Oregon is one of those states that quietly flies off the radar. The one in the corner, quietly doing its work without much of a peep. No one can deny that it’s a beautiful place filled with lots of progressive people who enjoy their little nook of the country.
But, is it all roses? Not at all. Just like other states, Oregon has its share of issues just like everyone else. And the purpose of this post is to use science to see where those places are.
So, after analyzing all 74 cities with a population of 5,200 or more, we came up with this list as the 10 worst places in Oregon:
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
The 10 Worst Places To Live In Oregon For 2024
Where are these places, you wonder? And before you get all riled up and say we’re picking on small towns in Oregon, that’s not the case.
We understand there’s a lot of good in every place. For example, the best place to live in Oregon is Lake Oswego.
However, according to data (which doesn’t measure things like beauty and ‘friendly people’), the state has far better options for making a place home. And the worst place to live in Oregon? The worst place to live in Oregon is Ontario.
Read below to see how we crunched the numbers and how your city fared in 2024.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the worst cities in America or the worst states in America.
For more Oregon reading, check out:
The 10 Worst Places To Live In Oregon For 2024
/10
Population: 11,610
Average Home Price: $286,357
Median Income: $39,750
Unemployment Rate: 7.0%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0686
More on Ontario: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Ontario sits along the Snake River, just across the water from Idaho. I-84 runs through town, making the community a key gateway between the two states. The car traffic hasn’t done much to boost the local economy, however. Instead, Ontario’s financial woes land it on this list of the least appealing sites in Oregon.
Of the town’s 11,610 inhabitants, 21.4% live below the poverty line. Meanwhile, housing, safety, and education represent major concerns as well. For example, the crime rate tracks more than 170% above the national average.
Still, if you’re stopping by, there are some sights to see. You can check out the Four Rivers Cultural Center & Museum, or head to the Ontario State Recreation Site along the river.
/10
Population: 9,852
Average Home Price: $345,316
Median Income: $56,783
Unemployment Rate: 7.8%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0403
More on Sweet Home: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
What could sound more inviting than a place called “Sweet Home”? Don’t be fooled by the name, though. Most places in Oregon would make a better home sweet home.
First off, it’s tough to locate employment in Sweet Home, leading to an unemployment rate of 7.8%. On top of this, the town suffers from a major safety issue. The crime rate more than doubles the national average. Affordability and education also weigh on the community.
Located in the west-central part of the state, Sweet Home does earn its name in some areas. Built along the Foster Reservoir, residents get scenic views and outdoor entertainment.
/10
Population: 7,494
Average Home Price: $341,687
Median Income: $52,500
Unemployment Rate: 10.0%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0404
More on Madras: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Madras got a lot of attention in 2017. Sitting in the path of a solar eclipse, visitors streamed to the town of 7,494 people to witness the celestial event. Under normal circumstances, though, these folks would likely want to stay away from the number 3 worst place to live in Oregon.
A lack of jobs weighs on the community. The unemployment rate reaches 10.0%, while 18.1% of locals make due with sub-poverty conditions. Meanwhile, the median home value hovers at $341,687, a difficult mortgage to swing when the town’s median income hovers just below $35,000.
Still, there are benefits to life in the area. Besides the occasional solar eclipse, Madras features the Erickson Aircraft Collection.
/10
Population: 21,806
Average Home Price: $284,251
Median Income: $46,695
Unemployment Rate: 8.1%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0327
More on Klamath Falls: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Klamath Falls is located in the southern part of the state, nestled between two lakes, Lake Ewauna and Upper Klamath Lake. This affords the town’s 21,806 residents scenic views and ample access to outdoor activities. However, that doesn’t mean life is all fishing and boating trips. A weak economy and high crime make this the number 4 least inviting hometowns in Oregon.
The local population faces a significant unemployment problem, with the jobless rate running 8.1%. The median income sits at $46,695, contributing to a poverty rate of 22.1%. At the same time, the town’s crime rate tracks at more than 50% above the national average.
/10
Population: 15,949
Average Home Price: $329,613
Median Income: $53,331
Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0643
More on Coos Bay: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Located along the coast in the central part of the state, Coos Bay sits along its namesake body of water. As you might guess, this has its benefits. Beyond the excellent views, the town comes with its share of amenities. You can check out the Coos Art Museum or the Coos History Museum & Maritime Collection.
