Oregon cities are known for their quirky, avant-garde culture, iconic coffee shops, local flare, and farm-to-table restaurants.
There are hip millennial cities like Portland, hippie tree-hugging cities like Bend, and coastal cities like Coos Bay that are all great places to find work, raise families, and enjoy life.
But what are the best places to live in Oregon? Using Saturday Night Science, we identified the best places to live in Oregon based on factors that include cost of living, home prices, median incomes, and crime rates.
These are the places in Oregon that live up to the license plate aspirations of “We love Dreamers,” “Things Look Different Here,” and “Pacific Wonderland.”
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Table | Map | Methodology | Summary
The 10 Best Places To Live In Oregon For 2024
What city is the best place to live in Oregon for 2024? The best place to live in Oregon is Lake Oswego based on home values, low crime, and high quality of life.
It was very difficult to narrow down 74 of Oregon’s best places to live to just ten.
For more reading, check out:
The 10 Best Places To Live In Oregon For 2024
| Stat | Lake Oswego | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 40,457 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 2 | – |
| Median Home Value | $880,600 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $127,252 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.6% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0164 | 0.0296 |
More on Lake Oswego: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
If Oregon had a best city ‘Walk of Fame,” Lake Oswego would already have a spot front and center as this place in Clackamas County continues to be the #1 best place to live in Oregon year after year.
Lake Oswego’s multiple intriguing features such as a lake in the middle of the town (hence the name), its cost of living, and low crime rate, have made this place the envy of anyone who doesn’t currently live here–at least this is what the city’s 40,457 residents are saying…..
So, when we crunched the city’s SnackAbility numbers, we were not surprised to find that the people who live here make a combined household income of $127,252/year. And, folks, you will need this type of cash if you want to be able to afford the #1 highest median home price in the state. However, with the 23rd lowest unemployment rate at 4.6% should put your mind and your wallet at ease. You will also sleep well at night knowing that Lake Oswego is one of the safest places in the state.
| Stat | West Linn | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,167 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 3 | – |
| Median Home Value | $759,031 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $134,116 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0114 | 0.0296 |
More on West Linn: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Go ahead, check out the rest of Oregon, but the 2nd best place to live in the state, West Linn, knows that when you’re done traveling The Beaver State’s concrete rivers you will choose to settle down inside its city limits. How does West Linn know? Well, it has consistently been putting up some of the best numbers in the state for safety and education. In fact, it scored a perfect 10/10 on our Snackbility Scale.
West Linn is definitely not one of the cheapest places in the state, but economic trends tell us that if you want a place with a low crime rate (we’re talking 63% below the national average safe) and great schools (Bolton Middle School and West Linn High School are both National Blue Ribbon Schools) your cost of living is going to be quite a bit more. Like, the 2nd highest median home price in the state at $759,031 more. And, if keeping up with the “West Linn Joneses” is your shtick, just know that you’re going to have to make at least $134,116/year.
| Stat | Sherwood | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,286 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 1 | – |
| Median Home Value | $628,898 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $109,770 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.9% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0240 | 0.0296 |
More on Sherwood: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
This Sherwood might not be protected by Robin Hood, but it does have one of the lowest crime rates in Oregon: and this, folks, is one of the reasons it’s the 3rd best place to live in The Beaver State. This, and so much more.
Sherwood scored low in only two categories on our SnackAbility scale–diversity and commute times. On the flipside, Sherwood’s high marks in jobs, housing, education, and amenities definitely make up for slightly longer commute times from one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest to anywhere in the United States. We’re pretty sure when you strip down the numbers and realize that the median home price in Sherwood is only $628,898 and that the combined household income here is upwards of $109,770/year, an extra couple of minutes to PortlandPortland will feel like a walk in the park.
Speaking of parks, did we mention that this is one of the best places in Oregon for families? Yes, not only is Sherwood a short distance from the Pacific Coast, it has 15 parks inside its city limits–picture yourself biking Pioneer Park or taking the family dog to play at the Sherwood Dog Park. In terms of education, Sherwood has one of the highest graduation rates and one of the greatest percentages of students in the state who go to college.
| Stat | Philomath | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,429 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 4 | – |
| Median Home Value | $496,750 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $80,599 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0127 | 0.0296 |
More on Philomath: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Located in Benton County, Philomath is a hidden gem that ranks as the number 4 best place to live in the state. Philomath’s affordable living, beautiful surroundings, and nearby attractions make it one of Oregon’s best places to live.
