The Worst Places to Live in Oregon (And Why You Might Want to Avoid Them)

Oregon is famous for stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and quirky small towns, but let’s be real—not every place in the state is a great place to live. Some towns struggle with high crime rates, unemployment, unaffordable housing, or just a general lack of things to do. Whether you’re considering a move or just curious, here are some of the worst-rated places to live in Oregon—and why they made the list.

Table of Contents

1. Klamath Falls – Beautiful Scenery, But Major Struggles
2. Madras – High Crime, Low Opportunity
3. North Bend – Coastal Town With a Rough Reputation
4. Grants Pass – Crime & Housing Issues
5. Ontario – The Struggle Is Real
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1. Klamath Falls – Beautiful Scenery, But Major Struggles

On paper, Klamath Falls sounds like a dream for nature lovers, sitting near Crater Lake and endless outdoor recreation. But living here? That’s another story. The town has high unemployment rates, a struggling economy, and long, harsh winters that can feel isolating. Crime has been a persistent issue, and despite efforts to revitalize the town, many residents report a lack of job opportunities and healthcare access.

2. Madras – High Crime, Low Opportunity

“Lonely old homestead Madras Oregon” by 2WheelTravlr is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Located in central Oregon, Madras has struggled with high crime rates and a lack of well-paying jobs. While the surrounding desert scenery is beautiful, the town itself is often ranked among Oregon’s worst places to live due to crime, poverty, and drug issues. The median household income is significantly lower than the state average, and many residents feel there’s little to do in terms of entertainment, nightlife, or cultural activities.

3. North Bend – Coastal Town With a Rough Reputation

“North Bend, Oregon” by Jasperdo is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Oregon coast is full of charming towns, but North Bend doesn’t quite make the cut. This town has suffered from a declining economy, job shortages, and rising crime rates. While nearby Coos Bay has seen some revitalization, North Bend continues to struggle with limited employment opportunities and a higher cost of living compared to what’s actually available. The weather is also a big downside—it’s cold, damp, and often gray year-round.

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4. Grants Pass – Crime & Housing Issues

“Beautiful Downtown Grants Pass, Oregon” by J. Stephen Conn is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Grants Pass is a town with potential, but it consistently ranks as one of Oregon’s most crime-ridden places. Property crime, in particular, is higher than the national average, and locals report issues with homelessness and drug-related problems. Despite its proximity to the Rogue River and incredible outdoor adventures, the cost of living has been rising, while job opportunities haven’t kept up—making it a tough place to settle down.

5. Ontario – The Struggle Is Real

“Scenic Vista between Vale and Ontario, Oregon, U.S. Route 26” by Ken Lund is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Located on the Idaho border, Ontario has some of the highest poverty and unemployment rates in the state. While it benefits from having lower housing costs than most of Oregon, that comes at the price of very few job opportunities, harsh winters, and a lack of entertainment or cultural attractions. Many residents feel isolated, and the crime rate is significantly higher than the national average.