Day-to-day life in Coos Bay has its challenges, though. Jobs are hard to find, with an unemployment rate of 4.8%. This economic hardship has contributed to a high crime rate, which more than doubles the U.S. norm. The local schools are generally below average as well, with most scoring a 5/10 or worse on Great Schools.
/10
Population: 15,988
Average Home Price: $376,552
Median Income: $59,714
Unemployment Rate: 7.1%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0418
More on The Dalles: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 26,222
Average Home Price: $403,723
Median Income: $58,916
Unemployment Rate: 4.8%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0396
More on Woodburn: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Woodburn, located in Marion County, Oregon, has unfortunately earned a spot on the list of worst places to live in the state. One of the key factors contributing to its poor ranking is its high crime rate. With a violent crime rate of 0.0038135916406071236, residents of Woodburn may feel concerned about their safety. Additionally, the property crime rate stands at 0.03580962550530089, further highlighting the challenges faced by the community.
While these statistics paint a concerning picture, it’s important to note that with dedicated efforts, things can improve. Woodburn’s location in the northern end of the picturesque Willamette Valley, between Portland and Salem, offers potential for growth and prosperity. By addressing the underlying issues that contribute to crime rates and prioritizing community safety initiatives, Woodburn has the opportunity to transform into a more desirable place to live. With determination and investment, this city can overcome its challenges and create a brighter future for its residents.
/10
Population: 7,142
Average Home Price: $493,204
Median Income: $44,087
Unemployment Rate: 7.9%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0225
More on Seaside: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
No prizes for guessing where Seaside is located. That’s right: the town sits right along the coast, about a half hour south along Highway 101 from the mouth of the Columbia River and the border with Washington.
As a coastal town, Seaside has its draws. Gorgeous ocean views. Beaches. An aquarium. Even a monument commemorating a spot where Lewis & Clark stopped to make salt.
An idyllic coastal haven comes with a cost. In this case, a high cost of living makes it difficult for many residents to pay the bills. Average expenses in town run 20% above the national average and the median home value of $493,204 prices many locals out of the market.
/10
Population: 19,267
Average Home Price: $330,704
Median Income: $65,502
Unemployment Rate: 7.4%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0344
More on Hermiston: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Hermiston is famous for its watermelons. No, really. Apparently, the climate and the soil conditions around town produce a particularly sweet product. Guess what? It turns out basing a city on watermelons isn’t a sure path to success. Go figure.
Aside from those amazing melons, Hermiston faces a number of problems. The town, situated just south of the Columbia River and the border with Washington, has shaky economic prospects. The median income comes in at a relatively healthy $65,502, but the unemployment rate hovers at an elevated 7.4%. On top of this, the crime rate tops the national average by 30% and the local schools have a spotty reputation.
/10
Population: 10,319
Average Home Price: $480,287
Median Income: $57,511
Unemployment Rate: 6.8%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0342
More on Newport: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Methodology: How we determined the worst places to live in Oregon for 2024
To figure out the worst places to live in Oregon, we used Saturday Night Science to idenift what kinds of things people like and then decide what cities have the least amount of those things.
We don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that people like the following things:
- Good education
- Lots of jobs
- Low crime
- Low poverty
- Nice homes
- High incomes
- High population density (Lots of things to do)
- Short work commutes
- Health insurance
The data comes from the Census’s most recent American Community Survey and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
We broke crime down into violent crime and property crime to give violent crime a more significant weight. If you did a simple calculation of all crimes per capita, property crimes are typically 7x more common and bias that ranking.
Furthermore, only cities with at least 5,000 people were considered — leaving 74 cities.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 74 for all the criteria, with a #1 ranking being the worst for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the rankings into one “Worst Place To Live Score.”
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Worst Place To Live Score,” with the lowest score being the worst city in Oregon — Ontario. Read on for a detailed look at the ten worst cities in Oregon. This article is an opinion based on facts meant as infotainment. We updated this article for 2024. This list is our tenth time ranking the worst places to live in Oregon.
Summary: Wrapping Up The Worst In Oregon
If you’re looking at areas in Oregon with the worst economic situations, where there’s higher than average crime and little to do, this is an accurate list.
And in the end, Ontario ranks as the worst city to live in Oregon for 2024.
The worst cities in Oregon are .
