Moving to Oregon in 2023 Complete Relocation Guide

Are you considering moving to Oregon?

If you’d like to live in a state with diverse natural scenery, expansive coastline, booming economy, great weather, and remarkable coffee, moving to Oregon is right for you.

Oregon is a city of millennials and with lots of exciting activities for outdoor enthusiasts. If you love off-road tours, camping, and rock climbing, moving to Oregon will be perfect for you.

Oregon’s vibrant economy, booming job market, and scenic atmosphere make it one of the most coveted states among Millenials.

Oregon is well known for being a beer and wine lovers’ paradise and if you love sports, moving to Oregon is perfect for you.

To help you decide if moving to Oregon is right for you or not, we’ve collated key data and stats about the state to help you make an informed decision.

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  Oregon Demographics

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  Quick Facts of Oregon

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  Top Reasons to move to Oregon

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  Pros & Cons of living in Oregon

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  Best Places to Live in Oregon

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  Cost of living in Oregon

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  Oregon Job Market

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  Taxes in Oregon

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  Oregon Most Known For?

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  Schools in Oregon

Oregon Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of Oregon.

Male vs Female Population of Oregon 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in Oregon 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in Oregon 2021

Quick facts to know before moving to Oregon

• There is no sales tax in Oregon
• The average effective rate of property taxes in Oregon is 0.90%
• Oregon’s average one-way commute time is 23.5 minutes.
• The average hourly pay for the average job in Oregon is $21.89 per hour
• The median age in Oregon is 39.1 years of age
• Oregon averages 41 inches of rain in a year

Top 10 reasons to move to Oregon

Moving to Oregon sounds and appealing to many people. Thousands of people move to Beaver state every year for various unique reasons. Since you’re considering moving to Oregon, here are the top ten reasons people are relocating to the state:

• Beautiful expansive coastline

  Oregon takes pride in its expansive coastline. With breathtaking sunset vistas and access to unlimited water activities, Oregon’s beaches are perhaps the most happening in the US.

  Some of the best beaches in Oregon include:

  • Cannon Beach
  • Cape Kiwanda State Scenic Area
  • Nye Beach
  • Secret Beach
  • Seaside Beach
  • Arizona Beach
  • Hobbit Beach
  • Lone Ranch Beach
  • Short Sand Beach
  • Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area

• No sales tax

  As Oregon does not have a sales tax, Oregonians purchase goods and services at a cheaper rate than the neighboring states. This makes Oregon a preferred shopping destination for people from bordering states.

• A strong and booming economy

  Oregon continues its healthy growth in employment, income, and GDP and the state is the 26th wealthiest in the US. And this contributes to a robust job market.

• Great weather (enjoy all four seasons)

  Oregon is a four-weather state and has got a season for everyone. It has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate. The summers are warm and winters are too cold with snowfall. Summer temperatures average around 80 degrees but do go over 100 for one or two days a year. In fall, the daytime temperatures drop to the 60s and low 70s, with cooler nights at about 50-58 degrees. While in winter, temperatures range from daytime highs in the 50s, to the low 40s and often going below the freezing level.

• It’s a bikers paradise

  Oregon is full of scenic routes for cyclists, ranging from wide-open high desert to dense and lush forests, snow-capped mountain peaks to the rocky coastline.

  We’ve picked 10 rides in Oregon for you to enjoy.

  • Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade
  • Banks/Vernonia State Trail
  • Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
  • Row River Trail
  • Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway
  • Nestucca River Road
  • Aufderheide National Scenic Byway
  • Rim Drive at Crater Lake
  • McKenzie River Trail
  • The Oregon Alps

• Diverse natural scenery

  With towering mountains, high desert, and 362 miles of coastline, Oregon is a nature lover’s playground. For its versatile scenery, Oregon is often called America’s most beautiful state. We’ve listed 10 places in Oregon to relish its scenic beauty.

  • Mt. Hood
  • Columbia River Gorge
  • Oregon Coast
  • Painted Hills
  • Wallowa Mountains
  • Smith Rock State Park
  • Hells Canyon
  • Alvord Desert
  • Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
  • Neskowin Ghost Forest

• Recreational cannabis is legal in Oregon

  Oregon permits recreational cannabis use and possession by people 21 and older. However, smoking or consuming cannabis edibles in a public place or in public view is illegal and can invite fines. And even driving under the influence of cannabis is an offense.

• Get the chance to live in a great mix of remarkable cities

  The Beaver State is famous for its breathtaking landscapes. From forests to beaches, mountains to farmlands, and volcanoes to deserts, the state is known to be among the most diverse in the country. The state is also home to some of the towns adored for their magical beauty.

  Here are the 10 most scenic small towns in Oregon.

