Living in Oregon

#17 in population growth

Should you move to Oregon?

Oregon, famously known as the Beaver State, is a place where natural beauty, progressive thinking, and a laid-back lifestyle converge. From the rugged Pacific coastline to the Cascade Range, and the high desert of the east, the state’s landscapes are not only diverse but also truly majestic.

Oregon’s economy is a healthy mix of various sectors. Portland, the state’s largest city, is a major hub for tech and footwear companies. The “Silicon Forest” is home to tech giants like Intel and Tektronix, while Beaverton houses the world headquarters of Nike. Oregon is also a significant player in the forestry, agriculture, and wine production sectors.

But living in Oregon isn’t just about working—it’s about experiencing a unique way of life. Oregonians have a deep appreciation for the outdoors and environmental conservation. Whether it’s hiking through Crater Lake National Park, windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge, skiing on Mt. Hood, or strolling through one of Portland’s renowned rose gardens, outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home.

The cultural scene in Oregon is just as vibrant. Portland is known for its eclectic arts scene, food trucks, microbreweries, and coffeehouses. It’s a city where creativity and quirkiness are celebrated — after all, the unofficial motto is “Keep Portland Weird”.

Education is highly regarded in Oregon, with reputable institutions like the University of Oregon and Oregon State University leading the way in research and innovation.

So if you’re drawn to a state with a balance of thriving industries, abundant natural beauty, a commitment to sustainability, and a distinctive cultural vibe, Oregon could be your next destination. Be prepared for lots of rain, but remember, it’s this rain that keeps the state so beautifully green!

#27 in population

Population

4,240,137

National Avg 6,652,315

#12 in population

Population Per Square Mile

44

National Avg 206.5 persons/square mile

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How Does Oregon Score?

D
Home Affordability
D
Cost of Living
C
Diversity

LEARN ABOUT
RANKINGS & DATA

Metropolitans

Living in Oregon

Climate

How Does Oregon Compare?

#45
in Sunny Days
#20
in Annual Rainfall
#8
in Daytime Humidity

Healthcare

#13

How Does Oregon Compare?

#13
in Healthcare
#5
in Available Beds
#22
in Doctors Per Resident

1

Children's Hospitals

2

VA Medical Centers

20

VA Clinics

Oregon Marijuana Laws

Cost of Living

#44

How Does Oregon Compare?

#44
in Cost of Living
#6
in Minimum Hourly Wage
#44
in Living Wage

Oregon State Taxes

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Essential New Mover Steps

What costs and challenges will you face when relocating to Oregon? Start your journey by preparing with these key steps.

eMortgage connects you with up to 5 competing mortgage lenders through a quick, streamlined process.

Renter tested. Landlord approved. Starting from $5/mo.

Moving costs can add up quickly. Start budgeting by tackling one of your largest costs first by requesting a free online quote from 1-800-Pack-Rat.

Education in Oregon

#39

Oregon School Districts

8th Grade Proficiency (2022)

Ranked #34 in Mathematics

Basic Proficiency

57%

Proficient or Above

22%

Ranked #36 in Reading

Basic Proficiency

67%

Proficient or Above

28%

Education Attainment

High School Degree
91.5%
Bachelors Degree
35%

Raising a Family?

See if any of these family-friendly places are a fit for yours.

Places (Cities & Towns)

Get to Know Oregon

State Capital

Salem

Area Codes

458, 503, 541, 971

Time Zone

Pacific Time Zone, Mountain Time Zone

Number of Counties

36

Land Area (square miles)

95,996

Motto

Alis volat propriis (She flies with her own wings)

State Bird

Western meadowlark

Housing

#44
#44 in home affordability

Median Home Value

$438,100

National $440,300

#38 in rent affordability

Median Rent

$1,250

National $1,702

Average Homeownership cost

$587

Taxes, Insurance, Utilities, HOA (no mortgage)

Total Households

1,658,091

Persons Per Household

2.49

Rent vs Own

Own 63.2%
Rent 36.8%

Economy

#18 in household income

Median Household Income

70,084

National $70,784

#34 in labor participation
% in Labor Force
62.5%
Poverty Rate
12.2%

Industries by Revenue

in $1,000s

Health & Social Assistance Revenue

$33,083,776

Accomodations & Food Revenue

$11,803,851

Transportation & Warehousing Revenue

$8,813,005

Per Capita Retail Sales

14,877

Counties

Diversity

#29
White alone
85.9%
Black or African American alone
2.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
1.9%
Asian alone
5.1%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
0.5%
Two or More Races
4.3%
Hispanic or Latino
14.4%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
73.5%

Foreign Born Persons

9.8%

Veterans

265325

Persons Under 5 years
4.9%
Persons Under 18 years
19.7%
Persons 65 years and over
19.2%

Is Diversity essential?

Find culture and diversity in the Most Diverse Places in the US.

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