If you’re curious enough, here are the best cities to live in Oregon:
- Sherwood (Pop. 20,286)
- West Linn (Pop. 27,167)
- Lake Oswego (Pop. 40,457)
For more Oregon reading, check out:
Worst Places To Live In Oregon
Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Price | Median Income | Crime Per Capita |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ontario | 11,610 | 7.0% | $286,357 | $39,750 | 0.0686 |
2 | Sweet Home | 9,852 | 7.8% | $345,316 | $56,783 | 0.0403 |
3 | Madras | 7,494 | 10.0% | $341,687 | $52,500 | 0.0404 |
4 | Klamath Falls | 21,806 | 8.1% | $284,251 | $46,695 | 0.0327 |
5 | Coos Bay | 15,949 | 4.8% | $329,613 | $53,331 | 0.0643 |
6 | The Dalles | 15,988 | 7.1% | $376,552 | $59,714 | 0.0418 |
7 | Woodburn | 26,222 | 4.8% | $403,723 | $58,916 | 0.0396 |
8 | Seaside | 7,142 | 7.9% | $493,204 | $44,087 | 0.0225 |
9 | Hermiston | 19,267 | 7.4% | $330,704 | $65,502 | 0.0344 |
10 | Newport | 10,319 | 6.8% | $480,287 | $57,511 | 0.0342 |
11 | Prineville | 10,915 | 6.4% | $403,041 | $63,904 | 0.0155 |
12 | Salem | 175,754 | 6.1% | $418,511 | $67,540 | 0.0419 |
13 | Sheridan | 6,237 | 6.8% | $378,924 | $56,989 | 0.0263 |
14 | Gresham | 113,525 | 5.8% | $451,470 | $69,437 | 0.0332 |
15 | Umatilla | 7,433 | 9.6% | $271,351 | $56,413 | 0.0114 |
16 | Veneta | 5,177 | 4.8% | $422,592 | $58,825 | 0.0376 |
17 | Fairview | 10,515 | 4.3% | $456,132 | $78,407 | 0.0332 |
18 | Grants Pass | 39,131 | 6.3% | $398,971 | $53,941 | 0.0437 |
19 | Lebanon | 18,587 | 7.3% | $377,909 | $53,246 | 0.0150 |
20 | Tillamook | 5,215 | 5.0% | $449,832 | $53,711 | 0.0380 |
21 | Springfield | 61,740 | 6.1% | $399,498 | $60,982 | 0.0363 |
22 | Redmond | 34,191 | 7.2% | $504,145 | $72,798 | 0.0252 |
23 | Wilsonville | 25,992 | 5.8% | $637,996 | $83,210 | 0.0690 |
24 | Milton-Freewater | 7,137 | 7.7% | $214,651 | $46,372 | 0.0258 |
25 | Astoria | 10,184 | 3.8% | $480,872 | $69,463 | 0.0385 |
26 | Medford | 85,539 | 5.0% | $392,181 | $65,647 | 0.0455 |
27 | Cornelius | 13,245 | 4.4% | $471,048 | $83,051 | 0.0270 |
28 | Roseburg | 23,657 | 5.0% | $344,982 | $50,297 | 0.0517 |
29 | Warrenton | 6,254 | 4.8% | $492,143 | $69,400 | 0.0638 |
30 | Sutherlin | 8,513 | 5.7% | $334,639 | $48,610 | 0.0261 |
31 | Pendleton | 17,005 | 7.4% | $282,990 | $67,931 | 0.0403 |
32 | Sandy | 12,592 | 4.8% | $500,027 | $98,341 | 0.0690 |
33 | Cottage Grove | 10,583 | 6.1% | $386,561 | $60,219 | 0.0124 |
34 | Florence | 9,384 | 6.6% | $417,088 | $57,568 | 0.0292 |
35 | Troutdale | 16,150 | 4.4% | $469,436 | $86,307 | 0.0332 |
36 | Brookings | 6,719 | 8.2% | $485,283 | $79,109 | 0.0207 |
37 | Albany | 56,348 | 6.7% | $413,665 | $69,777 | 0.0299 |
38 | Eugene | 176,755 | 7.1% | $464,226 | $61,481 | 0.0376 |
39 | Hood River | 8,292 | 2.9% | $691,118 | $70,791 | 0.0405 |
40 | Portland | 646,101 | 5.6% | $523,622 | $85,876 | 0.0690 |
41 | Happy Valley | 24,381 | 3.8% | $682,410 | $126,108 | 0.0690 |
42 | McMinnville | 34,432 | 3.7% | $466,521 | $65,318 | 0.0263 |
43 | La Grande | 13,097 | 7.8% | $273,962 | $52,039 | 0.0277 |
44 | Dallas | 16,945 | 5.2% | $447,818 | $67,935 | 0.0233 |
