Texas vs Oregon: Which Is Better to Live In?
Texas ranks #32 of 50 overall and Oregon #35 as of the latest release. Texas is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 97.1 vs 103.4), has no income tax, and has a 10% higher violent crime rate. Overall they are 1.3 points apart, too close to call: Texas leads 5 of 11 categories, Oregon leads 5.
- Center-based infant care, per year is 50% lower in Texas ($10,894 vs. $21,774 in Oregon).
- Typical home value is 40% lower in Texas ($299,367 vs. $496,113 in Oregon).
- Property crime rate is 16% lower in Texas (1,786 vs. 2,118 in Oregon).
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap +1.3 pts | 52.2#32 of 50 · C+ | 50.9#35 of 50 · C | +1.3 pts | — | Even |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -6.3 pts (-6%) · US 100 | 97.1#27 of 50 | 103.4#41 of 50 | -6.3 pts-6% | 100 | TX |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$41,692 · US -$11,758 | -$144#9 of 50 | -$41,836#44 of 50 | +$41,692 | -$11,758 | TX |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$196,746 (-40%) · US $368,697 | $299,367#18 of 50 | $496,113#40 of 50 | -$196,746-40% | $368,697 | TX |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -1.29 pts · US 8.74% | 7.77%#11 of 50 | 9.06%#31 of 50 | -1.29 pts | 8.74% | TX |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +34 (+11%) · US 328 | 345#31 of 50 | 311#29 of 50 | +34+11% | 328 | OR |
| Median household incomeGap -$5,499 (-6%) · US $80,903 | $79,721#24 of 50 | $85,220#16 of 50 | -$5,499-6% | $80,903 | OR |
| High school graduation rateGap +8.4 pts · US 85.62% | 89.7%#8 of 50 | 81.3%#44 of 50 | +8.4 pts | 85.62% | TX |
| Life expectancyGap -0.6 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.1#27 of 50 | 77.7#21 of 50 | -0.6 yrs | 76.9 | OR |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +56,518 · US -33 | +56,473#1 of 50 | -45#27 of 50 | +56,518 | -33 | TX |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is Texas or Oregon better to live in?
Texas scores 52.2 and Oregon scores 50.9 out of 100, a 1.3-point gap this site treats as even. Texas leads 5 of 11 categories, Oregon leads 5, and 1 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | TexasTX | OregonOR | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap +9.6 | 15% | 42.5#32 · C+ | 32.9#40 · C | +9.6 pts | TX |
| Safety12% of scoregap +2.2 | 12% | 61.8#35 · C | 59.6#39 · C | +2.2 pts | Even |
| Health12% of scoregap -26.1 | 12% | 37.7#41 · C | 63.8#14 · B+ | -26.1 pts | OR |
| Education12% of scoregap +25.1 | 12% | 60.7#24 · B | 35.6#46 · D | +25.1 pts | TX |
| Affordability10% of scoregap +29.3 | 10% | 74.4#20 · B | 45.1#44 · D | +29.3 pts | TX |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap +16.8 | 8% | 72.2#5 · A+ | 55.4#34 · C+ | +16.8 pts | TX |
| Growth7% of scoregap +28.5 | 7% | 51.7#9 · A | 23.2#42 · C | +28.5 pts | TX |
| Transportation7% of scoregap -22.6 | 7% | 43.7#38 · C | 66.3#1 · A+ | -22.6 pts | OR |
| Livability7% of scoregap -24.4 | 7% | 23.6#43 · D | 48.0#8 · A | -24.4 pts | OR |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap -48.7 | 6% | 4.7#50 · F | 53.4#5 · A+ | -48.7 pts | OR |
| Environment4% of scoregap -23.4 | 4% | 40.8#25 · B | 64.2#5 · A+ | -23.4 pts | OR |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is Texas cheaper than Oregon?
