If you are moving to Oregon then you need to explore some of the important things related to it. Oregon is a very nice state situated in the western parts of the US. This state is also known by the nickname “The Beaver State”. There are some high-rated tourist attractive places in this state. Tourists from different locations flock here in large numbers.
When you move to Oregon then you will realize that it is a diverse states in terms of geography where you can find large water bodies, volcanoes, forests, and some desert areas. The cost of living in Oregon is average and you can see the bifurcation of the costs in more detail below. There is better availability of the common jobs as well as high paying jobs here.
Oregon is a tax-friendly state where you can leverage better benefits of the tax aspects. Education facilities are better with nice availability of the high schools and colleges. There are many nice hospitals in different places in Oregon that can nice availability of the healthcare facilities. Explore more information on Oregon State below.
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Cost of Living in Oregon
Planning on Moving to Oregon? According to worldpopulationreview, Oregon’s cost of living index is 134.2. It is comparatively higher than the united states index average of 100. Living in Oregon is about as expensive as it is on average across the U.S. as a whole.
According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, living in the state costs just 1.1% more than they do on average nationwide. Compared with all other states, Oregon has the 14th highest overall cost of living. There are eight metropolises in Oregon.
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is the state’s most expensive metro area, where living costs 3.8% more than the national average and 2.7% more than the statewide average.
| Oregon | US | |
| Median Home Value | $287,300.00 | $204,900.00 |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,050.00 | $1,023.00 |
| Average Car Insurance | $1,968.00 | $1,517.00 |
| Healthcare cost for Single Adult | $3,908.00 | $4,266.00 |
| Healthcare cost for family of four | $11,894.00 | $12,950.00 |
| Food cost for Single Adult | $3,279.00 | $3,240.00 |
| Food cost for family of four | $9,470.00 | $9,354.00 |
| Annual Child care cost | $9,381.00 | $8,903.00 |
| Annual Taxes | $7,784.00 | $6,542.00 |
Job Market in Oregon
According to U.S. News, Oregon ranks 31 in the nation for employment. In Oregon, the average household income is $80,040 While the median household income is $59,393. The most wanted job in Oregon is Physician assistant With an Average annual salary of $113,570.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, Oregon’s current unemployment rate in February 2021 was 6.1 %, which is very close to the 6.2% average Unemployment Rate in the United States. It is 7.8x more common for a worker in Oregon to be a Gardener than all U.S. workers.
The Most Common Jobs in Oregon
| Rank | Job | Local Jobs. | Local Popularity Index |
| 1 | Retail salespersons | 51,210 | 1.1 |
| 2 | Office clerks, general | 36,310 | 1.1 |
| 3 | Cashiers | 31,240 | 0.9 |
| 4 | Combined food preparation and serving workers, including fast food | 26,790 | 1.1 |
| 5 | Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks | 23,340 | 1.2 |
| 6 | Waiters and waitresses | 23,070 | 1.0 |
| 7 | Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand | 20,830 | 0.8 |
| 8 | Registered nurses | 20,320 | 0.8 |
| 9 | Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners | 19,930 | 0.9 |
| 10 | Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer | 19,000 | 1.2 |
Highest-paying jobs in Oregon
| Rank | Job Description | Average Salary | Entry Level Salary |
| 1 | Chief Executives | $206,870 | $76,990 |
| 2 | All Other Physicians; and Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $193,760 | $59,660 |
| 3 | General Dentists | $185,570 | $132,420 |
| 4 | Nurse Anesthetists | $184,300 | $167,280 |
| 5 | General Pediatricians | $183,290 | $113,150 |
| 6 | Orthodontists | $154,820 | $156,490 |
| 7 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $143,740 | $90,040 |
| 8 | Pharmacists | $141,220 | $107,300 |
| 9 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $133,450 | $89,940 |
| 10 | Postsecondary Health Specialties Teachers | $127,990 | $55,220 |
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Largest employer in Oregon
| # | Employer | City | Number of Employees |
| 1 | Oregon Health Sciences Univ | Portland | 20,000 |
| 2 | Mentor Graphics | Wilsonville | 12,000 |
| 3 | Oregon State University | Corvallis | 8,000 |
| 4 | Intel Corp | Hillsboro | 6,300 |
| 5 | Nike Inc | Beaverton | 6,000 |
| 6 | Corvallis Hospital | Corvallis | 5,000 |
| 7 | Blount International Inc | Portland | 4,000 |
| 8 | Portland International Airport | Portland | 4,000 |
| 9 | Falcon Construction Svc | Roseburg | 3,800 |
| 10 | Espresso Prn | Eugene | 3,500 |
Tax Rates in Oregon
It is first important to be aware that the Oregon state tax system does not include sales tax. State or local authorities do not collect taxes on the sale of products and services. In contrast, it generates its revenue from a 4.75% to 9.9% statewide income tax, making it one of the nation’s highest income taxes.
