Oregon’s Unhappiest Places: The 5 Cities You’ll Want to Avoid

The stunning scenery of Oregon is what draws tourists there. Think lush woods, tumbling waterfalls, and striking coastlines.

However, some of the cities behind this attractive façade are dealing with problems that could have a bad effect on your general wellbeing. Using information on things like economic opportunity, employment stability, and community wellness, this article explores the top 5 “least happy” locations in Oregon.

Our intention isn’t to discourage you from visiting Oregon altogether; rather, we want to be transparent so you can make wise choices. Let’s explore some cities that might not be the best fit for everyone before you pack your bags.

Woodburn

There are 25,877 people living in the community of Woodburn. With a 14.4% poverty rate, the region has a wide range of economic backgrounds.

With a median home price of about $241,300, this area’s housing market is stable and reasonably priced in comparison to other areas.

A wide variety of family configurations exist within the community, as seen by the 11.0% of households that are married. Furthermore, the percentage of households with children is 36.03%, suggesting that Woodburn’s population is family-oriented.

Madras

There are 7,381 people living in Madras, a city having a 21.3% poverty rate. The area’s housing market trends are reflected in the $227,500 median home price.

Oregon's Unhappiest Places: The 5 Cities You'll Want to Avoid — Image By: Visit Central Oregon

The population of the city is oriented toward families, with married households making up 14.0% of the total and homes with children making up a considerable 42.79%.

According to these figures, Madras is a community with a diverse population profile where family life and housing affordability are important factors.

Umatilla

There are 7,224 people living in the small town of Umatilla. The 17.1% poverty rate in the area reflects the variety of economic backgrounds present.

With a median house price of $156,000, Umatilla is reasonably priced for prospective homeowners. A sizable share of the town’s families are represented by the 8.0% of married households and the 42.49% of homes with children.

Hermiston

Only 13.3% of Hermiston’s 19,141 residents live in poverty, which is a comparatively low percentage. At $193,800 for a median home, this neighborhood is reasonably priced for anyone looking to buy a property.

In stable, family-oriented communities, the percentage of married households is about 16.0%. Not to mention that 42.8% of households have kids, which suggests that the town respects family life and probably offers lots of family-friendly facilities and services.

Molalla

There are 10,060 people living in the small town of Molalla. With a poverty rate of 8.2%, it is comparatively low and indicates a healthy economic climate.

A moderately priced housing market is indicated by the median home price of $333,900. The percentage of married households in the area is about 26.0%, indicating a sizable part of families. Molalla is a family-friendly community, as seen by the noteworthy 39.36% of homes with children.

To Conclude

Oregon has a wide variety of villages, each with a distinct personality. These places might have lower well-being scores or experience economic hardships, but they might also have untapped potential or a close-knit sense of community that appeals to you.

Think of this as a jumping off point for exploring Oregon. Go beyond the numbers, explore these cities in greater detail, and learn what makes the “Beaver State” truly happy. You simply need to identify your ideal location from the many in Oregon.