq ft	$3,000–$8,400
Long rural / acreage	2,000+ sq ft	$6,000+

Per-square-foot pricing tends to drop slightly as the project gets larger because mobilization and crew setup are spread across more area.

What Goes Into the Price

Baseline cost components. The mix of these line items is what makes two Gresham driveways of the same size quote very differently.

Cost Component	Industry Baseline Range
Old driveway removal & haul-off	$1–$3 per sq ft
Excavation & grading	$1–$3 per sq ft
Aggregate base rock (4–8 in)	$1–$3 per sq ft
Asphalt surface (2–3 in)	$2–$5 per sq ft
Steep slope / drainage work	varies widely

Base rock depth matters more in Gresham than in many drier parts of Oregon. The clay soils common across east county hold moisture, so a properly compacted aggregate base does the heavy lifting in keeping your asphalt from cracking through its first few freeze-thaw cycles.

Factors That Affect Driveway Cost in Gresham

Soil and Base Prep

Much of Gresham sits on silt and clay loam that drains slowly. When the ground stays saturated through winter, a thin or poorly compacted base lets the asphalt flex and crack. A reputable contractor will spec a deeper base rock layer and proper compaction for these conditions, which adds to the upfront cost but dramatically extends the life of the driveway.

Removal of the Old Surface

If you are replacing an existing driveway, tear-out and haul-off is a real line item. An old asphalt or concrete surface has to be broken up, loaded, and disposed of before new work begins. Crumbling edges and a failed base can add to the labor here.

Slope and Drainage

Neighborhoods climbing toward the foothills and the Gresham Buttes often have grade to deal with. Sloped driveways need careful drainage planning so winter runoff does not undermine the base or pool against the garage. Channel drains, regrading, and edge support all factor into the quote.

Driveway Size and Complexity

A simple rectangular driveway is the most cost-effective shape to pave. Curves, a turnaround, a parking pad, or transitions to a garage and walkways all add labor and material. For a deeper look at how size drives price statewide, see our guide on asphalt driveway cost across Oregon.

Current Market Reality

The baseline ranges above reflect historically reported national and regional averages. In practice, real Gresham projects often exceed these numbers because of:

• Removal and disposal — tearing out an old driveway and hauling it off adds cost before any new asphalt is laid
• Base remediation — soft, wet, or clay-heavy subgrade may need over-excavation and extra aggregate
• Slope and drainage — hillside lots near the buttes require grading and drainage that flat lots do not
• Material and fuel pricing — asphalt is petroleum-based, so costs move with oil prices and season
• Access constraints — tight urban lots and limited equipment access can slow a crew down

Treat published ranges as a starting point, not a budget target. The only accurate number comes from a contractor who walks your property.

Why Local Conditions Matter in East Multnomah County

Gresham's position between the Columbia Gorge and the Cascade foothills gives it slightly harsher winters than inner Portland. Cold air funneling out of the Gorge brings ice and freeze-thaw cycling that flat valley towns see less of. That cycling is hard on asphalt — water seeps into hairline cracks, freezes, expands, and widens them.

The practical takeaway is that base prep and drainage are not places to cut corners here. A driveway built on a properly compacted base with good water control will outlast a cheaper install by years, which usually makes the higher upfront cost the better value over the life of the driveway. Regular upkeep also stretches that lifespan; our asphalt driveway maintenance services cover sealcoating and crack repair that protect the investment.