10 Most Dangerous Cities in Oregon
- Ontario
- Portland
- Roseburg
- Coos Bay
- Warrenton
- Eugene
- Salem
- Klamath Falls
- Astoria
- Woodburn
1. Ontario
Ontario is the most dangerous city in Oregon. Ontario is a city in Malheur County that sits along the Idaho border. With a population of 11,645, Ontario has a total crime rate that is 175% above the national average. Ontario has an exorbitantly high property crime rate, with property theft, burglaries, and larceny being common. Violent crime is high as well, with 72 incidents recorded in 2022.
2. Portland
As Oregon’s most populous city, Portland is a major tourist destination and economic hub for the state. Despite this, Portland has increasing problems with crime. With a population of 652,503, Portland's total crime rate is 168% above the national average. Portland has dealt with a homeless epidemic for years, which contributes to the city’s high crime rate. Residents report having cars and homes broken into on a regular basis. Drug addiction and unsanitary conditions are major problems in Portland as well.
3. Roseburg
Roseburg is a major logging city that is one of the worst places to live in Oregon due to its crime problems. Roseburg has a population of 23,683 and a total crime rate that is 134% above the national average. Property crime in Roseburg is by far the most common with theft and burglary being common. The area around Roseburg struggles with poverty and drug addiction which contributes heavily toward property crime.
4. Coos Bay
Coos Bay is also one of the most dangerous cities in Oregon. Coos Bay is located near the Pacific Ocean and has a population of 32,308. The total crime rate of Coos Bay is 111% above the national average. There were over 700 incidents of property theft in 2022, with 82 incidents of violent crime. Burglary, theft, and vehicle theft are the most common types of crime in Coos Bay. Despite some concerns over crime, Coos Bay remains a popular seaside tourist destination and is well known for its extensive botanical gardens.
5. Warrenton
Warrenton is another one of the worst places to live in Oregon due to its crime problem. Warrenton is located off the Oregon coast in Clatsop County. This small city’s population is 6,277, with a total crime rate that is 78% above the national average. While violent crime isn’t a major concern, property crime is higher than the national average. Personal and property theft are the most common types of crime in the city. Overall, residents reported feeling mostly safe in Warrenton.
6. Eugene
Eugene is Oregon’s second-largest city and home to several of the state’s universities. Eugene has a population of 176,654. It also has a total crime rate that is 75% above the national average, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Oregon. Eugene has long had problems with drug addiction, which contributes to the high property crime rate in the area. In 2022, there were over 700 incidents of violent crime and almost 6,500 incidents of property crime.
7. Salem
Salem serves as the capital of Oregon and the county seat of Marion County. The city’s population is 175,535 with a crime rate that is 73% above the national average. Property crime alone is 84% above the national average with burglaries and home thefts numbering in the thousands of incidents each year. In addition, there were eight murders, 167 robberies, and 611 incidents of assault in 2022.
8. Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls is a scenic town surrounded by snowy mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. The city’s population is 21,813, with a total crime rate that is 60% above the national average. Property crime is the most prevalent, with almost 700 incidents recorded in 2022. There were also two murders and twenty-four robberies in 2022. Drug trafficking and addiction have been longstanding problems in the immediate area.
9. Astoria
Astoria is one of the worst places to live in Oregon due to its high crime rates. Astoria is a port city in Clatsop County that lies near the Rocky Mountains. The city’s population is 10,181, with a total crime rate that is 51% above the national average. Property crime is most prevalent, with burglary, theft, and vehicle theft being common. Violent crimes such as robbery and assault occur as well. There were zero murders recorded in Astoria in 2022.
10. Woodburn
Despite the town’s active art scene and natural beauty, Woodburn is a dangerous city that struggles with crime. Out of a population of 26,013, Woodburn’s total crime rate is 45% higher than the national average. Property and vehicle theft are common in the city, as well as burglaries. Poverty is a problem in Woodburn, which affects everything from crime rates to school districts.