Oregon City 87 Exceptional
Oregon City Livability #12 ranked city in Oregon#271 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Oregon City

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Employment Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

What's it like Living in Oregon City?

Oregon City, Oregon is a medium-sized city with a population of 37,868 inhabitants. With a population density of 3,927 people per square mile, Oregon City is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 92% of Oregon City residents are White, 1% Black and 1% Asian. An important consideration when living in Oregon City is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 30 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Oregon City could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Oregon if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Oregon City and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, health & safety and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Oregon City has received a livability score of 86/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Oregon City would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Oregon City also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Oregon City ranks very well for amenities (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). On a more negative note, Oregon City does not have favorable scores for the following: cost of living (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Oregon City, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Oregon City undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. A few of the enjoyable things to experience and sights to see are: Willamette Falls, End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, and Williamette Falls.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Oregon City market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Oregon City. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Oregon City are affordable. Median real estate prices in Oregon City come in at $677,461, which is 53.2% higher than the Oregon average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oregon City, the home price to income ratio is 5.6, which is 0% lower than the Oregon average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Oregon City

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Compare Oregon City, OR Livability

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      Oregon City transportation information

      Statistic Oregon City Oregon National
      Average one way commute30min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.9%71.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.5%10.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.7%4.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%2.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.5%3.9%2.8%
      Working from home7.2%6.4%4.6%
      Source: The Oregon City, OR data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.