Oregon has the 10th-highest rate of violent crime in the United States.
Although none of Oregon’s cities have made any of the most dangerous lists in the US, each has hazards that travelers should consider.
Additionally, although you might expect Portland, Oregon’s largest city, to have the highest crime rate, eight towns with fewer than 5,500 to 24,000 people have higher violent crime rates.
Consequently, please do not rely on a town’s size to measure its safety.
Contents
Factors Affecting Safety in Oregon Cities
Legal Drug Use
In November 2020, when Oregon voters passed Measure 110, possessing small amounts of all drugs for personal use became legal.
Oregon remains the only state so far to pass such a measure.
Nevertheless, growing, producing, selling, and distributing all drugs remains illegal under Oregon law.
Moreover, possession remains unlawful at the federal level, barring anyone from using the court system to settle disputes, using the banking system to accept payments and make purchases, or receiving municipal, county, state, or federal law enforcement or safety services.
Population
In 2022, about 4.24 million people called Oregon home, reflecting a slight drop from 2021.
Although Oregon has the ninth-largest land area, the state is 39th in population density.
Due to geography, most of its residents live in the Willamette Valley, from Eugene (population 163,460) through Corvallis (58,864), Salem (164,549), and Portland (630,309). In addition, Gresham (110,553) and Hillsboro (102,347) also have high densities.
Tight Housing Markets
Due to population density and income disparities, many Oregonians cannot afford a single-bedroom home using the 30 percent minimum-wage income standard.
In Corvallis, for example, a minimum-wage family must work 84.5 hours to afford a two-bedroom house.
Natural Disasters
Oregon requires local governments to reduce risks to people and property.
Among the hazards are flooding, rockslides, earthquakes, tidal waves, bluff erosion, and forest fires.
The Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan of 2020 also recommends addressing the risk of low rainfall, dust cyclones, volcanic eruptions, and wind and ice storms.
Poor Driver Safety
Oregon drivers’ top five causes of vehicular accidents are hitting stopped or parked vehicles due to following too close or underestimating clearance, not giving the right of way, leaving the road, driving too fast for local road conditions, and losing concentration.
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Oregon
Prineville
As the oldest city in Central Oregon, Prineville holds the unofficial title of Rockhound Capital of the United States.
However, at number 10, with 11,541 people, Prineville’s violent crime rate is 13.26 per 1000.
As of 2021, the top three employers in Prineville were Les Schwab Tire’s Prineville Operations, the Crook County School District, and Facebook.
The town’s unemployment rate is 5.00 percent as of December 31, 2022, slightly higher than the state unemployment rate — 4.50 percent.
The Madras-Prineville and the Ochoco highways and the western edge of the Prineville Airport property surround the highest-crime area.
Portland
While you might think Portland should be much more dangerous, at 664,350 people, its violent crime rate is surprisingly 14.85 per 1000.
In addition, unemployment is 4.20 percent, slightly lower than in the rest of the state.
Nevertheless, the area between Northeast Columbia Blvd and the Columbia River, from Northeast 148th Avenue to North Portland Road, has a high crime rate, so tourists and locals should avoid it.
Newport
With 11,247 people, Newport sits at number eight, with a violent crime rate of 15.47 per 1000 people.
Located on the Pacific Coast, Newport’s highest-crime areas lie along Highway 101, south of Agate Beach and north of Nye Beach, and north of the Yaquina River.
Klamath Falls
At 22,960 residents, Klamath Falls’ crime rate is 17.81 per 1000, making it the seventh-most dangerous city in Oregon as of 2021.
The east side of town is safest, although tourists should avoid the central city after dark.
Tillamook
At number six, with only 5,480 residents, Tillamook’s crime rate is 18.43 per 1000.
The town’s largest employer is the Tillamook County Creamery Association, known for its high-quality cheese and dairy products.
As one of the state’s most-visited locations, the TCCA has invested $24 million in upgrading the town’s visitor center.
Surprisingly, locals feel safest in the central portion of the city, the opposite of many other towns across the United States.
Coos Bay
Number five, Coos Bay, with a population of 16,378, has a crime rate of 20.09 per 1000.
The central part of town has the highest crime rate.
Unemployment in Coos Bay stood at 6.10 percent in December 2022.
Coos Bay lost much of its timber industry in the 1980s, replacing many jobs with technology positions.
