10 Safest Places to Live in Oregon
- Monmouth
- Milwaukie
- West Linn
- Independence
- Lake Oswego
- Lebanon
- Bend
- Sherwood
- Silverton
- Keizer
1. Monmouth
The safest place to live in Oregon is Monmouth. This small city has a population of 11,110 and lots of small-town charm. The total crime rate is 1,174 per 100,000, which is 60% lower than the state average. Monmouth is located just south of Salem and has great access to nearby hiking trails. Monmouth offers a low cost of living as well, with the median home price being $198,100. Monmouth has a tightly knit community, with the city’s downtown hosting many events.
2. Milwaukie
Milwaukie is also one of the safest places to live in Oregon. Milwaukie is a suburb of Portland and has a population of 21,119. The total crime rate in Milwaukie is 1,252 per 100,000, which is 58% lower than the national average. Milwaukie is known for being a hub for publishing and is home to publications such as Dark Horse Comics, Sin City, and other major titles. Since 2016, Milwaukie’s real estate market has been rapidly expanding, being labeled as the “Tenth Hottest Market in the Nation” by realtor.com.
3. West Linn
Another one of the safest cities in Oregon is West Linn. This city is located in Clackamas County in northwestern Oregon. With a population of 27,373, West Linn’s total crime rate is 1,330 per 100,000, which is 53% lower than the US average. In fact, West Linn consistently ranks as one of the safest, most affordable, and happiest cities in Oregon. West Linn is located just south of Portland yet still has access to parks such as the Mary S. Young State Recreation Area. While being cheaper than Portland, the median home price in West Linn is $397,500.
4. Independence
Independence is a safe, mid-sized Oregon town with a lot to offer in terms of community activities, arts programs, and outdoor recreation. With a population of 8,982, Independence has a total crime rate of 1,474 per 100,000 which is 50% lower than the Oregon state average. Independence has a historic downtown that hosts numerous community events making the town ideal for families. Independence is an affordable town with a median home price of $150,300.
5. Lake Oswego
Lake Oswego is one of the safest places to live in the greater Portland, Oregon, area. Lake Oswego is a scenic town of 40,000 people that is often ranked as one of the best places to live in Oregon. Lake Oswego’s crime rate is 1,669 per 100,000, which is 43% lower than the Oregon average. This makes it one of the safest cities in Oregon. Lake Oswego is built around the 405-acre Oswego Lake, with many homes and docks built directly on the water. Lake Oswego is a fairly affluent community with a median home price of $508,500.
6. Lebanon
Another one of the safest places to live in Oregon is Lebanon. Located southeast of Salem, Lebanon is a scenic town that offers a relaxed pace of life. Out of a population of 18,447, Lebanon has a total crime rate of 1,711 per 100,000 which is 42% lower than the Oregon state average. Lebanon has 15 developed state parks as well as camping areas, an RV park, and plenty of boating access. In addition, Lebanon is quite affordable, with a median home price of $143,100.
7. Bend
Bend is a scenic town situated right beneath the mountains in central Oregon. With a population of 100,000, Bend is extremely safe for a city of its size. The crime rate is 1,728 per 100,000, which is 41% lower than the state average. Bend’s crime rate has been steadily decreasing as the town grows, and violent crime is almost non-existent. Residents are drawn to Bend as it offers the luxuries of a larger city, a cheap cost of living, and breathtaking mountain views.
8. Sherwood
Located just outside of Portland, Sherwood offers a great family-friendly suburban vibe in a very safe environment. With a population of 18,194, Sherwood has a total crime rate of 1,801 per 100,000 which is 39% lower than the Oregon state average. Sherwood offers residents more space and a cheaper cost of living than Portland while still having great restaurants and breweries right around the corner. The median home price in Sherwood is $313,000.
9. Silverton
Also known as Oregon’s Garden City, Silverton is home to an abundance of natural landscapes and parks. It’s also one of the safest places to live in Oregon. Downtown Silverton is located along Silver Creek, where rows of restaurants and coffee shops have balconies overlooking the river making for some scenic eating experiences! With a population of 10,484, Silverton has a crime rate that is 36% lower than the state average. Silverton offers an abundance of nature and several local theatres, botanical parks, and art exhibits.
10. Keizer
Keizer is a safe and peaceful suburban community located just south of Salem in the Willamette Valley. Keizer has a population of 39,376 and a total crime rate of 1,997 per 100,000, which is 32% lower than the Oregon state average. Keizer benefits from having a wide range of restaurants, nature trails, golf courses, and dog parks while being a short drive to Salem. Keizer is a tight-knit community with the downtown hosting many annual events ranging from beer tasting to vintage car shows.