Oregon is renowned for its natural beauty, progressive politics, and thriving culture. However, in recent years, the state has experienced a considerable exodus of population, particularly from its main city, Portland. What are the causes of this massive migration, and where are they going?
The Portland Exodus Cost Multnomah County $1 Billion
Portland, Oregon’s biggest and most populated city, has had a fall in population and wealth since 2020. According to a recent analysis of tax data by the independent Economic Innovation Group, migration out of Multnomah County, which contains Portland, resulted in a $1.1 billion decrease in adjusted gross income between 2020 and 2021. This is a significant loss for the local economy since income taxes fund the housing market, retail sales, and public services.
The research also discovered that individuals who left Portland had disproportionately high salaries, implying that the city lost some of its wealthiest and most productive inhabitants. The average salary of those who departed was $112,000, while those who stayed earned $74,000. This might have an impact on the city’s tax base, as Multnomah County relies on high-income residents to fund the preschool for all and homeless services taxes, both of which were enacted in 2020.
The reasons for leaving Portland are many, but some typical concerns include the high cost of living, growing crime rates, political upheaval, and the pandemic-induced move to distant employment. Some people were also unsatisfied with the city’s leadership and government, claiming a lack of accountability and transparency.
Other Oregon Cities Are Also Losing Residents
Portland is not the only city in Oregon experiencing a population loss. According to USPS change-of-address statistics, here are some of the other Oregon cities where residents are fleeing in droves:
Eugene is Oregon’s second-largest city and home to the University of Oregon. It is also a cultural hotspot. However, it has a high cost of living, a low vacancy rate, and a lack of economic diversification. Between 2020 and 2021, Eugene lost 2,400 households, or 1.6% of its total population.
Salem, Oregon’s capital city, is located in the Willamette Valley and provides both urban and rural attractions. However, it also has a high poverty rate, a low median income, and a scarcity of affordable housing. From 2020 to 2021, Salem lost 1,900 homes, or 1.3% of its population.
Bend is a popular recreational location, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and woods. However, it is also experiencing a housing crisis, as demand for homes considerably outstrips availability. Bend is one of the state’s most costly housing markets, with a median house price of more than $600,000. Bend lost 1,100 residences between 2020 and 2021, accounting for 1.2% of the population.
Where Are Oregon Residents Moving?
While Oregon loses inhabitants, other states gain them. According to USPS data, these are the top ten states where Oregonians are moving:
Idaho is the most favored destination for Oregonians due to its cheaper cost of living, more conservative political atmosphere, and comparable natural surroundings. Between 2020 and 2021, Idaho added 7,800 households from Oregon, accounting for 4.4% of its total population.
Texas is the second most preferred destination for Oregonians because of its strong economy, low tax burden, and diversified culture. Between 2020 and 2021, Texas added 6,300 households from Oregon, or 0.2% of its population.
Arizona is the third-most popular destination for Oregonians, because of its mild temperature, retiree-friendly lifestyle, and thriving technology industry. Between 2020 and 2021, Arizona added 5,900 households from Oregon, accounting for 0.8% of the total population.
Washington is the fourth-most preferred choice for Oregonians because of its similar geographic and cultural proximity, high-tech economy, and lack of income tax. Between 2020 and 2021, Washington added 5,800 households from Oregon, accounting for 0.8% of the total population.
Florida is the fifth-most popular destination for Oregonians because of its sunny weather, inexpensive cost of living, and thriving tourist industry. Between 2020 and 2021, Florida added 4,900 households from Oregon, or 0.2% of its population.
Nevada, Colorado, Montana, Utah, and Tennessee round out the top ten states.
Conclusion
Oregon, especially Portland, is losing a lot of people, which means that from 2020 to 2021, their income will drop by $1.1 billion. People with a lot of money are moving because of things like the high cost of living, crime, and unhappiness with the government. Eugene, Salem, and Bend are some of the other Oregon towns that are losing people. Idaho, Texas, and Arizona are the states that are getting the most former Oregon residents. Reasons for this include cost, job chances, and climate.