Texas is cheaper: cost of living index 97.1 vs 103.4 in Oregon (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $41,692 more a year in Texas after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -6.3 pts (-6%) · US 100 | 97.1#27 of 50 | 103.4#41 of 50 | -6.3 pts-6% | 100 | TX |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -7.2 pts (-7%) · US 100 | 98.1#34 of 50 | 105.3#45 of 50 | -7.2 pts-7% | 100 | TX |
| Residential electricity priceGap +0.10¢ (+1%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 15.47¢/kWh#28 of 50 | 15.37¢/kWh#26 of 50 | +0.10¢+1% | 17.84¢/kWh | Even |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$2.71 (+16%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $19.42/Mcf#44 of 50 | $16.71/Mcf#31 of 50 | +$2.71+16% | $15.83/Mcf | OR |
| Gasoline priceGap -$1.18 (-29%) · US $3.32/gal | $2.88/gal#1 of 50 | $4.06/gal#46 of 50 | -$1.18-29% | $3.32/gal | TX |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$10,880 (-50%) · US $15,633 | $10,894#8 of 50 | $21,774#45 of 50 | -$10,880-50% | $15,633 | TX |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap +$14,589 | +$35,541costs $39,459 | +$20,952costs $54,048 | +$14,589 | TX |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap +$17,336 | +$26,994costs $48,006 | +$9,658costs $65,342 | +$17,336 | TX |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap +$41,692 | -$144costs $75,145 | -$41,836costs $116,836 | +$41,692 | TX |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap +$15,396 | +$39,506costs $35,494 | +$24,110costs $50,891 | +$15,396 | TX |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap -$11,325 | $23,045 | $34,370 | -$11,325 | TX |
| ChildcareGap -$21,760 | $21,788 | $43,548 | -$21,760 | TX |
| UtilitiesGap -$302 | $4,661 | $4,963 | -$302 | Even |
| GroceriesGap -$811 | $11,049 | $11,860 | -$811 | TX |
| TransportationGap -$3,709 | $9,051 | $12,760 | -$3,709 | TX |
| State and local taxesGap -$3,784 | $5,551 | $9,335 | -$3,784 | TX |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, Texas or Oregon?
Texas collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 7.77% vs 9.06%. Texas has no income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; Oregon has high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -1.29 pts · US 8.74% | 7.77%#11 of 50 | 9.06%#31 of 50 | -1.29 pts | 8.74% | TX |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -14.69 pts · US 5.46% | none#7 of 50 | 14.69%#49 of 50 | -14.69 pts | 5.46% | TX |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +0.77 pts · US 1.02% | 1.63%#44 of 50 | 0.86%#26 of 50 | +0.77 pts | 1.02% | OR |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +8.2 pts · US 6.66% | 8.2%#37 of 50 | 0%#4 of 50 | +8.2 pts | 6.66% | OR |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in Texas or Oregon?
Homes cost 66% more in Oregon: a typical home value of $299,367 in Texas vs $496,113 in Oregon. Buying the typical home takes about $88,061 of income in Texas and $130,378 in Oregon; the median household earns $79,721 and $85,220.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$196,746 (-40%) · US $368,697 | $299,367#18 of 50 | $496,113#40 of 50 | -$196,746-40% | $368,697 | TX |
| Home value change, one yearGap -1.5 pts · US +1.2% | -1.6%#49 of 50 | -0.1%#42 of 50 | -1.5 pts | +1.2% | OR |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$159 (-9%) · US $1,948 | $1,659#23 of 50 | $1,818#29 of 50 | -$159-9% | $1,948 | TX |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$42,317 (-32%) · US $100,006 | $88,061#21 of 50 | $130,378#40 of 50 | -$42,317-32% | $100,006 | TX |
| Home value to income ratioGap -2x (-34%) · US 4.6x | 3.8x#18 of 50 | 5.8x#42 of 50 | -2x-34% | 4.6x | TX |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| TX | OR | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $1,540 | $2,552 |
| Income needed vs. median | +11% | +53% |
| Five-year change | +11.1% | +7.7% |
| Market temperature | Cool | Cool |
| Largest metro | Dallas | Portland |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in Texas or Oregon?