45 | North Bend | 10,250 | 7.8% | $360,467 | $67,841 | 0.0423 |
46 | St. Helens | 14,015 | 4.8% | $407,724 | $77,475 | 0.0146 |
47 | Forest Grove | 26,160 | 4.3% | $512,087 | $77,977 | 0.0219 |
48 | Corvallis | 60,050 | 8.0% | $530,933 | $61,610 | 0.0387 |
49 | Molalla | 10,147 | 7.0% | $478,905 | $77,442 | 0.0139 |
50 | Tualatin | 27,804 | 4.8% | $637,027 | $105,542 | 0.0411 |
51 | Stayton | 8,210 | 4.8% | $434,159 | $72,639 | 0.0248 |
52 | Newberg | 25,379 | 3.3% | $519,518 | $87,873 | 0.0263 |
53 | Keizer | 39,122 | 4.6% | $434,715 | $75,753 | 0.0275 |
54 | Gladstone | 11,996 | 5.9% | $504,640 | $88,043 | 0.0303 |
55 | Independence | 9,981 | 4.4% | $395,971 | $73,361 | 0.0167 |
56 | Silverton | 10,439 | 5.7% | $518,976 | $75,167 | 0.0148 |
57 | Tigard | 55,161 | 5.1% | $601,645 | $101,354 | 0.0414 |
58 | Eagle Point | 9,735 | 12.9% | $454,585 | $83,625 | 0.0185 |
59 | Monmouth | 11,054 | 4.9% | $446,850 | $61,282 | 0.0166 |
60 | Winston | 5,618 | 2.9% | $297,819 | $51,182 | 0.0198 |
61 | Hillsboro | 106,612 | 4.6% | $527,280 | $98,891 | 0.0286 |
62 | Creswell | 5,607 | 1.0% | $455,141 | $85,126 | 0.0376 |
63 | Scappoose | 8,003 | 2.5% | $474,121 | $96,339 | 0.0151 |
64 | Beaverton | 97,554 | 3.9% | $534,974 | $88,899 | 0.0309 |
65 | Ashland | 21,401 | 5.7% | $543,829 | $64,767 | 0.0265 |
66 | Canby | 18,127 | 3.1% | $566,045 | $91,823 | 0.0128 |
67 | Bend | 99,442 | 3.8% | $728,806 | $82,671 | 0.0183 |
68 | Milwaukie | 21,195 | 5.5% | $502,721 | $78,676 | 0.0144 |
69 | Central Point | 19,123 | 4.1% | $399,880 | $79,731 | 0.0164 |
70 | Philomath | 5,429 | 3.8% | $496,750 | $80,599 | 0.0127 |
71 | Talent | 6,256 | 2.7% | $418,800 | $51,215 | 0.0110 |
72 | Sherwood | 20,286 | 2.9% | $628,898 | $109,770 | 0.0240 |
73 | West Linn | 27,167 | 4.7% | $759,031 | $134,116 | 0.0114 |
74 | Lake Oswego | 40,457 | 4.6% | $880,600 | $127,252 | 0.0164 |
In your colection of “scientific” information you should have been informed Roseburg is south of Eugene, And it’s just Roseburg, not north roseburg….
You meant COBURG, not “Roseburg North.” Roseburg has over 21,000 citizens, and is south of Eugene. The photo you’re using is of Roseburg as well. Just because you write on the internet doesn’t mean you shouldn’t proofread and fact-check yourself. Shame on you and this site for publishing this without reading it first.
Im not sure what “North Roseburg” is. I live in Roseburg Oregon, which is one hour SOUTH of Eugene and we have a population of 21,549. Maybe get your facts straight.
Roseburg North??? I have lived in the state for 37 years and lived in Eugene and never heard of this place. Do you mean Coburg? The town of Roseburg is an hour south of Eugene and has over 20,000 residents.
Roseburg (not Roseburg North) is south of eugene…
Additionally winston is not on i-5
Winston is home to wildlife safari, an incredible drive through zoo my family visits once a year. Not to mention awesome hikes to waterfalls and rivers nearby and a 2 hour drive to Coos Bay. I wouldn’t want to live there, but there certainly isn’t ‘nothing to do’ in Winston/Roseburg.