  • Joseph
  • Baker City
  • Florence
  • Brownsville
  • McMinnville
  • Cottage Grove
  • Sisters
  • Klamath Falls
  • Ashland
  • Hood River

• Enjoy fresh foods from the local farmers market

  The Farmer's Markets are part of Oregon’s culture and you will find here the best and fresh produce from the nearby farms. The markets also sell local crafts to support the community around.

  • Baker City Farmers Market
  • Albany Saturday Farmers Market
  • Newport Farmers Market
  • Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market
  • Gresham Farmers Market
  • Oregon City Farmers Market
  • Corvallis Farmers Market
  • Lane County Saturday Farmers Market
  • Salem Saturday Farmers Market
  • Hillsboro Farmers Market
  • Portland Farmers Market

• Oregon is home to remarkable state and national parks

  Oregon is blessed with outstanding scenery, nature, and landscapes. It is home to everything from majestic mountains and charming coastline to dense forests, sprawling deserts, and captivating canyons. The dozens of state and national parks make Oregon a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.

  We’ve compiled a list of 10 state and national parks to explore in Oregon.

  • Valley of the Rogue River State Park
  • Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
  • Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
  • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Newberry National Volcanic Monument
  • Valley of the Rogue State Park
  • Wallowa Lake State Park
  • Viento State Park
  • Silver Falls State Park

Pros & Cons of Living in Oregon

Considering the pros and cons of moving to Oregon can make it easier for you to decide if moving to the state is right for you or not. Since you’re mulling over moving to Oregon, here are the pros and cons of living in the state:

Tip: Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.

The Best Places To Live In Oregon?

Moving to Oregon means you’ll get the chance to live in some of the best places in the state. Here’s a list of the ten best places to live in Oregon to make your house hunting easier:

Oregon Cities Moving Guides

Cost of Living in Oregon

The cost of living in Oregon is rated 113.1. The United States average is 100. That means the cost of living in Oregon is higher than the U.S. average. Since you’re considering moving to Oregon, here are key metrics that make up the cost of living in Oregon:

Here’s a breakdown of various metrics that make up the cost of living in Oregon:

The United States average is 100.

Cost of living	Oregon	United States
Overall	113.1	100
Grocery	100.4	100
Health	88	100
Housing	148.9	100
Median Home Cost	$344,200	$231,200
Utilities	81	100
Transportation	107.1	100
Miscellaneous	97.6	100

Median House Price in Oregon vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in Oregon vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in Oregon vs USA 2021

Healthcare cost in Oregon

Healthcare cost is rated among the most important factors to consider before moving to Oregon. Since you’re considering moving to Oregon, here’s the average cost of healthcare in the state based on a silver plan:

Children are assumed to be less than 14, and adults 40 years old.

Family size	Average monthly cost of health plan
Individual plus child	$749
Couple, age 40	$1,000
Family of three (adult couple and a child)	$1,249
Family of four (adult couple and two children)	$1,497
Family of five (adult couple and three children)	$1,746

Education Cost in Oregon

If the cost of education is on the list of things you’d like to consider before moving to Oregon, we have a simple breakdown of the average cost of schooling in the state.

Cost	Undergraduate		Graduate
	In-State	Out-of-State	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees	$7,067	$15,506	$16,616	$26,366
Books & Supplies	$1,367		$1,367
Room & Board	$14,014		$14,014
COA	$22,448	$30,888	$31,997	$41,747

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How is the housing market like in Oregon?

Buying or renting a home in Oregon are both good housing options. Around 65% of Oregon’s population are homeowners. While up to 34% of the state’s population are renters. Homes in the state have a median age of 39 years.

Median home prices in Oregon

Buying a home before or after moving to Oregon is a good housing option. Oregon’s median home cost is $344,200. Over the last ten years, home appreciation in Oregon has hit 40.6%. Currently, home appreciation has increased by 6.3%.

Average home rental prices in Oregon

If you’re interested in renting a home or an apartment after moving to Oregon, we collated key data about the average home rental prices in the state. Around 1.3% of homes and apartments in Oregon are available to rent. Here are the average rental prices in the state if you’re moving to Oregon:

• The average cost of a studio apartment in Oregon is $827
• The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in Oregon is $921
• The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in Oregon is $1,123
• The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in Oregon is $1,620
• The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment $1,947

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Oregon.

Oregon Job Market

Oregon’s job market is one of the key metrics of the state’s economy. Whether you’re interested in getting a new job or starting a new business after moving to Oregon or not

Here are key metrics about the state’s job market:

Employment Information	Oregon	United States
The income per Cap	$30,410	$31,177
Household Income	$56,119	$57,652
Unemployment Rate	4.20%	3.70%
Recent Job Growth	0.78%	1.59%
Future Job Growth	41.74%	33.51%

What’s the Average salary & income in Oregon?