Oregon pays more: median household income $85,220 vs $79,721, with unemployment at 4.2% in Texas and 5.2% in Oregon. Across 20 occupations with BLS wage data in both states, Texas's best-paying metro comes out ahead in 20 after adjusting for local costs and Oregon's in 0.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap -$5,499 (-6%) · US $80,903 | $79,721#24 of 50 | $85,220#16 of 50 | -$5,499-6% | $80,903 | OR |
| Unemployment rateGap -1 pts · US 3.95% | 4.2%#30 of 50 | 5.2%#47 of 50 | -1 pts | 3.95% | TX |
| GDP per capitaGap +$7,010 (+11%) · US $64,333 | $68,820#14 of 50 | $61,810#26 of 50 | +$7,010+11% | $64,333 | TX |
| Real GDP growthGap +2.3 pts · US +1.91% | +3.8%#2 of 50 | +1.5%#37 of 50 | +2.3 pts | +1.91% | TX |
| Population growthGap +1.06 pts · US +0.51% | +1.25%#4 of 50 | +0.19%#39 of 50 | +1.06 pts | +0.51% | TX |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Show all 20 occupations
| Occupation | TX | OR | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $254,682$247,042 in Dallas | $226,980$238,329 in Portland | TX |
| Software Developers | $162,398$157,526 in Austin | $137,573$144,452 in Portland | TX |
| Lawyers | $166,195$161,209 in Austin | $146,126$153,432 in Portland | TX |
| Civil Engineers | $111,191$107,855 in Houston | $96,128$100,934 in Portland | TX |
| Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $67,574$65,547 in Houston | $55,405$58,175 in Portland | TX |
| General & Operations Managers | $116,809$113,305 in Houston | $105,400$110,670 in Portland | TX |
| Electricians | $70,287$68,178 in Austin | $62,375$65,494 in Portland | TX |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $114,573$111,136 in Austin | $106,930$112,276 in Portland | TX |
| Secondary School Teachers | $75,412$73,150 in Austin | $67,819$71,210 in Portland | TX |
| Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $82,647$80,168 in Houston | $75,439$79,211 in Portland | TX |
| Sales Representatives (Wholesale/Manufacturing) | $75,335$73,075 in Austin | $68,165$71,573 in Portland | TX |
| Dietitians & Nutritionists | $79,535$77,149 in Houston | $72,428$76,049 in Portland | TX |
| Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) | $63,209$61,313 in Austin | $56,549$59,376 in Portland | TX |
| Welders, Cutters & Brazers | $54,440$52,807 in Houston | $48,073$50,477 in Portland | TX |
| Accountants & Auditors | $91,851$89,095 in Houston | $86,245$90,557 in Portland | TX |
| Registered Nurses | $97,479$94,555 in Austin | $92,574$97,203 in Portland | TX |
| Construction Laborers | $48,596$47,138 in Dallas | $44,438$46,660 in Portland | TX |
| Cooks, Restaurant | $37,618$36,489 in Austin | $34,098$35,803 in Portland | TX |
| HVAC Mechanics & Installers | $64,425$62,492 in Austin | $61,091$64,146 in Portland | TX |
| Mental Health Counselors | $58,474$56,720 in Houston | $56,221$59,032 in Portland | TX |
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, latest release: the median wage in each state's best-paying metro, adjusted for that metro's cost of living (BEA regional price parities). Sorted by the size of the gap.
Is Texas safer than Oregon?
Oregon is safer: 311 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 345 in Texas (FBI). Property crime runs 1,786 and 2,118 per 100,000.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +34 (+11%) · US 328 | 345#31 of 50 | 311#29 of 50 | +34+11% | 328 | OR |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -332 (-16%) · US 1,535 | 1,786#39 of 50 | 2,118#48 of 50 | -332-16% | 1,535 | TX |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- Flower Mound, TX42 violent per 100K
- Lake Oswego, OR55 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, Texas or Oregon?
Texas scores higher for education (#24 of 50 vs #46), with high school graduation rates of 89.7% and 81.3%. Oregon scores higher for health (#14 vs #41); life expectancy is 77.1 years in Texas and 77.7 in Oregon.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +2 · US 273 | 269#34 of 50 | 268#40 of 50 | +2 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -3 · US 257 | 252#44 of 50 | 255#36 of 50 | -3 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +8.4 pts · US 85.62% | 89.7%#8 of 50 | 81.3%#44 of 50 | +8.4 pts | 85.62% | TX |
| Life expectancyGap -0.6 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.1#27 of 50 | 77.7#21 of 50 | -0.6 yrs | 76.9 | OR |
| Adults with obesityGap +2.1 pts · US 34.03% | 35.6%#32 of 50 | 33.5%#22 of 50 | +2.1 pts | 34.03% | OR |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +11.5 pts · US 7.6% | 16.7%#50 of 50 | 5.2%#9 of 50 | +11.5 pts | 7.6% | OR |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +11 pts (+34%) · US 38.8 | 43#40 of 50 | 32#5 of 50 | +11 pts+34% | 38.8 | OR |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- No city school data
- Lake Oswego, OReducation score 96
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: Texas #24, Oregon #46. Health: Texas #41, Oregon #14.
Are more people moving from Texas to Oregon, or from Oregon to Texas?