You have the location of Roseburg incorrect. Not sure how much of this to believe, depends on what you classify as things to do.
What a negative article. I wonder if you ever thought about writing an article about the best places to live in Oregon. Or were you too busy coming up with only negative things to say?
If you don’t like the places you listed, then do their citizens a favor: Stay away. Stay far, far, *far* away.
We did write the best places to live in Oregon.
Did you read the whole article Linda? Or were you to busy with your internet police duties?
When Oregon had jobs which was before logging & working were dirty words, the towns you mention were 180 degrees different than what they are now.
Jennings Lodge is #7? Interesting. I have lived here for 15 years, and did not even know that it was an actual city, as opposed to an ‘area’. However, we refer to it as the banana belt as it is usually a bit warmer here than 5 miles south or north (scientifically that would be Oregon City, Milwaukie, and 5 more miles would be Portland) We also are within 5-7 minutes of freeway ramps going N. and S. on I-205. The Willamette and the Clackamas rivers join forces just down the road which gives us plenty of water activities, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, sunning, and of course fishing and boating of all sorts. Houses that do go on the market sell rapidly and for asking price. Yeah, you’re right, who’d want to live here?
Clearly, Lebanon is by far, THE worst place to live in Oregon.
Yeah? Try Sheridan…
Or Baker City…..9K people and the WORST schools ever, rude nasty people, and literally nothing to do if you don’t have a big 4×4 or a horse.
People please! If you don’t agree with this list that’s okay. I don’t either. But, to better state your case, be nice. I see so many mean posts and it’s not necessary.
I would just like to say that many of the residents of this community are RETIRED. thus we will have a LOWer INCOME. Yes there has been an increase in crime, but remember, we are very close to Medford and regretfully get their overflow.
Hahaha! Thanks for this! I grew up in Jennings Lodge and YES, it is not a city, it’s a neighborhood and YES, it TOTALLY belongs on this list! Glad the person above is happy living there but high crime, drug dealers, drunks, domestic violence, rape, incest, dog fights, poverty and sh*t, etc are all things I remember from my childhood there. I and other escapees I’ve met refer to growing up and leaving as “getting out,” as in “when did you get out?”
Since when does Grants Pass have the worst climate? Its famous a giant “It’s the climate!” sign hanging on the same street pictured in your article! Most people say it’s better than Portland rain and eastern Oregon’s freezing temps any day.
I was sad to see Sheridan on your list. Sheridan is a great little community, as are many of the others you listed. Most of us who live in these small communities wouldn’t think of moving to your supposed “best places”. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Sheridan is a great small community they have Sheridan days the Monroe center friendly people it’s only like 12 miles from Mcminnville where u can find big item stores it’s only like 30 miles from the beach 25 from Salem 50 to Portland hmmmmm
Winston has Wildlife Safari, there is no such place as North Roseburg and they are idiots if they think that their values (urban = better) makes any sense. I deliberately live in a place with fewer people so I don’t have to listen to this kind of logic and lack of integrity.
1. Regarding the “science” behind the article, since when is low population density a bad thing ? If so then people from these towns would be migrating in droves to Southern California, not vice-versa. Speaking of those Californians, when they move to my home town of Grants Pass, they call it paradise and pass the word along to their friends. These folks bring crime and sundry other urban baggage with them. I’d like to see if the ten worse communities in Oregon are also the ten most popular destinations for invaders from California. I’d bet the two lists would mirror each other.
2. Grants Pass weather is fantastic.
I grew up on the central coast of CA but then moved to New Mexico for 8 years before going to visit a friend in Grants Pass and then going to visit several family and friends in CA. The meth problem in Medford seemed worse than any other area I’ve ever been to including areas in CA. Just wondering why they are all congregating in that area. I camped at the Jackson Hot Springs area, in Ashland, and there were homeless addicts camped all along the river back in 2011. I couldn’t leave my campsite alone. I’ve been thinking of relocating to Oregon because it’s so pretty and green and prefer the climate in Southern Oregon. Is Grants Pass safe as far as crime or is it similar to Medford? I always thought it was such a charming town…
Hit the nail on the head regarding Grant’s Ass. It’s funny to see all the lames get their panties in a bunch defending their state that has only one thing going for it anymore, the geography.