If moving to Oregon means getting a new job and earning new pay, you’ll most likely be interested in the average salary and income in the state. Here’s the average pay in Oregon:

• The average annual pay for average jobs in Oregon is $45,530 a year
• The average hourly pay for the average job in Oregon is $21.89 per hour
• The average weekly pay for the average job in Oregon is $876 per week
• The average monthly pay for the average job in Oregon is $3,794 a month

Largest companies in Oregon

If you’re interested in working for some of the largest companies in Oregon, we have a list of the ten largest companies in the state. These companies also double as the largest employers in Oregon. Since you’re mulling over moving to Oregon, here are the ten largest companies in the state:

Rank	Company	City	Employees
1	Nike	Beaverton	73,100
2	Daimler Trucks North America	Portland	34,015
3	Collins	Wilsonville	31,200
4	Precision Castparts	Portland	30,100
5	Fred Meyer	Portland	30,000
6	Medical Management International	Portland	13,481
7	Lithia Motors	Medford	13,000
8	Oregon Health & Science University	Portland	12,740
9	Les Schwab Tire Centers	Bend	7,900
10	The State of Oregon	Salem	7,550

Oregon’s hottest job market

You’ll stand a better chance of getting a job in the state’s hottest job market if you’re moving to Oregon. To make it easier for you to streamline your options, we’ve listed the hottest job market in the state since you’re considering moving to Oregon.

Rank	Place	Unemployment Rate	Average Income
1	Sherwood	2.95%	$118,144
2	West Linn	4.14%	$138,142
3	Happy Valley	2.75%	$156,270
4	Lake Oswego	3.17%	$151,917
5	Portland	5.45%	$90,382
6	Bend	4.77%	$86,969
7	Tigard	4.97%	$95,435
8	Tualatin	4.55%	$101,757
9	Wilsonville	4.07%	$102,111
10	Hillsboro	5.05%	$91,173

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What are the Top career options in Oregon?

If you’re interested in starting a new career after moving to Oregon, chances are that you may be interested in the top career options in the state. Since you’re mulling over moving to Oregon, here are the top 10 career options in the state:

Rank	Job Title	Average Salary	Entry Level Salary	# Of People
1	General Internal Medicine Physicians	$237,910	$103,670	270
2	Psychiatrists	$237,540	$118,000	330
3	Obstetricians And Gynecologists	$235,450	$173,710	180
4	Nurse Anesthetists	$234,750	$167,280	270
5	Family Medicine Physicians	$233,490	$137,270	880
6	Airline Pilots, Copilots, And Flight Engineers	$214,100	$86,190	710
7	Chief Executives	$212,010	$76,990	1,210
8	Dentists, General	$201,680	$132,420	1,620
9	Pediatricians, General	$198,630	$113,150	410
10	Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric	$195,930	$59,660	5,580

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Oregon, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

Major industries in Oregon

Oregon is home to some of the largest industries in America. Moving to Oregon opens lots of opportunities in the state. Since you’re interested in moving to Oregon, we’ve listed the major industries in the state, to give you an idea of what to expect:

• Commercial fisheries
• Forestry/wood products
• Tourism
• Manufacturing
• Mining And Energy
• Agriculture
• Transportation
• Health And Welfare
• Education Of Oregon
• Sports And Recreation
• Media And Publishing

Oregon Taxes

Depending on where you’re moving from, you may end up paying less or more in taxes after moving to Oregon.

Here’s a breakdown of the state’s taxes:

• Oregon income tax is 4.75% - 9.9%
• There is no sales tax in Oregon
• The average effective rate of property taxes in Oregon is 0.90%
• The gas tax in Oregon is 36 cents per gallon of regular diesel and gasoline

What are the Best things to do in Oregon?

There are several remarkable attractions to visit and lots of exciting activities to experience if you’re moving to Oregon. So, we’ve made a list of the best things to do in Oregon to give you a head start:

• Ride Horses On The Beach In Bandon

  Spread for miles, Bandon Beach on the Oregon Coast is known for its famous rock formations jutting out of the ocean and its magical sunsets. Popular adventure destination, Bandon Beach is also a camping site with bustling marine life and spectacular lighthouses to discover.

• See Haystack Rock At Canon Beach

  A landmark of Oregon, the 235-feet high Haystack Rock at Canon Beach is claimed to be the third-tallest such intertidal structure in the world. At low tide, you can walk right up to it and find colorful sea stars and other fascinating tidepool creatures in its intertidal area. Puffins can be observed on Haystack Rock from early spring to mid-summer, offering the most accessible viewing of Tufted Puffins in the Northwest.