3,335 households moved from Texas to Oregon and 4,018 moved from Oregon to Texas in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 683 households for Texas. Movers to Oregon reported an average income of $75,654; movers to Texas reported $89,679. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 6,446 people (±1,564) moving from Texas to Oregon and 6,248 (±2,133) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +242,854 (+377%) | 307,240#2 of 50 | 64,386#23 of 50 | +242,854+377% | TX |
| Households moving outIRSGap +186,336 (+289%) | 250,767#47 of 50 | 64,431#29 of 50 | +186,336+289% | OR |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +56,518 | +56,473#1 of 50 | -45#27 of 50 | +56,518 | TX |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +1.8 | +1.8#12 of 50 | -0.0#27 of 50 | +1.8 | TX |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$8,850 (+12%) | $83,632#14 of 50 | $74,782#29 of 50 | +$8,850+12% | TX |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$1,765 (-2%) | $80,359#15 of 50 | $82,124#14 of 50 | -$1,765-2% | Even |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap +1.6 | +2.1#19 of 50 | +0.5#30 of 50 | +1.6 | TX |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, Texas or Oregon?
Texas is the better fit for families, young professionals, and small business; Oregon is the better fit for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts; 1 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap -7 places | #35score 57.5 | #42score 53.3 | -7 places | TX |
| RetireesGap +13 places | #33score 58.8 | #20score 64.3 | +13 places | OR |
| Remote WorkersGap -3 places | #25score 52 | #28score 50.9 | -3 places | Even |
| Young ProfessionalsGap -11 places | #28score 53 | #39score 43.5 | -11 places | TX |
| Small BusinessGap -27 places | #15score 64.3 | #42score 40.2 | -27 places | TX |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap +36 places | #45score 26.6 | #9score 63.4 | +36 places | OR |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesTexas (#35 vs #42)
- RetireesOregon (#20 vs #33)
- Remote WorkersEven (#25 vs #28)
- Young ProfessionalsTexas (#28 vs #39)
- Small BusinessTexas (#15 vs #42)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsOregon (#9 vs #45)
Which cities stand out in Texas and Oregon?
Texas has 74 tracked cities and Oregon has 20; the largest are Houston and Portland. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | TexasTX | OregonOR |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Houston2,328,253 people | Portland641,165 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Flower Moundscore 67.4 | Bethanyscore 75.7 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Flower Mound42 violent per 100K | Lake Oswego55 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | McAllencost index 85.9 | Grants Passcost index 97.8 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Richardsonwalkability 13 of 20 | Portlandwalkability 15.7 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | Amarillocounty median AQI 16 | Bendcounty median AQI 23 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | — | Lake Oswego96% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Flower Moundmedian income $161,235 | Bethanymedian income $167,735 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Kyle+6.1% growth | Redmond+2.6% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do Texas and Oregon compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. Texas carries AAA credit rating and Oregon AA.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap -30 pts · US 29.34% | 37%#15 of 50 | 67%#7 of 50 | -30 pts | 29.34% | OR |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -16.4 (-41%) · US 29.6 | 24.0#21 of 50 | 40.4#39 of 50 | -16.4-41% | 29.6 | TX |
| Public land shareGap -50.8 pts · US 17.16% | 1.8%#45 of 50 | 52.6%#5 of 50 | -50.8 pts | 17.16% | OR |
| Mean travel time to workGap +4.3 min · US 25.2 min | 27.5 min#41 of 50 | 23.2 min#15 of 50 | +4.3 min | 25.2 min | OR |
| Commuters using public transitGap -1.4 pts · US 2.29% | 1%#25 of 50 | 2.4%#13 of 50 | -1.4 pts | 2.29% | OR |