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, mental health issues, a lack of affordable housing, and a two-year waitlist for subsidized housing have led to a sharp increase in homelessness for those over 55.
Sutherlin
This small town’s population is 8267, but its crime rate is 23.10 per 1000, making Sutherlin the fourth-most dangerous city in Oregon.
As of August 2022, the unemployment rate in Sutherlin was 5.4 percent, nearly one percent higher than the rest of the state.
Sutherlin residents feel safest in the northwest part of the city.
Quest Diagnostics, McDonald’s, and Bi-Mart are the top three employers.
The concentration of restaurant and service-industry jobs suppresses area wages.
Lincoln City
At number three, Lincoln city’s population is 9391, with a crime rate of 23.96 per 1000.
Although the southeast section tends to be relatively safe, the east side is much less so.
The poverty rate in Lincoln City is 19.19 percent.
The top five employers in the city include Chinook Winds Casino, the City of Lincoln City’s City Hall, the Lincoln County School District, Lincoln County Newport Office, and Oregon Coast Community College.
Roseburg
Holding the number two slot for most dangerous cities in Oregon, with a population of 23,564, Roseburg’s crime rate is 30.85 per 1000.
Roseburg residents feel safest in the west portion of town and the least safe in the southeastern areas.
In addition, Roseburg’s unemployment rate as of November 2022 was 5.8 percent, or 1.5 percent higher than the rest of the state.
Astoria
And the most dangerous city in Oregon is Astoria, with a population of 10,086.
Sadly, its crime rate is 32.32 per 1000 people.
In addition, Astoria is a coastal city with an elevated risk for tsunamis after an earthquake.
As a result, locals feel safest in the southeast end of town, while the highest crime rates tend to occur in the northwest portion.
Five Safety Tips for Traveling to Oregon
- Due to the remoteness of many parts of the state, do not count on your cell phone in an emergency. Text instead of calling, and keep your phone fully charged.
- Dial 511 to learn about the expected road conditions ahead of your trip. Keep a physical map with you, and do not rely only on GPS.
- Never swim alone in the Pacific Ocean, and never face away from the water. Sneaker waves surge higher up the beach than usual and can drag you under.
- Assume that nothing is high enough during choppy water and high winds. Assume all cliff edges could collapse at any moment.
- Avoid the base of cliffs, assume rocks could fall whenever you are there, and avoid walking on coastal jetties.
Oregon Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Oregon Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portland, Oregon, the most dangerous city in the state?
Surprisingly, no.
That dubious title goes to Astoria.
However, visitors to Portland should avoid the area between Northeast Columbia Blvd and the Columbia River, from Northeast 148th Avenue to North Portland Road.
It has a high crime rate, so tourists and locals should avoid it.
What factors affect safety in Oregon cities?
Thanks to Measure 110, which legalized possessing small amounts of all drugs for personal use.
Oregon remains the only state to legalize personal drug use.
Due to geography, most of Oregon’s residents live in the Willamette Valley, from Eugene (population 163,460) through Corvallis (58,864), Salem (164,549), and Portland (630,309). In addition, Gresham (110,553) and Hillsboro (102,347) also have high densities.
Tight Housing Markets: Due to income disparities, many Oregonians cannot afford a single-bedroom home using the 30 percent minimum-wage income standard.
In Corvallis, for example, a minimum-wage family must work 84.5 hours to afford a two-bedroom house.
Oregon requires local governments to reduce risks to people and property from flooding, rockslides, earthquakes, tidal waves, bluff erosion, and forest fires.
The Oregon Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan of 2020 also recommends addressing low rainfall, dust, volcanic eruptions, and ice storms.
Oregon drivers’ top five causes of accidents are hitting stopped or parked vehicles due to following too close or underestimating clearance, not giving the right of way, leaving the road, driving too fast for local road conditions, and losing concentration.
What outdoor hazard makes Astoria, Oregon, less safe?
Tsunamis, or bigger-than-usual waves generated by underwater earthquakes, can strike anytime, day or night.
Consequently, if you see the water reverse its direction, taking the tide out when it should be higher, RUN to higher ground as soon as possible after the ground stops shaking.
Never ignore the possibility of tsunami waves crashing into nearby bluffs and drowning everyone in their destructive path.
I’ve been to different cities in Oregon for work and I haven’t encountered any dangers so far. You just have to be mindful wherever you go.
I live in Portland and it is safe here. Before buying a property, please ensure you are in a good neighborhood to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.