This charming city is known for its low cost of living and affordable real estate. With a median home price of $496,750, Philomath offers you the opportunity to own property at a fraction of the cost compared to other places in Oregon. Philomath is just a short drive away from Corvallis, home to Oregon State University, providing residents with access to cultural events, sports games, and educational opportunities.
| Stat | Milwaukie | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,195 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 5 | – |
| Median Home Value | $502,721 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $78,676 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0144 | 0.0296 |
More on Milwaukie: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Another Portland-burb, Milwaukie is the 5th best place to live in Oregon.
Located along the banks of the Willamette River, The Dogwood City of the West keeps cranking out the numbers in the right direction. Milwaukie is not only one of the safest places on our list with its low crime rate (there were only 305 crimes reported this past year and a large majority of them were property related), it meets and exceeds expectations for its overall cost of living. When we looked at the city’s median cost for things like health services, groceries, housing, and utilities, we found that Milwaukie’s numbers are right in line with the rest of the state. In fact, if you want to buy a home in Milwaukie you can get one for $502,721–it is the 2best place to buy a home in Oregon. The 21,195 residents here also make a lot of money–we’re talking a median household income of $78,676/year.
Milwaukie also scored a 9/10 for amenities on our SnackAbility scale. Top attractions here include–but, are definitely NOT limited to– the year-round fun that can be found at the Kronberg Multi-Use Park. Just think of all the money you’ll save on gas by biking to work!
| Stat | Bend | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 99,442 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 7 | – |
| Median Home Value | $728,806 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $82,671 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.8% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0183 | 0.0296 |
More on Bend: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Bend’s bold startup culture and unbeatable Oregon energy has made it the 6th best place to live in The Beaver State. Some are even going as far to call Bend “A Commuter Town for Silicon Valley” as it’s much cheaper to live here than San Francisco. Incidentally, this influx of people has made Bend one of the fastest growing cities in the state.
Besides strong job opportunities and the state’s 10th best unemployment rate at 3.8%, why are people flocking to Bend? Point blank, Bend has outstanding numbers. The crime rate here is below the state average and below the national average. Basically, Bend is super safe.
And what was once a logging town is now identified as a gateway for many sports, including biking, hiking, and white-water rafting the Deschutes River is also relatively affordable. Homes go for $728,806 here and the Bend’s cost of living is manageable if you make the city’s median income of $82,671/year. Folks, Bend is truly “Living at its best”.
| Stat | Talent | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,256 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 17 | – |
| Median Home Value | $418,800 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $51,215 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.7% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0110 | 0.0296 |
More on Talent: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Talent is talented when it comes to quality of life. It’s the 7th best place in Oregon for 2024.
Talent, located in Jackson County off of I5 and Route 99, is favored for its strategic position with 6,256 residents enjoying a swift average commute of 17 minutes. Talent’s residents are obviously talented as 44% have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and the town has an impressively low unemployment rate.
Close to the Rogue River Valley and the cultural scenes of Medford and Ashland, you don’t have to have skill to see Talent is the place to be.
| Stat | Canby | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,127 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 12 | – |
| Median Home Value | $566,045 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $91,823 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.1% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0128 | 0.0296 |
More on Canby: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
It’s Oregon’s hospitality that draws people to this Pacific Northwest state and it’s places like the 8th best place to live in the state, Canby, that makes them stay. And, folks, you don’t have to look for the silver lining in here because Canby’s median home price is the 10th best in the state. Yes, if you play your cards right, Canby “can-be” your forever home for the median home price of $566,045.
And if you are worried about Canby’s cost of living, don’t be. Matter of fact, there must be something in the soil here because this Canby is known as “Oregon’s Garden Spot” and their motto is “Home of the Good Earth,” so if you have a green thumb, you can cut your grocery cost in half. Other headliners under Canby’s cost of living are health services and utilities.
Jobs and amenities were the other SnackAbility indicators that stood out. We do, however, recommend that you have a plan in place before you uproot your life to Canby as the city’s unemployment rate is the 7th best in the state at 3.1% and the poverty rate is 8.8%.
| Stat | Central Point | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,123 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 8 | – |
| Median Home Value | $399,880 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $79,731 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.1% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0164 | 0.0296 |
More on Central Point: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Central Point is a hidden gem in Jackson County, Oregon, near Oregon Highway 99 and Interstate 5. As the 9th best place to live in Oregon, it offers a high quality of life with an affordable price tag.