| Workers working from homeGap -4.2 pts · US 12.28% | 12.9%#22 of 50 | 17.1%#2 of 50 | -4.2 pts | 12.28% | OR |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap 0 pts · US 92.67% | 93.7%#13 of 50 | 93.7%#14 of 50 | 0 pts | 92.67% | Even |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +10 pts · US 92.7 | 100#15 of 50 | 90#33 of 50 | +10 pts | 92.7 | TX |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +10.6 pts · US 12.39% | 17.8%#6 of 50 | 7.2%#41 of 50 | +10.6 pts | 12.39% | TX |
| Pension funded ratioGap -9 pts · US 74.3% | 76%#22 of 50 | 85%#11 of 50 | -9 pts | 74.3% | OR |
| State debt per capitaGap -$1,670 (-47%) · US $3,506 | $1,850#8 of 50 | $3,520#35 of 50 | -$1,670-47% | $3,506 | TX |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap +2 pts · US +4.66% | +5.2%#22 of 50 | +3.2%#37 of 50 | +2 pts | +4.66% | TX |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; Texas AAA, Oregon AA), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
Texas vs Oregon: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. Texas is ahead on 28 of 51, Oregon on 16, and 7 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | TexasTX | OregonOR | GapTX−OR | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +27,436,235 (+642%) · US 6.8 million | 31.7 million#2 of 50 | 4.3 million#27 of 50 | +27,436,235+642% | 6.8 million | TX |
| Median household incomeGap -$5,499 (-6%) · US $80,903 | $79,721#24 of 50 | $85,220#16 of 50 | -$5,499-6% | $80,903 | OR |
| Unemployment rateGap -1 pts · US 3.95% | 4.2%#30 of 50 | 5.2%#47 of 50 | -1 pts | 3.95% | TX |
| Population growthGap +1.06 pts · US +0.51% | +1.25%#4 of 50 | +0.19%#39 of 50 | +1.06 pts | +0.51% | TX |
| GDP per capitaGap +$7,010 (+11%) · US $64,333 | $68,820#14 of 50 | $61,810#26 of 50 | +$7,010+11% | $64,333 | TX |
| Real GDP growthGap +2.3 pts · US +1.91% | +3.8%#2 of 50 | +1.5%#37 of 50 | +2.3 pts | +1.91% | TX |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +34 (+11%) · US 328 | 345#31 of 50 | 311#29 of 50 | +34+11% | 328 | OR |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap -332 (-16%) · US 1,535 | 1,786#39 of 50 | 2,118#48 of 50 | -332-16% | 1,535 | TX |
| High school graduation rateGap +8.4 pts · US 85.62% | 89.7%#8 of 50 | 81.3%#44 of 50 | +8.4 pts | 85.62% | TX |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap +12 · US 237 | 241#8 of 50 | 229#48 of 50 | +12 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap +2 · US 273 | 269#34 of 50 | 268#40 of 50 | +2 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap +5 · US 214 | 212#37 of 50 | 207#47 of 50 | +5 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -3 · US 257 | 252#44 of 50 | 255#36 of 50 | -3 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap -0.6 yrs · US 76.9 | 77.1#27 of 50 | 77.7#21 of 50 | -0.6 yrs | 76.9 | OR |
| Adults with obesityGap +2.1 pts · US 34.03% | 35.6%#32 of 50 | 33.5%#22 of 50 | +2.1 pts | 34.03% | OR |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +11.5 pts · US 7.6% | 16.7%#50 of 50 | 5.2%#9 of 50 | +11.5 pts | 7.6% | OR |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$196,746 (-40%) · US $368,697 | $299,367#18 of 50 | $496,113#40 of 50 | -$196,746-40% | $368,697 | TX |
| Home value change, one yearGap -1.5 pts · US +1.2% | -1.6%#49 of 50 | -0.1%#42 of 50 | -1.5 pts | +1.2% | OR |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$159 (-9%) · US $1,948 | $1,659#23 of 50 | $1,818#29 of 50 | -$159-9% | $1,948 | TX |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$42,317 (-32%) · US $100,006 | $88,061#21 of 50 | $130,378#40 of 50 | -$42,317-32% | $100,006 | TX |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -6.3 pts (-6%) · US 100 | 97.1#27 of 50 | 103.4#41 of 50 | -6.3 pts-6% | 100 | TX |
| Home value to income ratioGap -2x (-34%) · US 4.6x | 3.8x#18 of 50 | 5.8x#42 of 50 | -2x-34% | 4.6x | TX |
| Residential electricity priceGap +0.10¢ (+1%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 15.47¢/kWh#28 of 50 | 15.37¢/kWh#26 of 50 | +0.10¢+1% | 17.84¢/kWh | Even |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$2.71 (+16%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $19.42/Mcf#44 of 50 | $16.71/Mcf#31 of 50 | +$2.71+16% | $15.83/Mcf | OR |
