Best Cities for Retirees in Oregon
Oregon ranks #20 of 50 for retirees, with a retirees score of 64.3. Lake Oswego is its best city for retirees at 70.5.
- Oregon, all states
- #20 of 50
- Population
- 40,381
Oregon for Retirees: The Full Picture
Oregon ranks #20 nationally for retirees, making it a middle-of-the-pack destination for those entering their next chapter. The state's moderate fiscal health (55/100) and moderate overall tax burden of 9.06% help retirement savings go further.
For retirees, healthcare access and tax friendliness are non-negotiable. Oregon's health score of 64/100 is middling — life expectancy of 77.7 years is roughly in line with national norms, but healthcare quality varies by region. On the tax front, the overall burden stands at 9.06% of income. The 14.69% income tax rate is worth factoring into retirement income projections. Property taxes run 0.86% (effective rate), which is near the national average.
At $496,113, the typical home is worth more than the 50-state average — retirees relocating from lower-cost areas may face sticker shock. Safety is worth researching at the local level — the statewide safety score of 60/100 suggests some areas perform better than others. Livability amenities are more limited compared to top-ranked states, so retirees who value a vibrant social scene should focus their search on the state's larger metro areas.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Retirees
| # City | Grade | Retirees score | Overall | Health | Household finances | Affordability | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Lake Oswego | A+ | 70.5 | 68.7 | 73 | 96 | 31 | 40,381 |
| 2Bethany | A+ | 68.5 | 75.7 | 80 | 98 | 36 | 33,106 |
| 3Bend | B+ | 66.1 | 62.2 | 72 | 66 | 42 | 103,390 |
| 4Tigard | B+ | 61.3 | 60.9 | 62 | 75 | 47 | 56,011 |
| 5Oregon City | B | 60.8 | 57.8 | 52 | 70 | 50 | 37,755 |
| 6Redmond | B | 60.5 | 58.7 | 63 | 59 | 56 | 36,092 |
| 7Beaverton | B+ | 60.2 | 60.0 | 60 | 65 | 48 | 97,812 |
| 8Hillsboro | B+ | 59.9 | 60.9 | 60 | 71 | 49 | 108,231 |
| 9Aloha | B+ | 57.2 | 58.8 | 55 | 70 | 51 | 52,389 |
| 10Keizer | C+ | 56.4 | 54.1 | 42 | 62 | 60 | 39,082 |
| 11Albany | C | 55.7 | 52.2 | 46 | 49 | 63 | 56,839 |
| 12Portland | C+ | 55.1 | 54.3 | 64 | 56 | 50 | 641,165 |
| 13Gresham | C | 53.9 | 52.0 | 52 | 50 | 56 | 112,378 |
| 14McMinnville | C+ | 53.5 | 54.2 | 46 | 43 | 60 | 34,596 |
| 15Medford | C | 52.0 | 49.7 | 51 | 48 | 63 | 86,315 |
| 16Salem | C | 51.7 | 51.9 | 41 | 47 | 61 | 178,865 |
| 17Springfield | C | 51.2 | 50.7 | 44 | 43 | 66 | 61,499 |
| 18Grants Pass | D | 50.7 | 47.5 | 44 | 40 | 68 | 39,311 |
| 19Corvallis | B | 50.5 | 56.7 | 66 | 24 | 57 | 59,960 |
| 20Eugene | C | 50.0 | 51.9 | 53 | 34 | 60 | 179,591 |
City retirees scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out. City scores for retirees also weigh the county's expected yearly building losses from natural hazards (FEMA), lower is better; the share of adults without health insurance (CDC PLACES), a sign of local healthcare access, lower is better; the median age of residents (Census ACS), older is better: more peers and retiree services.
Compare: States with Similar Retirees Rankings
Also See: Oregon for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oregon a good state for retirees?
Oregon ranks #20 out of 50 for retirees with a persona-weighted score of 64.3/100. Its strongest relevant category is Transportation (66/100) and its weakest is Economy (33/100).
What is the best city for retirees in Oregon?
Lake Oswego ranks #1 in Oregon for retirees with a score of 70.5/100, followed by Bethany and Bend.
What factors are most important for retirees in Oregon?
Rankings weighted toward low taxes, quality healthcare, affordable living, safety, community livability, and pleasant environment — the priorities for retirement years.