Taxes imposed by local governments belong to the same range as the national average. Oregon homeowners pay an average of $3,203 in property taxes a year.
Oregon income Tax:
Oregon State is applicable to dividends and interest income. Oregon State has a progressive tax structure. Oregon state tax is divided into 4 brackets with tax rates of 4.75%-9.9% applicable on income range of $3,650-$125,000.
Oregon Sales Tax:
Oregon State is ranked 46 nationwide. In Oregon, the state sales tax is 0.00% and the average local tax rate is 0.00%.
Oregon Property Tax:
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oregon state’s median property tax is $ 2,563 with an effective property tax rate of 0.91 %.
Oregon Gas Taxes:
Oregon State has a $0.36 / gallon gasoline tax and a $0.36 / gallon diesel tax.
Oregon Cigarettes Tax:
Oregon State ranks 7th out of 50 states in the cigarette tax. In Oregon, the cigarette tax per pack of 20 is $3.33.
Economy in Oregon
Oregon has 42nd rank for its economic outlook and 8th rank for economic performance rank. A ranking of Oregon’s economic exposure to COVID-19 shows the state is ranked 15th. In addition to the overall 1,203,963 employees employed in Oregon, 54% work in the COVID-19-exposed sectors.
There are 4,217,737 people living in Oregon and its population growth ranks 10th out of the 50 US states. During the 2019 fiscal year, Oregon’s Gross State Product (GSP) reached $222.38bn, an increase of 4.1%, and ranked 2 among all 50 US states.
Education in Oregon
According to U.S. News, Oregon is ranked 35th overall in the United States education system, 23rd for higher education and 37th for Pre-K-12. Oregon is ranked 48th for quality of education in public schools among all 50 states by WalletHub. Oregon schools spend $11,920 per pupil for a total of $6.9 billion annually.
That’s the equivalent of 3.4% of taxpayer income. 48,360 college students graduate annually in Oregon. The cost of the average community college in Oregon is $4,620 for In-state tuition and $8,760 for out-of-state tuition. In Oregon, public university costs $23,263 which is more than the national average of $21,216.
| Rank | 16 |
| State | Oregon |
| In-State Total | $23,263 |
| In-State Tuition & Fees | $10,595 |
| Room & Board | $12,668 |
| Out-Of-State Tuition & Fees | $31,857 |
Top Colleges in Oregon+
According to bestcolleges.com
- Reed College
- University of Portland
- University of Oregon
- Oregon State University
- Corban University
- Linfield College
- Lewis & Clark College
- Bushnell University
- Southern Oregon University
- George Fox University
Healthcare in Oregon
What is the cost of health insurance in Oregon? A major medical individual health insurance plan in Oregon costs on average $459 per person. Depending on your health, your premiums may be lower.
Does Oregon have free health care?
In Oregon, Medicaid is referred to as OHP. Oregon residents who meet the eligibility requirements are eligible for free coverage. A wide range of services is covered, including doctor’s visits, hospital care, mental health care, dental care, and vision care.
What is Medicare in Oregon?
Social Security Administration offers Medicare to individuals age 65 and older. Disability-related medicine, end-stage renal disease and Amyotrophic Late-Sisis are also available to those younger than 65.
Best Hospitals in Oregon
- OHSU Hospital
- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
- Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center
- Salem Hospital
- Providence Portland Medical Center
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Housing prices in Oregon
Even before the development of COVID-19, home prices had been growing rapidly over the past five years, causing concern about housing affordability across the state. The demand for housing in Oregon has increased dramatically during this pandemic recession in an unexpected turn of events.
Home prices in Oregon rise dramatically due to high demand and low supply, increasing concerns about housing affordability. Portland has a median home value of $467,621. Compared to other metro areas, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has a median home value of $424,513. A study we compiled earlier this year placed Portland in the top 3 most socially conscious cities.
According to Realtor.com, the median listing price currently stands at $490,000.