| Gasoline priceGap -$1.18 (-29%) · US $3.32/gal | $2.88/gal#1 of 50 | $4.06/gal#46 of 50 | -$1.18-29% | $3.32/gal | TX |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -7.2 pts (-7%) · US 100 | 98.1#34 of 50 | 105.3#45 of 50 | -7.2 pts-7% | 100 | TX |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$10,880 (-50%) · US $15,633 | $10,894#8 of 50 | $21,774#45 of 50 | -$10,880-50% | $15,633 | TX |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -1.29 pts · US 8.74% | 7.77%#11 of 50 | 9.06%#31 of 50 | -1.29 pts | 8.74% | TX |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -14.69 pts · US 5.46% | none#7 of 50 | 14.69%#49 of 50 | -14.69 pts | 5.46% | TX |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap +0.77 pts · US 1.02% | 1.63%#44 of 50 | 0.86%#26 of 50 | +0.77 pts | 1.02% | OR |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +8.2 pts · US 6.66% | 8.2%#37 of 50 | 0%#4 of 50 | +8.2 pts | 6.66% | OR |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +10 pts · US 92.7 | 100#15 of 50 | 90#33 of 50 | +10 pts | 92.7 | TX |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +10.6 pts · US 12.39% | 17.8%#6 of 50 | 7.2%#41 of 50 | +10.6 pts | 12.39% | TX |
| Pension funded ratioGap -9 pts · US 74.3% | 76%#22 of 50 | 85%#11 of 50 | -9 pts | 74.3% | OR |
| State debt per capitaGap -$1,670 (-47%) · US $3,506 | $1,850#8 of 50 | $3,520#35 of 50 | -$1,670-47% | $3,506 | TX |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap +2 pts · US +4.66% | +5.2%#22 of 50 | +3.2%#37 of 50 | +2 pts | +4.66% | TX |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +11 pts (+34%) · US 38.8 | 43#40 of 50 | 32#5 of 50 | +11 pts+34% | 38.8 | OR |
| Renewable share of electricityGap -30 pts · US 29.34% | 37%#15 of 50 | 67%#7 of 50 | -30 pts | 29.34% | OR |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -16.4 (-41%) · US 29.6 | 24.0#21 of 50 | 40.4#39 of 50 | -16.4-41% | 29.6 | TX |
| Public land shareGap -50.8 pts · US 17.16% | 1.8%#45 of 50 | 52.6%#5 of 50 | -50.8 pts | 17.16% | OR |
| Mean travel time to workGap +4.3 min · US 25.2 min | 27.5 min#41 of 50 | 23.2 min#15 of 50 | +4.3 min | 25.2 min | OR |
| Commuters using public transitGap -1.4 pts · US 2.29% | 1%#25 of 50 | 2.4%#13 of 50 | -1.4 pts | 2.29% | OR |
| Workers working from homeGap -4.2 pts · US 12.28% | 12.9%#22 of 50 | 17.1%#2 of 50 | -4.2 pts | 12.28% | OR |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap 0 pts · US 92.67% | 93.7%#13 of 50 | 93.7%#14 of 50 | 0 pts | 92.67% | Even |
| Households moving inIRSGap +242,854 (+377%) · US 78,682 | 307,240#2 of 50 | 64,386#23 of 50 | +242,854+377% | 78,682 | TX |
| Households moving outIRSGap +186,336 (+289%) · US 78,715 | 250,767#47 of 50 | 64,431#29 of 50 | +186,336+289% | 78,715 | OR |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +56,518 · US -33 | +56,473#1 of 50 | -45#27 of 50 | +56,518 | -33 | TX |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +1.8 · US +0.4 | +1.8#12 of 50 | -0.0#27 of 50 | +1.8 | +0.4 | TX |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap +$8,850 (+12%) · US $77,690 | $83,632#14 of 50 | $74,782#29 of 50 | +$8,850+12% | $77,690 | TX |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$1,765 (-2%) · US $77,024 | $80,359#15 of 50 | $82,124#14 of 50 | -$1,765-2% | $77,024 | Even |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap +1.6 · US +1.1 | +2.1#19 of 50 | +0.5#30 of 50 | +1.6 | +1.1 | TX |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$41,692 · US -$11,758 | -$144#9 of 50 | -$41,836#44 of 50 | +$41,692 | -$11,758 | TX |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap +$14,589 · US +$31,418 | +$35,541#13 of 50 | +$20,952#45 of 50 | +$14,589 | +$31,418 | TX |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap +$15,396 · US +$35,970 | +$39,506#15 of 50 | +$24,110#44 of 50 | +$15,396 | +$35,970 | TX |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the Texas and Oregon numbers say when read together.
