Oregon is a beautiful state with a lot of natural attractions, but it is not a popular destination for people who are looking for a new place to live. Here are some of the reasons why no one is moving to Oregon:
1. High Cost of Living
Oregon is one of the most expensive states to live in, with a cost of living index of 131.2, which is 31.2% higher than the national average. The median home price in Oregon is $411,300, which is 77.4% higher than the national median. The state also has a high income tax rate, ranging from 5% to 9.9%, depending on the income bracket.
2. Lack of Diversity
Oregon is one of the least diverse states in the country, with a population that is 86.7% white, 13.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Asian, 2.2% Black or African American, and 1.8% Native American or Alaska Native. The state has a history of racial discrimination and exclusion, dating back to its founding as a “white-only” state in 1859. Oregon still struggles with issues of racism, inequality, and social justice today.
3. Unpredictable Weather
Oregon is known for its rainy and cloudy weather, which can affect the mood and mental health of some people. The state receives an average of 42 inches of precipitation per year, which is 6 inches more than the national average. The state also has a low number of sunny days, with only 144 days of sunshine per year, compared to the national average of 205. The weather in Oregon can also vary greatly depending on the region, from the mild and wet coastal areas to the dry and cold mountainous areas.
4. Natural Disasters
Oregon is prone to various natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, wildfires, floods, and tsunamis. The state is located on the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a fault line that runs along the Pacific Northwest coast, where the Juan de Fuca Plate is sliding under the North American Plate. This creates a potential for a massive earthquake and tsunami that could devastate the region.
Oregon also has several active volcanoes, such as Mount Hood, Crater Lake, and Newberry Volcano, that could erupt at any time. The state also faces frequent landslides, especially in the rainy season, that can damage roads, buildings, and infrastructure. Oregon also experiences severe wildfires, especially in the summer and fall, that can destroy forests, wildlife, and homes. The state also suffers from occasional floods, especially in the low-lying areas near rivers and streams.
5. Limited Job Opportunities
Oregon has a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is slightly lower than the national average of 5.2%. However, the state also has a low job growth rate of 0.9%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.6%. The state’s economy is largely dependent on a few sectors, such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, manufacturing, and technology. The state also has a low median household income of $67,058, which is 7.4% lower than the national median of $72,388.
6. Strict Environmental Regulations
Oregon is one of the most environmentally conscious states in the country, with a lot of laws and regulations that aim to protect the natural resources and reduce the carbon footprint. For example, the state has a bottle bill that requires a 10-cent deposit on all beverage containers, which can be redeemed at recycling centers.
The state also has a ban on single-use plastic bags at grocery stores and other retail outlets, which encourages the use of reusable bags. The state also has a low carbon fuel standard that requires a 10% reduction in the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 2025. While these measures are beneficial for the environment, they can also be inconvenient and costly for some people who are not used to them.
7. Isolation from Other States
Oregon is a relatively isolated state, with only two neighboring states, Washington and California, and a long coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The state has a low population density of 42.6 people per square mile, which is 38.4% lower than the national average of 69.2. The state also has a low number of major cities, with only one city, Portland, that has a population of more than 500,000.
The state also has a limited transportation network, with only one major interstate highway, I-5, that runs north-south through the state. The state also has a low number of airports, with only one international airport, Portland International Airport, that serves the entire state.
Conclusion
Oregon is a state that has a lot of natural beauty and charm, but it is not for everyone. The state has a high cost of living, a lack of diversity, an unpredictable weather, a high risk of natural disasters, a limited job market, a strict environmental policy, and a low connectivity with other states.
These factors may deter some people from moving to Oregon, or make them want to leave after living there for a while. However, for some people, these factors may not matter, or may even be appealing, as they enjoy the unique culture and lifestyle that Oregon offers. Ultimately, the decision to move to Oregon depends on the personal preferences and priorities of each individual.
