OregonPop. 37,755Small cities
Is Oregon City a Good Place to Live? Oregon City, Oregon: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oregon City ranks #519 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #97 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6.8%, #41 of 208) and high household income ($97,829, #48 of 208), and trails on high living costs (105.4, #189 of 208) and expensive homes ($555,800, #187 of 208).
Oregon City by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oregon City's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Oregon City?
Oregon City's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,708/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $597,974, 21% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
| Measure | Oregon City | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 105.4#958 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $597,974#935 of 1,187 | $496,113 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,991/mo#706 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $555,800#1031 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,708/mo#882 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 5.7x#982 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21%#567 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Oregon City housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Oregon City is in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metro.
Oregon housing market →Is Oregon City safe?
Oregon City recorded 265 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 15% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #493 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #89 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oregon City Police Department. Property crime runs 801 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Oregon City | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 265#493 of 1,085 | 311 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 801#140 of 1,085 | 2,118 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Oregon City?
The median household in Oregon City earns $97,829, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Oregon City | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $97,829#369 of 1,312 | $85,220 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 6.8%#230 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Oregon City?
The median resident of Oregon City is 37.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 33.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #674 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oregon City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 37.5 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 33.4%#674 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 65.3% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Oregon City's schools and health?
Oregon City's 9 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 23.3 students per teacher and $12,743 spent per pupil. 35.6% of adults are obese and 9.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Oregon City | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 81.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 23.3#1100 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,743#857 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.6%#822 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.7%#339 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 7.3%#289 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 5,711 students are enrolled in Oregon City's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oregon City?
The average commute in Oregon City is 26.5 minutes (Oregon 23.2); 1.7% of workers take transit and 15.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oregon City scores 14.8 of 20 (above average walkable), #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 68.6°F and winters 43.1°F, with 44.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Oregon City | OregonOR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 26.5 min#892 of 1,312 | 23.2 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 6.2%#736 of 1,312 | 5.9% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 70.7% | 65.2% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.7% | 2.4% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 1.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 15.2% | 17.1% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 14.8#57 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Oregon is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 48.3 | 36.7 | 6.5 |
| Feb | 52.5 | 37.5 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 58 | 39.8 | 4.8 |
| Apr | 63.5 | 43.3 | 3.8 |
| May | 70.9 | 48.4 | 2.5 |
| Jun | 76.2 | 52.9 | 1.8 |
| Jul | 83.9 | 57 | 0.5 |
| Aug | 84.1 | 57.5 | 0.6 |
| Sep | 77.9 | 52.9 | 1.6 |
| Oct | 64.9 | 46.5 | 4.2 |
| Nov | 53.4 | 40.5 | 6.7 |
| Dec | 47.3 | 36.3 | 7.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oregon City.
| Measure | Oregon City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 55.4°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 68.6°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 43.1°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 44.8 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oregon City.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Oregon City?
Clackamas County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clackamas County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 58% of US counties.
| Measure | Oregon City | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 31#77 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#779 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Clackamas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Clackamas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.069% | 94% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.003% | 62% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 59% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.073% | 40% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Oregon City compare with similar-size cities?
Oregon City is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #97 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 37,755.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #519 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 | 26.5 min |
| Clovis, NMPop. 37,942 | #1027 | 49.6 | $54,820 | $988/mo | 378 | 16.4 min |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #1157 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 | 16.9 min |
| Hilton Head Island, SCPop. 37,911 | #647 | 55.9 | $94,657 | $1,479/mo | no data | 18.5 min |
| Bartlesville, OKPop. 37,878 | #998 | 50.1 | $58,869 | $916/mo | 352 | 17.5 min |
| Tupelo, MSPop. 37,791 | #677 | 55.5 | $66,257 | $976/mo | 310 | 18 min |
| Kaneohe, HIPop. 37,355 | #284 | 62.4 | $125,613 | $2,269/mo | no data | 27.6 min |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #268 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 | 22.2 min |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #820 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 | 19.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Oregon City compare with the rest of Oregon?
