Moving to Oregon statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Oregon?

In 2023, 125,246 people moved to Oregon, while 131,403 moved out. This represents a net loss of 6,157 residents. In fact, Oregon has been losing residents since 2022. Between 2021 and 2023, the state’s population decreased by 23,107.

This significant decline is largely due to the economic strain that comes with the high cost of living and low housing availability. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Oregon ranked as the 31st most desired state for relocation.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Oregon

Ranked as the 43rd best U.S. state to move to in 2024 based on weighted factors like safety and quality of life, Oregon is not as desirable as it once was. However, this hasn’t stopped an influx of movers to certain locations.

People moving to the Beaver State are primarily choosing to live in small towns and cities rather than bustling urban locales like Portland. Between 2020 and 2023, Bend saw the highest number of new movers, adding 5,347 new residents (a 5.4% increase in population). Redmond and Woodburn also grew at impressive rates of 11.2% and 11.6%, respectively.

Happy Valley was the only portion of the greater Portland area to receive significant migration. The town added 4,666 new residents between 2020 and 2023, representing the largest population increase for the state (19.7%).

The top five cities people moved to in Oregon between 2020 and 2023 were as follows:

Why do people move to Oregon?

Though Oregon isn’t among the most popular 2024 move-in destinations, there are still reasons why the state attracts newcomers. The Beaver State offers diverse and beautiful scenery, from rugged mountains and forests to high deserts. This diverse geography makes it an outdoor enthusiast’s dream and is one of the major reasons people move here. This also explains why migration to Bend, a smaller city in central Oregon, is currently higher than migration to Portland.

Opportunity is another major reason people move to Oregon, especially in coastal cities like Portland. The state offers a robust job market, including countless opportunities in the high-demand tech industry. The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, education and health services, and government. Collectively, these industries employ roughly 51% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is education and health services, increasing by 5% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Oregon housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,807.93 and a median home sale price of $513,200, renters and homeowners in Oregon can expect to pay at least 22.1% more than the national median for housing.

Oregon ranks 27th in the nation for property taxes, with a rate of 0.93%, placing it in the middle of the pack. The tax rate is just over half that of Vermont, which has the fourth highest rate in the U.S.

In 2021, the average property owner in Multnomah County — where Portland is — paid $4,423 in annual property taxes. In general, the average property tax paid varies greatly by county in Oregon, with residents in Clackamas County and Multnomah County paying the most, while those in Gilliam County pay much less at an average of $1,310.

Cost-of-living statistics in Oregon

Oregon’s cost-of-living index is 115.1, making it the seventh most expensive state in the nation. Gas prices in the state are also 26.4% higher than the national average ($3.26) at $4.12. In part, these high prices are due to a general lack of oil production and conscious investment in green energy. With an impressive amount of renewable energy generation, Oregon ranks as the fourth most green state in the country.

Despite the higher-than-average cost-of-living index, Oregon’s median household income of $77,352 is only slightly higher than the U.S. median of $75,358. The state’s unemployment rate of 4.1% is also similar to the national unemployment rate (4.2%).

Overall, Oregon’s high cost of living can be challenging for new movers, given the only slightly above-average median household income.

Who lives in Oregon?

Oregon is the 27th largest state in the U.S. by population, with 4,233,358 residents as of 2023. This represents a population decline of 6,021 people when compared to 2022.

The Beaver State’s population is fairly evenly split male (49.8%) and female (50.2%). In 2023, around 2.11 million Oregon residents were male, and 2.13 million were female.

On average, Oregon’s population is also older (40.6 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The most prominent age demographic in the state is those between 25 to 44 years, accounting for more than 1.18 million residents, or 27.9% of the total population.

White Americans make up the largest share of Oregon residents (85.6%) — over 3.62 million people. Oregon also has a large share of Hispanic and Asian residents at 14.9% and 5% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Oregon

Not sure how to start your move to Oregon? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Prepare for the cost of living

With the seventh highest cost of living in the U.S., preparing for the housing prices, taxes and daily expenses before you move to Oregon is crucial. This is especially true for major cities like Portland, where costs are even higher. To effectively budget for your chosen area, utilize resources like the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis to compare living costs across regions.

2. Learn about the job market

Oregon offers a diverse economy with opportunities available in everything from tech and education to agriculture and outdoor recreation. Major employers like Nike, Intel and health care systems are concentrated in and around cities like Portland, Hillsboro and Eugene, making it easier to find a high-paying career. Consider researching the job market and industry trends in your chosen area on the WorkSource Oregon website.

3. Prepare for diverse climates

Oregon’s climate varies greatly from East to West, with coastal regions experiencing cool, wet winters and inland areas seeing much drier conditions and snowfall. If you’re moving from a drier or warmer state, we recommend investing in waterproof jackets and sturdy boots. It’s also important to analyze your new Oregon home before you buy, ensuring it's equipped to handle the local climate. You can keep up with local weather conditions here.

4. Research transportation options

Oregon offers a wide range of transportation options, especially in large cities like Portland, Eugene and Salem. Portland, in particular, offers everything from buses, streetcars and light-rail services. However, a personal vehicle will still be necessary in most rural areas. To familiarize yourself with transportation options in your new area, you can visit the ODOT website for traffic updates, public transit details and travel tips.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

Oregon’s breathtaking natural beauty also comes with the risk of wildfires, flooding and even earthquakes in some regions. Wildfires can be especially problematic in Eastern forested portions of the state, where dry summers can spark massive burns. Before moving, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common hazards in your region, so you can be prepared. Use resources like Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management to create an emergency plan and sign up for important alerts.

6. Enjoy Oregon’s outdoor activities

If you weren’t an outdoor enthusiast before moving to Oregon, you might just want to dip your toes into the lifestyle. Whether it’s hiking, skiing or relaxing coastline drives, the Beaver State offers countless parks and trails to explore. Visit the Oregon State Parks website to discover where you can experience natural beauty and make the most of your new home.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Oregon, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.