According to homesnacks.com here are the
Most Affordable Places To Live In Oregon
- Milton-Freewater
- Hermiston
- Baker City
- Pendleton
- Umatilla
- Creswell
- Ontario
- Sheridan
- Coos Bay
- Stayton
Most expensive places to live in Oregon for 2021:
- Ashland
- Corvallis
- Bend
- Wilsonville
- SeasideF
- Lincoln City
- Hood River
- Gresham
- Eugene
- Portland
Weather in Oregon
Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It has a varied terrain that includes numerous water bodies, deserts, shrubland, dense forests, mountains, and volcanoes. On the west coast, the Beaver State can be found covered in dense rainforests, while semiarid conditions govern the central and southeast regions.
Different seasons bring different temperatures to Oregon. The spring in Oregon varies greatly from one region to another, with Crater Lake having nights below freezing. In October, the temperatures exceed 55°F (12.8°C), making autumn a pleasant and colourful year. There are vast differences in Oregon’s rainfall between the west coast and the central and eastern regions.
Coastal snowfall averages 2″ (50.8mm) a year, while inland valleys average 12″ (304.8mm). 142 sunny days are recorded in Portland, the state’s capital, every year.
Weather hazards
During rainy seasons, Oregon is susceptible to cyclones, hurricanes, wildfires, and snowstorms. As the Willamette and Columbia river basin melt their snow and rain in the late spring and summer, flooding occurs. Snowstorms mark winters in mountainous areas.
Pros and Cons of Living in Oregon
Pros
- Outdoor Activities
The state of Oregon gives access to plentiful outdoor activities such as Jet Boating, Bicycling, Climbing, Fishing, Golfing, Hiking, backpacking, etc.
- Peaceful & Calm
Oregon is filled with peaceful and rural vibes. This state is an ideal place for those who wish to stay away from chaotic city life. It offers plenty of large open space for enjoying recreational activities.
- No Sale Tax
This is one of the four states in the country which is exempted from the sale tax.
- Relatively Good Weather
Unlike other US states, the weather in Oregon is relatively decent. It enjoys more sunny days and low humidity.
- Amazing coastlines
This state is home to some of the world’s best beaches with more than 360 miles to explore along the coastline.
- Progressive Economy
Oregon is counted amongst the top 10 fastest-growing states in the country with a stellar economy.
- Massive Job Growth
It offers great career opportunities to the residents and has seen positive job growth over the last year. The future job market is expected to rise by 41.7%, well above the national average.
Cons
- Overall Tax Burden
The overall tax burden in the state is way more than the country’s average. Income tax ranges from 5 to 9.9%, making it the state with the 19 highest tax burden in the country.
- Expensive Cost of Living
According to BestPlaces, Oregon’s cost of living index is 113.1, far above the US average of 100. Currently, this state is ranked the second-worst state to make living.
- Prone to potential earthquakes
This state is prone to natural disasters like earthquakes and shares the same risk as California and Washington. The coastal towns of this state are at a high risk of devastating Tsunamis.
- Traffic
The state of Oregon is infamous for heavy traffic congestions. The roads and highways are packed with traffic during the rush hours due to which it takes longer to reach the destination.
- Limited access to the professional sports
If you are a sports fan, then this state might not be a good choice for you. Oregon gives limited access to professional sports like basketball or baseball and has only one basketball and saucer team.
- Heavy Rainfall
Heavy rainfall is very much a part of life, especially if you staying in Western Oregon. It receives up to 200 inches of rain every year.
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Things to Do in Oregon
- International Rose Test Garden
- Portland Japanese Garden
- Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
- High Desert Museum
- Astoria Column
- Cascades Raptor Center
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
- Washington Park
- Columbia River Gorge
- Oregon Coast Highway 101
- Pittock Mansion
- Haystack Rock
- Tumalo Falls
- Schreiner’s Iris Gardens
- Mount Hood
- Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area
- Three Capes Scenic Drive
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Oregon Coast Aquarium
- Lincoln City Glass Center
Conclusion
The above details about the Oregon state tell more detailed information about the different aspects here. There has been better development in the state all over and the economy of the state is in good condition. There are some developed cities in the state which provide better amenities that can ensure that your living in Oregon is better.
The average cost of living in the state above shows that it is more affordable to live here. If you are moving to Oregon with the intention of a job then there is better availability of the jobs. As the tax rates are lower here, you can expect low prices on different things here.
As the economy of the state is showing steady growth, you can experience a better living standard in the coming years. The average prices of the houses are comparatively lower making it easier to buy or rent a house here. Some of the attractive places here can make you feel better in the holidays. Come to Oregon to have a very comfortable living.
Related: What Questions Do I Need to Ask Movers Before Moving?
How to Get a Job in Another State
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