Oregon City ranks #9 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 57.8 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 15% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 15% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Oregon home.
| City | Rank in OR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany, ORPop. 33,106 | #1 | 75.7 | $167,735 | $2,245/mo | no data |
| Lake Oswego, ORPop. 40,381 | #2 | 68.7 | $141,549 | $2,139/mo | 55 |
| Bend, ORPop. 103,390 | #3 | 62.2 | $96,394 | $1,883/mo | 193 |
| Hillsboro, ORPop. 108,231 | #4 | 60.9 | $106,409 | $1,978/mo | 288 |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #5 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #6 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 |
| Aloha, ORPop. 52,389 | #7 | 58.8 | $101,934 | $1,896/mo | no data |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #8 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 |
| Oregon City, ORPop. 37,755 | #9 | 57.8 | $97,829 | $1,708/mo | 265 |
| Corvallis, ORPop. 59,960 | #10 | 56.7 | $65,012 | $1,391/mo | 173 |
| Portland, ORPop. 641,165 | #11 | 54.3 | $90,919 | $1,655/mo | 702 |
| McMinnville, ORPop. 34,596 | #12 | 54.2 | $73,736 | $1,380/mo | 163 |
| Keizer, ORPop. 39,082 | #13 | 54.1 | $84,813 | $1,424/mo | 217 |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #14 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #15 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 |
| Eugene, ORPop. 179,591 | #16 | 51.9 | $66,562 | $1,402/mo | 347 |
| Salem, ORPop. 178,865 | #17 | 51.9 | $75,487 | $1,400/mo | 424 |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #18 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #19 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 |
| Grants Pass, ORPop. 39,311 | #20 | 47.5 | $59,646 | $1,217/mo | 369 |
All 20 Oregon cities we track, by overall score. Oregon statewide: median income $85,220, violent crime 311.2 per 100,000.
How is Oregon City's score calculated?
Oregon City scores 57.8 out of 100, #519 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Oregon's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Oregon City. Similar-size median 52.9.
57.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oregon City's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
84.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oregon City. Similar-size median 52.2.
52.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oregon City's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
41.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oregon City's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
50.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oregon City. Similar-size median 46.7.
70.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oregon City. Similar-size median 44.2.
35.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oregon City. Similar-size median 47.3.
52.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oregon City's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
72.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
59.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Oregon City's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Oregon City has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Oregon City
Is Oregon City, OR a good place to live?
Oregon City ranks #519 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #97 of 208 small cities and #9 of 20 in Oregon. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low poverty (6.8%, #41 of 208) and high household income ($97,829, #48 of 208), and trails on high living costs (105.4, #189 of 208) and expensive homes ($555,800, #187 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Oregon City?
Oregon City's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,708/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $597,974, 21% above the typical Oregon home ($496,113).
What is the crime rate in Oregon City?
Oregon City recorded 265 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% below the US rate of 328 and 15% below Oregon's 311. That ranks #493 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #89 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oregon City Police Department. Property crime runs 801 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Oregon City?
The median household in Oregon City earns $97,829, 18% above the US figure of $83,163 and 15% above Oregon ($85,220). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Oregon City?
Median rent in Oregon City is $1,708/mo (Census), #882 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,991/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oregon City?
The typical home value in Oregon City is $597,974, up 0.4% in a year, against $496,113 for Oregon and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $555,800.
How are the public schools in Oregon City?
Oregon City's 9 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Oregon 81.3%), with 23.3 students per teacher and $12,743 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oregon City?
The average commute is 26.5 minutes, #892 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.2 minutes across Oregon. 6.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oregon City?
Oregon City averages 55.4°F over the year, 68.6°F in summer and 43.1°F in winter, with 44.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Oregon City walkable?
Oregon City scores 14.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #57 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Oregon City at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clackamas County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, strong wind, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 58% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Oregon City?
Clackamas County's air had a median air quality index of 31, and 88% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Oregon City?
Oregon City has 37,755 residents. The median resident of Oregon City is 37.5 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 33.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #674 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oregon City compare with the rest of Oregon?
Oregon City ranks #9 of the 20 Oregon cities we track, with a score of 57.8 against Oregon's statewide 50.9. Its households earn 15% above the Oregon median. Violent crime is 15% below the statewide rate. Homes are 21% above the typical Oregon home.
What cities are similar in size to Oregon City?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oregon City's population of 37,755 are Clovis, NM (#1027 overall), Hot Springs, AR (#1157 overall), Hilton Head Island, SC (#647 overall), Bartlesville, OK (#998 overall), and Tupelo, MS (#677 overall). Oregon City is #519.