Grants Pass is a wonderful place to live Roseburg North is not a city, nor is Jennings Lodge, plus all these places are better than living in Portland, Assland(Ashland) and Lake NoNegroe
I really love living in Grants Pass, all the people hear are very nice and very kind. The community even though it is quite a big place is a very tight nit community. Plus the weather truly is fantastic, every year we have sunny days all through the summer a good amount of rain each year not the torrential down pours in Portland every year. We also only get a little bit of snow each year not the 20 inches in Bend every year
As pointed out, Jennings Lodge isn’t even a city, it’s an unincorporated community in Clackamas Country, so it’s hard for your article to have an credibility if you can’t get the definitions correct. Also, I think the photo you used, which I guess is supposed to show a boarded up building on right to highlight the run down aspects of JL, was actually a new restaurant under construction which is now completed. You could have also taken a photo of all of the nice homes along River Rd. in the city of “Jennings Lodge”, but that would I suppose defeat the purpose of the article. Also, Grants Pass has bad weather and Lincoln City has nice weather? Have you even been to Oregon? Lastly, you talk about Winston with no mention of “Wildlife Safari”? Get out from behind your desk and actually go see the places first before you regurgitate statistics.
why with all the judgmental accusationswho are you to judge only god can judge me what are you arguing with me I’m not arguing with you
This is the most ridiculous thing I have seen about best worst places to live. Brookings is 60 % retirement, of course there is a low employment rate. Every one is retired living the life. Density lol we are classifies as frontier on the tax roles with 27 miles to the next town.. How do you compare that to Tigard. Housing vacancies because there are a lot of second vacation homes and vacation rentals… What a miss representation… The good news is it may keep more people from flooding the area and affecting our density.
First of all, Brookings does NOT have high crime. I mean, yes, it is quiet with not alot to do if you are used to big city life but it is a tourist town and retirement community. Many people here have two homes. For example, some retirees have a home here for summer time and then one in Arizona to go in the winter. I would like to ask where this “scientific” data come from? It is beautiful here and very slow pace but many people enjoy that way of living.
Exactly… ironically they have another article about the safest cities in Oregon and Brookings is on it as well… so the author is clearly clueless and making up the content as they go along.
All in All Sheridan’s actual Community Population is only 3300 as out of the 6100 you are stating 2800 are inmates housed at the Federal Prison. Unless you have spent a long period of time in Sheridan or lived there for a couple years or longer you really cannot give an opinion especially stating its on the Top 10 list of Worst Places To Live In Oregon. Every City in Every State has Good & Bad traits you Really Cannot Narrow Any Of Them Down To Being The Worst !!!
I use to live in Roseburg and it sucked!! Totally nothing to do there very boring! No entertainment and if you wanted to go do anything fun you have to drive an hour or more away. Sorry to say but this is one of the worst places to visit or live.
You guys are so out of touch with reality reality is Grants Pass number 8 has a very well-funded police force you’ve taken the crime weight from Josephine County you stupid f****** next thing as household income is $32,000 if you have a job in Josephine County 80% of the county drives to Medford for a job so when you really want to know what the annual income is you have to look at medford’s income
All these towns you actually have to do work to succeed in not sit around on your ass all day like all the homeless in Portland. Also you clearly have never been to cave junction Oregon because if you have that would on the top of the list. Even people in CJ would agree. Just wish you could get your facts right
McMinnville drives me crazy. The crime has increased over the past few years and the things the taxpayers pay for in McMinnville is downright ridiculous. I liked living in forest grove ok except that it’s expensive to live there. Most of the people who live in McMinnville bother me too particularly my moms neighbor who i call Mr scrudge. He always calls animal control on us to the point where I can’t take my dog to my parents place anymore. I live near amity which is more peaceful and quiet which I prefer compared to a community environment. City life isn’t for everyone that’s for sure. I could own 20 dogs where i live and none of my neighbor’s would notice. I like that I can do projects where I live and no one cares.
I live in roseburg ater many years in crime infested san diego area (el cajon) i researched roseburg and to me all parts are outstanding, especially stewart park, the Y to name many more, whoever wrote this city is in my opinion an idiot and anyone who shares this article is trying to stir up fake crap…
I see you have the “white trash” and the “whitest” cities which you specify looking at the white people per captia.
That’s the only “color” used in your descriptions.
Why is that?
I have my own theories but what “reason” will you share with us?
