While Oregon is a stunning state with plenty of natural attractions, not every town in the state is equally desirable. Some of them are terrible locations to reside in because of their high crime rates, limited economic opportunities, or environmental problems. Various sources indicate that residents of these seven Oregon towns are attempting to leave as quickly as possible.
1. Portland
Oregon’s largest and most populated city, Portland, is also one of its most problematic. For months, the city has been beset by violent protests, rioting, and vandalism, which have caused extensive property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Due to the city’s leadership’s perceived inability to reestablish safety and order, a large number of citizens and businesses have lost trust in the local administration. In addition, Portland has an increasing crime rate, a high cost of living, and a serious homelessness issue. Many are moving out of Portland and into safer, more reasonably priced areas in Oregon or other states.
2. Medford
The Southern Oregon city of Medford is well-known for its wineries, recreational activities, and agriculture. It is also well-known for having a high crime rate, particularly violent crime. Medford is among the top ten most dangerous cities in the nation and has the highest murder rate in Oregon. In addition, Medford has poor educational attainment, a low median income, and a high rate of poverty. A large number of people are leaving Medford in search of better living conditions and opportunities elsewhere.
3. Coos Bay
In the past, the coastal city of Coos Bay in southwest Oregon was a bustling port and industrial hub. But Coos Bay’s economy is stagnating and its population is getting smaller as a result of the loss of the fishing and forestry sectors as well as the closure of a number of significant companies. In addition, Coos Bay has a high poverty rate, a low median income, and a high unemployment rate. Coos Bay is losing a lot of residents as more affluent and diversified places in Oregon or other states attract them.
4. Klamath Falls
South-central Oregon’s Klamath Falls is a city close to the picturesque Crater Lake National Park. But the city’s socioeconomic and environmental issues eclipse its natural beauty. The primary causes of the severe air pollution in Klamath Falls are wood-burning stoves and wildfires, which frequently exceed federal health regulations. In addition, Klamath Falls has a low median income, a high rate of poverty, and a high rate of crime. Klamath Falls is losing a lot of residents as they relocate to safer and healthier areas in Oregon or other states.
5. Ontario
The city of Ontario is situated in eastern Oregon, close to the Idaho border. It is the biggest city in Malheur County, which in Oregon has the highest COVID-19 infection rate and the lowest immunization rate. In addition, Ontario has a low median income, a high rate of poverty, and a high crime rate. A large number of people are moving from Ontario to safer, wealthier areas in Oregon or other states.
6. Burns
The county seat of Harney County, the most expansive county in terms of land but the least densely inhabited by population, is Burns, a city in southeast Oregon. Burns is a small, desolate town with a meager economy, and few facilities, and services. In addition, Burns has high rates of poverty, low median income, and unemployment. Burns is losing a lot of residents as more approachable and active locations in Oregon or other states draw them in.
7. Roseburg
Situated beside the Umpqua River in central Oregon is the city of Roseburg. It is the county seat of Douglas County, which in Oregon has the lowest life expectancy and the highest suicide rate. In addition, Roseburg has a low median income, a high rate of poverty, and a high crime rate. Roseburg is losing a lot of residents as they move to healthier, more optimistic areas in Oregon or other states.
Read more: People Are Leaving 7 Towns In Pennsylvania As Quickly As Possible
Conclusion
While Oregon offers a wealth of options and attractions, not every community in the state is equally desirable. Many people find it impossible to live in some of them due to major problems. Various reports state that residents of these seven Oregon towns are escaping as quickly as possible. This does not imply that these places are doomed or without hope, though. Future developments could overcome these obstacles and become more desirable and habitable locations with the right planning, funding, and leadership.