Neither state is better overall
Texas (52.2, #32) and Oregon (50.9, #35) are within 2 composite points. Texas leads 5 categories, Oregon leads 5, and 1 are even. The answer depends on which categories matter to you.
Texas is cheaper day to day
Texas's cost of living index is 97.1 against 103.4 in Oregon (US = 100). The typical home costs $299,367 in Texas and $496,113 in Oregon. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$144 a year after typical costs in Texas and -$41,836 in Oregon.
Texas takes a smaller share in taxes
Texas collects 7.77% of income in state and local taxes (no income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack); Oregon collects 9.06% (high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack).
Oregon pays more and is safer
Median household income is $79,721 in Texas and $85,220 in Oregon, with unemployment at 4.2% and 5.2%. Violent crime runs 345 per 100,000 residents in Texas and 311 in Oregon.
Moves between the two run about even
6,446 people moved from Texas to Oregon and 6,248 the other way, a gap inside the survey's margin of error.
Texas for families, Oregon for retirees
For families, Texas ranks #35 of 50 and Oregon #42; for retirees, Texas ranks #33 and Oregon #20.
Texas vs Oregon: frequently asked questions
Is Texas or Oregon better to live in?
Texas ranks #32 of 50 overall and Oregon #35 as of the latest release. Texas is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 97.1 vs 103.4), has no income tax, and has a 10% higher violent crime rate. Overall they are 1.3 points apart, too close to call: Texas leads 5 of 11 categories, Oregon leads 5.
Is Texas cheaper than Oregon?
Texas is cheaper than Oregon: cost of living index 97.1 vs 103.4 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$144 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in Texas, and -$41,836 in Oregon. The typical home value is $299,367 in Texas and $496,113 in Oregon.
Which has lower taxes, Texas or Oregon?
Texas has the lower tax burden: 7.77% of income in state and local taxes vs 9.06% in Oregon. Texas's top income tax rate is zero, its effective property tax rate 1.63% and its combined sales tax 8.2%; Oregon's are 14.69%, 0.86% and 0%.
Is Texas safer than Oregon?
Oregon is safer: 311 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 345 in Texas, per the FBI. Texas ranks #31 of 50 for violent crime and Oregon #29. Property crime is 1,786 per 100,000 in Texas and 2,118 in Oregon. The safest tracked cities are Flower Mound, TX, and Lake Oswego, OR.
Are homes more expensive in Texas or Oregon?
Homes are 66% more expensive in Oregon: the typical home value is $299,367 in Texas and $496,113 in Oregon. Buying the typical home takes about $88,061 of household income in Texas and $130,378 in Oregon, against median incomes of $79,721 and $85,220.
Do people earn more in Texas or Oregon?
Oregon pays more: median household income is $85,220 vs $79,721 in Texas, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 4.2% in Texas and 5.2% in Oregon. Across 20 occupations with BLS wage data in both states, Texas's best-paying metro comes out ahead in 20 after adjusting for local costs and Oregon's in 0.
Are more people moving from Texas to Oregon or from Oregon to Texas?
3,335 households moved from Texas to Oregon and 4,018 moved from Oregon to Texas in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 683 households for Texas. Movers to Oregon reported an average income of $75,654; movers to Texas reported $89,679. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 6,446 people (±1,564) moving from Texas to Oregon and 6,248 (±2,133) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Which is better for retirees, Texas or Oregon?
Oregon is the better fit for retirees: #20 of 50 on the retiree index vs #33 for Texas. Texas has no income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack; Oregon has high income tax, low sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$39,506 left after typical costs in Texas and +$24,110 in Oregon.
Which is better for families, Texas or Oregon?
Texas is the better fit for families: #35 of 50 on the families index vs #42 for Oregon. Center-based infant care costs $10,894 a year in Texas and $21,774 in Oregon. High school graduation rates are 89.7% and 81.3%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$144 after typical costs in Texas and -$41,836 in Oregon.
Which has better schools, Texas or Oregon?
Texas scores higher for education: #24 of 50 vs #46 for Oregon. Eighth graders average 269 in NAEP math in Texas and 268 in Oregon. High school graduation rates are 89.7% in Texas and 81.3% in Oregon, and the education category scores are 60.7 and 35.6 out of 100.
Compare a different pair
Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside Texas vs Oregon.
Why this pair is featured: major moving corridor (4,018 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).