You want to see a trashy Town go to Green Oregon on char
You want to see some trashy Street go to Green Oregon on chartres Street 95% of the houses are filled with white trash
This so called study is obviously intended to generate controversy and keep people scanning through the ads. However I’d like to explain to the advertisers that this thing is a sad waste of your resources. I’d wager that the majority of hits you get from this is purely accidental. Maybe that is good enough for you, but you csn probably do better.
The title of this scam is totally bogus. If the authors truely believe it is “scientific”, then they are really poor scientists. A better title might be 15 Oregon cities with highest unemployment rates.
I believe beauty, crime, commute time, access to nature, overcrowding, friendly people, lower cost of living, and number of liberals should be included in any best/worst plaves to live study. Go back and do your homework. Most of all, survey the people who choose to live in the places and find out from them what is really important.
I am not an Oregonian; I have never been one; I have driven through Oregon only twice but I am considering moving there, which is how I found these so-called stats on Oregon towns and Cities written by Roadsnacks. I have read most of their articles and based on their use of words and opinions, It didn’t take me long to realize that their views are bogus. Especially when I read their definition of “redneck” which was a crime in itself. There is only one definition of a redneck – “One who does outdoor work where the sun bares down on the back of their neck and turns the color reddish brown.” These are usually hard-labor workers and you can add any other characteristic you like but you will find that in most cases, a true red-neck will be the best friend you could ever have.
That was beauuuteefull
I have been to all these places except Ontario and cant really disagee. The only thing I will say is if you add in traffic, polution and homeless population, I think Portland or Salem would rank higher. I am in those two cities quite often and the homeless people there are very aggresive. It is not a fun to dine or shop in a lot of areas
To claim ‘unbiased’ and scientific are not terms that can be be used for best or worst places to live. Saying ‘good’ and ‘nice’ prove that. These words are not scientific nor unbiased. You have ranked the communities for what you value, someone else would rank them differently. We all have bias and if acting honestly and with integrity, we will learn to recognize and claim our bias instead of denying it. You do list what you used as comparisons but leave out the unbiased part, that’s false advertising. I’ve visited many of those ‘worst’ communities and given a chance, would enjoy living in them. I live in one that didn’t make the list: Boring, but then, what’s in a name!?
CAVE JUNCTION should be #1 and not Medford.
It is amazing that some people want to spend lots of money on a home that probably wouldn’t stand up to some of the oldies just cause it’s thousands of dollars doesn’t make it great! Or well built! So some of us would prefer those towns there are things you can get there and can’t in those so called better places, some places you just have to look a little harder but to be honest a lot of those towns may not want to be bigger it’s not all it’s cracked up to be and I have lived in Denver, Colorado and Boise, Idaho been to Portland they are not all that great to much fast pace hard to get to know people hard to trust. Smaller places you learn about people we all look for different things so judging by home prices and crime rates are not high on my list, jobs are! The people come next .
I am happy to report that I live in Madras and it is a very nice community. Please go ahead bad mouth our place. In fact, please stay away! It just means fewer of us get to enjoy its many great features.
And by the way, isn’t it amazing how many of your places are small towns? Let me guess, you live in Portland, Eugene or Salem and the thought of actually having a life out in places that have scenery, good water and open spaces instead of the lovely crowded commutes, ugly buildings, scarce housing and liberal nutcases drive you to tears.
Hello folks i live in sweet home oregon and i have noticed that theft here is bad because the dug addicts think they own the town and i have beem standing up for the mentally ill because the drug addicts target the mentally ill and the elderly.
These thieves on my street 1862,1855,1854,ulex street sweethome oregon have it in their heads they can break into my home and never be caught well i already filed 4 complaints about them staking out my home and stalking me with the fbi in portland oregon.
There are no jobs in Madras
Cost of living is high.
The problem with sweet home oregon is lack of education of its people and feelbthe mayor should make sure that everyone in their town should get proper education because i live on ulex street and these folks need to go back to school because they are really dumb.
A play of a thief?
Lets say you saw a person drop a 20 dollar bill in front of you.well you decide you want the money more well folks that still makes you a thief.just because you want something more than the other person does not give you the right to take it from them.i am vicar raymond eli and i am going prepare you for god’s judgement for the end is coming to the sinner.
You can tell the people who been threating you i am willing to take a polygraph anytime any where i know about the drug addicts here in town against the town every chance they can.i am ordained by the universal life church you call them at any time if you wish the governor of oregon has my paperwork in her office here in oregon.
honestly, this is kind of bs its not even that bad. most of these places are quite beautiful and nice. I dont know what there think is so bad.