Central Point is close to Rogue Valley, with its hiking trails and scenic views, while also being home to the Jackson County Fair, an annual event in July that brings the community together. You can indulge in world-class cheeses at Rogue Creamery or expand your knowledge at the Crater Rock Museum.
| Stat | Tigard | Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 55,161 | 4,229,374 |
| Rank Last Year | 6 | – |
| Median Home Value | $601,645 | $487,750 |
| Median Income | $101,354 | $76,632 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.1% | 5.5% |
| Crime Per Capita | 0.0414 | 0.0296 |
More on Tigard: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
If it’s time to uproot your family with a little spring cleaning, start with a move to Oregon’s 10th best place to live, Tigard. To be honest, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see CNN call Tigard one of the best places to live in the United States with the consistent numbers it puts up year after year.
Why Tigard, you ask? Well, here’s the latest scoop. For one, it’s pretty safe in here. In fact, if it weren’t for a couple of larceny and property crimes Tigard’s crime rate would be one of the lowest on our list. In terms of Tigard’s cost of living, all major services–including health, groceries, and utilities are in line with the state average except for housing. Yes, Tigard has the 9th highest median home price in the state at $601,645 and the median income here is $101,354/year.
Tigard’s walkable downtown has unique shopping and an extensive list of things to keep you and your family safely entertained for days. So, explore Tigard’s downtown for some daytime fun and hit its nightlife circuit when you’re not busy padding your bank account.
Mapping The Best And Worst Places To Live in Oregon
Best Places To Live In Oregon Size Requirement
Before we even started to collect data on the best places to live in Oregon, we had to answer a tough question: Is it fair to pit Salem, with a population of 175,754, against places with a population of 18?
We firmly decided no, that just isn’t fair.
So, to create our ranking, we broke the best places to live into three tiers:
- Cities — Populations over 5,000
- Towns — Populations between 1,000 and 5,000
- Small Towns — Populations below 1,000
This filter left 74 cities, 107 towns, and 123 small towns.
We then decided no matter how much anyone loves their town, the best cities to live in Oregon have more of everything, and therefore, you need over 5,000 people to truly be ‘the best.’
Methodology: How We Calculated The Best Cities To Live In Oregon
Now that we had our set of the best possible cities, it was time to rank them using Saturday Night Science.
We ranked each place in Oregon across a number of criteria from one to 74, with one being the best.
We then took the average rank across all criteria, crowning the city posting the lowest overall score, the “Best Place To Live In Oregon.”
The criteria we looked to determine the best places were:
- Median Home Values
- Median Income
- Population Density (Higher is better)
- Unemployment Rate
- Commute Time
- Crime
- Education Levels
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Poverty rates
Sources of criteria include the New Census Data, FBI Crime Data, and Zillow. We updated this article for 2024. This report is our tenth time ranking Oregon’s best places to live.
If your city or town isn’t among the top 10, jump down to the bottom of the post to see a detailed chart of the best places in Oregon. Otherwise, buckle up for a ride down good living lane with Lake Oswego at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Summary: The Best Places In Oregon
If you’re looking at areas in Oregon with the best economic situations, where there’s lower than average crime, and a lot to do, this is an accurate list.
The best places to live in Oregon are Lake Oswego, West Linn, Sherwood, Philomath, Milwaukie, Bend, Talent, Canby, Central Point, and Tigard.
Lake Oswego made a strong showing to take in the overall number one spot for the best place to live in Oregon for 2024.