• Explore Tidepools

  Nestled between the unforgiving Pacific Ocean and the rugged rocky shores, tide pools offer a rare place of calm on the Oregon coast. They come in weird shapes and configurations, with stunningly strange biology. Here are 10 surefire spots for good tide-pooling in Oregon.

  • Haystack Rock
  • Hug Point
  • Cape Kiwanda
  • Yaquina Head
  • Seal Rock State Park
  • Yachats State Park
  • Cape Perpetua
  • Neptune State Park
  • Heceta Head
  • Coquille Point
• Visit The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

  A linear state park in southwestern Oregon, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is 12 miles (19 km) long and thickly forested along a steep and rugged coastline with a few small sandy beaches. It offers sea stacks, stunning viewpoints, and sand dunes.

• Listen To The Sea Lions At Sea Lion Caves

  Sea Lion Caves is a connected system of sea caves, probably the largest in the world and it offers an opportunity to see not only sea lions but scores of other wildlife in their natural habitat. Winter is the best time to view the sea lions inside the cave.

• Take A Road Trip To Thor’s Well

  The 20-feet deep Thor’s Well on the Central Oregon Coast is the most dramatic, awe-inspiring seascape to photograph on the entire West Coast. At high tide, waves come up from the bottom and as the waves recede, the water falls back down through the well.

• Take A Scenic Drive Along Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

  The 66-mile scenic Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is the best to observe the natural beauty of Oregon. While you drive through the byway, you’ll pass along the shores of the renowned Deschutes River and a dozen lakes, as well as many noteworthy geological formations hewn by glacial and volcanic activity.

• Run Up And Down The Oregon Sand Dunes

  Oregon is home to some of the best dune riding in the country. For a 50 mile expanse between Coos Bay and Florence, the shifting sand mountains harbor a unique ecosystem that conceals coastal lakes, marshes, rivers, and spruce forests.

  Here are all the best places to ride sand dunes in Oregon.

  • Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
  • Jessie M Honeyman State Park
  • Tahkenitch Dunes
  • John Dellenback Dunes
  • Christmas Valley Sand Dunes
  • Sand Lake Recreation Area

• Drive Across Astoria-Megler Bridge

  Connecting Oregon to Washington across the mouth of the Columbia River, the Astoria–Megler Bridge is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. The 4-mile bridge is a landmark of Oregon and pedestrians are allowed only just one day per year, during the Great Columbia Crossing.

• Visit The Painted Hills

  The Painted Hills in Wheeler County got their name from the stripes of color in the ground. You get to see different kinds of the earth here – yellow, gold, black, and red. There are several well-marked trails here and you’ll see more than 50 kinds of birds.

• Hike Out To The Blue Pool

  The Tamolitch Blue Pool at the base of the Tamolitch Falls is a small water body you reach after 5-mile hiking. The water is vibrant blue in color, resembling a topaz gem.

• Float The Deschutes River In Bend

  The 252-mile Deschutes River features ruggedly beautiful scenery, outstanding whitewater boating, a renowned sport fishery for steelhead, brown trout, and native rainbow trout. The river is also a popular whitewater rafting location.

• Stand-Up Paddle Board On Devils Lake

  Devils Lake on the central Oregon coast in Lincoln City is a popular destination for stand-up paddleboarding. In addition to paddleboarding, it is also a favorite kayaking, fishing, and boating destination.

• Visit Smith Rock State Park

  The 640-acre Smith Rock State Park offers miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Along your trip through the canyon, you might see golden eagles, prairie falcons, mule deers, river otters, and beavers.

• See Tumalo Falls In Winter

  Tumalo Falls is a 97-feet waterfall at Tumalo Creek near Bend. It has many hiking and biking trails and is also a popular bird watching destination.

How Safe Is Oregon?

Safety is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to mull over before making up your mind about moving to Oregon. We’ve compiled key stats about the state’s crime rate to help you make a fair comparison and to have an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Oregon.

• The most common crime in Oregon is aggravated assault accounting for 7000 reported cases
• Reported rape cases in Oregon almost double the U.S. average accounting for 1,778 in the state
• 11% of property crimes in the state were reported in the safest cities in Oregon
• Motor vehicle theft in Oregon is 13% per 1000. The national average is 10% per 1000
• Larceny theft was reported as 83% of property crime in the 20 safest cities and 74% in the state
• Burglary in Oregon was reduced by 13% of all property crime. The U.S. average was a 16% reduction
• Around 27% of Oregonians reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their property security. The national average is 29%

What are the best schools and universities in Oregon?

Oregon is home to several top-rated universities and colleges. Moving to Oregon will most likely increase your chances of schooling in some of the best universities in the United States.

Here’s a list of the top-rated universities and colleges in the state since you’re considering moving to Oregon: