According to statistics, Oregon has the 10th highest rate of violent crime in the United States.
While none of the cities in Oregon has been ranked among the most dangerous in the United States, it’s important for travellers to be aware of potential hazards in each city.
Furthermore, it may come as a surprise that Portland, Oregon, which is the largest city in the state, does not have the highest crime rate. In fact, there are eight small towns with populations ranging from 5,500 to 24,000 that have higher rates of violent crime.
It’s important to keep in mind that the size of a town does not necessarily reflect its level of safety. Therefore, it’s not wise to assume that a smaller town is always safer than a larger one.
Factors That Impact Safety in Cities Across Oregon
Legal Use of Drugs
Measure 110, passed by Oregon voters in November 2020, made it legal to possess small amounts of all drugs for personal use. The measure has brought about significant changes in the state’s approach towards drug possession.
As of now, Oregon is the only state that has successfully passed such a measure.
Despite the recent changes in Oregon’s drug laws, it is important to note that the cultivation, sale, and distribution of drugs is still considered illegal. The state’s decision to decriminalize certain drug possession offences does not extend to the production or distribution of these substances. It is crucial to understand the limitations of the new law and to abide by all regulations and restrictions in place.
Additionally, it is important to note that despite legalization in certain states, possession of cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. This means that individuals are unable to utilize the court system to resolve disputes, access banking services for transactions, or receive support from law enforcement or safety services at any level of government. These restrictions can create significant challenges for those who choose to use cannabis, even in areas where it is legal.
Population
According to recent statistics, Oregon is expected to have a population of approximately 4.24 million people in 2022, which shows a slight decrease compared to the previous year.
Despite its vast land area, Oregon has a relatively low population density, ranking 39th in the United States.
The majority of Oregon’s population is concentrated in the Willamette Valley, which spans from Eugene (with a population of 163,460) through Corvallis (with a population of 58,864), Salem (with a population of 164,549), and Portland (with a population of 630,309). Gresham (with a population of 110,553) and Hillsboro (with a population of 102,347) are also densely populated areas in the state due to their geographic location.
Tight Housing Markets
Given the population density and income disparities, a significant number of individuals residing in Oregon are unable to afford a one-bedroom home, even if they follow the 30 percent minimum-wage income standard.
A family earning minimum wage in Corvallis would have to work for 84.5 hours to afford a two-bedroom house. This indicates the dire state of income affordability in the city. As a result, many families are struggling to make ends meet and find affordable housing options.
Natural Disasters
In Oregon, it is mandatory for local governments to take measures to minimize hazards and protect the safety of individuals and assets.
There is no shortage of dangers when it comes to the great outdoors. From floods to rockslides, earthquakes to tidal waves, bluff erosion to forest fires, nature can be both beautiful and treacherous. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take precautions to stay safe while enjoying all that nature has to offer.
According to the 2020 Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, it is crucial to address the potential dangers of low rainfall, dust cyclones, volcanic eruptions, as well as wind and ice storms. The plan suggests taking proactive measures to mitigate these risks to ensure the safety of the community. As such, it is important to prioritize these potential hazards and take necessary steps to prepare for and prevent any potential disasters.
Poor Driver Safety
According to recent data, the five most common reasons for car accidents in Oregon include hitting parked or stopped vehicles due to either underestimating clearance or following too closely, failing to yield the right of way, leaving the road, driving too fast for local road conditions, and losing focus while driving. These causes highlight the importance of being vigilant and practising safe driving habits on the road to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Oregon
Prineville
Prineville, the oldest city in Central Oregon, has earned a special reputation as the Rockhound Capital of the United States. This small city boasts a rich history of rockhounding and is a popular destination for rock enthusiasts from all over the country.
Ranked at number 10, with a population of 11,541 people, Prineville’s violent crime rate stands at 13.26 per 1000, as per recent statistics by PopulationU.
According to the latest data in 2021, Prineville’s most prominent employers are Les Schwab Tire’s Prineville Operations, the Crook County School District, and Facebook. You can learn more about these companies and their production and distribution facilities by following this link: https://prinevillechamber.com/moving-here/employment/#:~:text=Timber%2C%20Tires%20and%20now%20Tech.
As of December 31, 2022, the town’s unemployment rate stands at 5.00 percent, which is slightly higher than the state unemployment rate of 4.50 percent. These figures were obtained from reliable sources, which indicate that the town may need to take some measures to reduce its unemployment rate.
Surrounded by the Madras-Prineville and Ochoco highways, as well as the western boundary of Prineville Airport, lies the region with the highest crime rate. According to crimegrade.org, this area has a high incidence of crime.
Portland
At first glance, Portland may appear to be a risky place to live, but with a population of 664,350, its violent crime rate is astonishingly low at only 14.85 per 1,000, according to recent data.
The unemployment rate of Portland is currently at 4.20 percent, which is a bit lower compared to the rest of the state.
It’s essential to note that the region spanning from Northeast Columbia Blvd to the Columbia River, from Northeast 148th Avenue to North Portland Road, has been marked with a significant crime rate, as reported by crimegrade.org. Therefore, it is advisable for both tourists and locals to steer clear of this area.
Newport
Newport is home to 11,247 residents and is ranked in eighth place for its violent crime rate of 15.47 per 1,000 people.
Newport is situated on the Pacific Coast, and unfortunately, the areas with the highest crime rates are located along Highway 101. These areas are specifically south of Agate Beach north of Nye Beach, and north of the Yaquina River. As a result, it is important for residents and visitors to be aware of these locations and take appropriate precautions.
Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls, with a population of 22,960, has a crime rate of 17.81 per 1,000 residents, as per the latest statistics of 2021. This figure ranks the city at the seventh position among the most dangerous cities in Oregon.
If you’re planning a visit to Klamath Falls, it’s important to keep safety in mind. According to CrimeGrade, the safest area in town is the east side. However, it’s recommended that tourists steer clear of the central city after dark. By being aware of your surroundings and taking precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Klamath Falls.
Tillamook
Tillamook, a city with a population of only 5,480, has a crime rate of 18.43 per 1,000 residents, placing it at number six on the list.
The Tillamook County Creamery Association, which is renowned for its superior dairy products and cheese, is the largest employer in the town.
Tillamook County is one of the most frequented places in the state, and the TCCA has taken measures to enhance visitors’ experience by investing $24 million in upgrading the town’s visitor centre.
It’s interesting to note that, unlike other cities in the United States, locals in this town feel the safest in the central part of the city. This is a surprising finding that sets this town apart from others in the country.
Coos Bay
Coos Bay, which is ranked number five and has a population of 16,378, has a crime rate of 20.09 per 1000 residents according to recent data.
The area in the heart of the city has the most incidents of criminal activity.
As of December 2022, the unemployment rate in Coos Bay was recorded at 6.10 percent, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED).
In the 1980s, Coos Bay witnessed a significant decline in its timber industry, resulting in the replacement of numerous jobs with technology roles.
The surge in homelessness for individuals aged 55 and above can be attributed to mental health problems, unaffordable housing, and a lengthy two-year waitlist for subsidized housing, as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Sutherlin
Sutherlin, a small town with a population of 8267, has unfortunately gained a reputation for being one of the most dangerous cities in Oregon. According to recent statistics, the crime rate in Sutherlin is 23.10 per 1000, making it the fourth-most dangerous city in the state. Despite its size, Sutherlin residents face a significant risk of crime.
According to recent data from August 2022, Sutherlin’s unemployment rate stands at 5.4 percent, which is nearly one percent higher than the rest of the state of Oregon. This indicates that the job market in Sutherlin may be slightly more competitive than in other areas of the state. These numbers serve as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about local employment trends and opportunities.
According to the locals, the northwest area of Sutherlin is considered the safest part of the city.
According to the latest report, the leading three employers are Quest Diagnostics, McDonald’s, and Bi-Mart.
Area wages are negatively impacted due to the high concentration of jobs in the restaurant and service industry.
Lincoln City
Lincoln City, situated at number three, is home to a population of 9391. The city has a crime rate of 23.96 per 1,000, as reported by reliable sources.
While the southeast part of the area is generally considered safe, the east side poses a higher risk of safety concerns, according to crimegrade.org.
According to statistics, approximately 19.19 per cent of the population in Lincoln City lives below the poverty line. This figure is a clear indication that poverty is a significant issue that needs to be addressed in the city.
Lincoln City boasts of its top five employers, namely Chinook Winds Casino, City Hall of the City of Lincoln, Lincoln County School District, Lincoln County Newport Office, and Oregon Coast Community College. These entities make a significant contribution to the city’s economy and employment rate.
Roseburg
Roseburg, a city with a population of 23,564, holds the second rank in the list of the most dangerous cities in Oregon. The crime rate in Roseburg is recorded as 30.85 per 1,000 residents, according to reliable sources.
According to a recent survey, the west portion of Roseburg is perceived to be the safest area by the residents. However, the southeastern areas are viewed as the least safe region in the city. This information was obtained from a study conducted by Crime Grade, which sought the opinion of Roseburg inhabitants regarding safety in different parts of the town. It’s interesting to note how perceptions of safety vary across different areas of a city.
As of November 2022, Roseburg’s unemployment rate stands at 5.8 percent, which is 1.5 percent higher than the rest of the state. This indicates that the city has room for improvement in terms of job opportunities and economic growth.
Astoria
Astoria, a city with a population of 10,086, has been identified as the most dangerous city in Oregon.
Regrettably, the city’s crime rate stands at 32.32 per 1,000 individuals, as reported by PopulationU.
Astoria is a city situated along the coast and is more prone to tsunamis after an earthquake.
The southeastern part of town is considered the safest by locals, whereas the northwest area has the highest crime rates.
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