If you’re curious enough, here are the worst places to live in Oregon according to the data:
- Madras (Pop. 7,494)
- Sweet Home (Pop. 9,852)
- Ontario (Pop. 11,610)
For more Oregon reading, check out:
- Cheapest Places To Live In Oregon
- Most Dangerous Cities In Oregon
- Best Places To Raise A Family In Oregon
- Best Places To Retire In Oregon
- Richest Cities In Oregon
- Safest Places In Oregon
- Worst Places To Live In Oregon
Best Places To Live In Oregon Table
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Value | Median Income | Rent | Crime Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Oswego | 40,457 | 4.6% | $880,600 | $127,252 | $1,979 | 0.0164 |
| 2 | West Linn | 27,167 | 4.7% | $759,031 | $134,116 | $1,907 | 0.0114 |
| 3 | Sherwood | 20,286 | 2.9% | $628,898 | $109,770 | $1,980 | 0.0240 |
| 4 | Philomath | 5,429 | 3.8% | $496,750 | $80,599 | $1,374 | 0.0127 |
| 5 | Milwaukie | 21,195 | 5.5% | $502,721 | $78,676 | $1,441 | 0.0144 |
| 6 | Bend | 99,442 | 3.8% | $728,806 | $82,671 | $1,649 | 0.0183 |
| 7 | Talent | 6,256 | 2.7% | $418,800 | $51,215 | $1,302 | 0.0110 |
| 8 | Canby | 18,127 | 3.1% | $566,045 | $91,823 | $1,327 | 0.0128 |
| 9 | Central Point | 19,123 | 4.1% | $399,880 | $79,731 | $1,247 | 0.0164 |
| 10 | Tigard | 55,161 | 5.1% | $601,645 | $101,354 | $1,644 | 0.0414 |
| 11 | Hillsboro | 106,612 | 4.6% | $527,280 | $98,891 | $1,797 | 0.0286 |
| 12 | Beaverton | 97,554 | 3.9% | $534,974 | $88,899 | $1,663 | 0.0309 |
| 13 | Creswell | 5,607 | 1.0% | $455,141 | $85,126 | $1,229 | 0.0376 |
| 14 | Scappoose | 8,003 | 2.5% | $474,121 | $96,339 | $1,716 | 0.0151 |
| 15 | Newberg | 25,379 | 3.3% | $519,518 | $87,873 | $1,570 | 0.0263 |
| 16 | Ashland | 21,401 | 5.7% | $543,829 | $64,767 | $1,220 | 0.0265 |
| 17 | Tualatin | 27,804 | 4.8% | $637,027 | $105,542 | $1,665 | 0.0411 |
| 18 | Silverton | 10,439 | 5.7% | $518,976 | $75,167 | $1,321 | 0.0148 |
| 19 | Eagle Point | 9,735 | 12.9% | $454,585 | $83,625 | $1,298 | 0.0185 |
| 20 | Molalla | 10,147 | 7.0% | $478,905 | $77,442 | $1,403 | 0.0139 |
| 21 | Keizer | 39,122 | 4.6% | $434,715 | $75,753 | $1,268 | 0.0275 |
| 22 | Stayton | 8,210 | 4.8% | $434,159 | $72,639 | $1,058 | 0.0248 |
| 23 | Happy Valley | 24,381 | 3.8% | $682,410 | $126,108 | $1,954 | 0.0690 |
| 24 | Independence | 9,981 | 4.4% | $395,971 | $73,361 | $1,410 | 0.0167 |
| 25 | Gladstone | 11,996 | 5.9% | $504,640 | $88,043 | $1,609 | 0.0303 |
| 26 | Hood River | 8,292 | 2.9% | $691,118 | $70,791 | $1,318 | 0.0405 |
| 27 | Forest Grove | 26,160 | 4.3% | $512,087 | $77,977 | $1,282 | 0.0219 |
| 28 | Monmouth | 11,054 | 4.9% | $446,850 | $61,282 | $1,125 | 0.0166 |
| 29 | Winston | 5,618 | 2.9% | $297,819 | $51,182 | $1,094 | 0.0198 |
| 30 | Brookings | 6,719 | 8.2% | $485,283 | $79,109 | $1,288 | 0.0207 |
| 31 | Sandy | 12,592 | 4.8% | $500,027 | $98,341 | $1,503 | 0.0690 |
| 32 | St. Helens | 14,015 | 4.8% | $407,724 | $77,475 | $1,223 | 0.0146 |
| 33 | Corvallis | 60,050 | 8.0% | $530,933 | $61,610 | $1,315 | 0.0387 |
| 34 | Portland | 646,101 | 5.6% | $523,622 | $85,876 | $1,530 | 0.0690 |
| 35 | Troutdale | 16,150 | 4.4% | $469,436 | $86,307 | $1,456 | 0.0332 |
| 36 | Warrenton | 6,254 | 4.8% | $492,143 | $69,400 | $1,199 | 0.0638 |
| 37 | Wilsonville | 25,992 | 5.8% | $637,996 | $83,210 | $1,715 | 0.0690 |
| 38 | Dallas | 16,945 | 5.2% | $447,818 | $67,935 | $1,131 | 0.0233 |
| 39 | Redmond | 34,191 | 7.2% | $504,145 | $72,798 | $1,381 | 0.0252 |
| 40 | Albany | 56,348 | 6.7% | $413,665 | $69,777 | $1,194 | 0.0299 |
| 41 | Cornelius | 13,245 | 4.4% | $471,048 | $83,051 | $1,385 | 0.0270 |
| 42 | McMinnville | 34,432 | 3.7% | $466,521 | $65,318 | $1,213 | 0.0263 |
| 43 | North Bend | 10,250 | 7.8% | $360,467 | $67,841 | $946 | 0.0423 |
| 44 | Florence | 9,384 | 6.6% | $417,088 | $57,568 | $1,150 | 0.0292 |
| 45 | Eugene | 176,755 | 7.1% | $464,226 | $61,481 | $1,269 | 0.0376 |
| 46 | Astoria | 10,184 | 3.8% | $480,872 | $69,463 | $1,074 | 0.0385 |
| 47 | Tillamook | 5,215 | 5.0% | $449,832 | $53,711 | $1,081 | 0.0380 |
| 48 | La Grande | 13,097 | 7.8% | $273,962 | $52,039 | $910 | 0.0277 |
| 49 | Cottage Grove | 10,583 | 6.1% | $386,561 | $60,219 | $987 | 0.0124 |
| 50 | Sutherlin | 8,513 | 5.7% | $334,639 | $48,610 | $1,048 | 0.0261 |
| 51 | Medford | 85,539 | 5.0% | $392,181 | $65,647 | $1,214 | 0.0455 |
| 52 | Fairview | 10,515 | 4.3% | $456,132 | $78,407 | $1,483 | 0.0332 |
| 53 | Milton-Freewater | 7,137 | 7.7% | $214,651 | $46,372 | $725 | 0.0258 |
| 54 | Veneta | 5,177 | 4.8% | $422,592 | $58,825 | $1,351 | 0.0376 |
| 55 | Pendleton | 17,005 | 7.4% | $282,990 | $67,931 | $895 | 0.0403 |
| 56 | Springfield | 61,740 | 6.1% | $399,498 | $60,982 | $1,126 | 0.0363 |
| 57 | Roseburg | 23,657 | 5.0% | $344,982 | $50,297 | $974 | 0.0517 |
| 58 | Gresham | 113,525 | 5.8% | $451,470 | $69,437 | $1,452 | 0.0332 |
| 59 | Seaside | 7,142 | 7.9% | $493,204 | $44,087 | $956 | 0.0225 |
| 60 | Lebanon | 18,587 | 7.3% | $377,909 | $53,246 | $1,183 | 0.0150 |
| 61 | Grants Pass | 39,131 | 6.3% | $398,971 | $53,941 | $1,086 | 0.0437 |
| 62 | Prineville | 10,915 | 6.4% | $403,041 | $63,904 | $1,118 | 0.0155 |
| 63 | Newport | 10,319 | 6.8% | $480,287 | $57,511 | $1,086 | 0.0342 |
| 64 | Salem | 175,754 | 6.1% | $418,511 | $67,540 | $1,224 | 0.0419 |
| 65 | Sheridan | 6,237 | 6.8% | $378,924 | $56,989 | $1,112 | 0.0263 |
| 66 | Hermiston | 19,267 | 7.4% | $330,704 | $65,502 | $961 | 0.0344 |
| 67 | The Dalles | 15,988 | 7.1% | $376,552 | $59,714 | $925 | 0.0418 |
| 68 | Umatilla | 7,433 | 9.6% | $271,351 | $56,413 | $1,013 | 0.0114 |
| 69 | Woodburn | 26,222 | 4.8% | $403,723 | $58,916 | $1,300 | 0.0396 |
| 70 | Coos Bay | 15,949 | 4.8% | $329,613 | $53,331 | $916 | 0.0643 |
| 71 | Klamath Falls | 21,806 | 8.1% | $284,251 | $46,695 | $923 | 0.0327 |
| 72 | Madras | 7,494 | 10.0% | $341,687 | $52,500 | $878 | 0.0404 |
| 73 | Sweet Home | 9,852 | 7.8% | $345,316 | $56,783 | $1,055 | 0.0403 |
| 74 | Ontario | 11,610 | 7.0% | $286,357 | $39,750 | $739 | 0.0686 |