Shaking things up and find yourself wondering about the safest cities in Oregon? I’ve been there. I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life and can completely understand the allure of the state.
As with most things, Oregon is constantly evolving, especially so in the past 2-3 years with many locals favoring small towns to larger cities. The reasons are numerous, from more affordable housing prices to lower crime rates and a stronger sense of community, there’s no denying that living outside of the city has its perks.
Personally speaking, I still find myself content living in Portland but yes, between the housing costs and challenges of city living, I can understand the logic of moving to a smaller city. Which is why I wanted to pull some stats and figure out the safest cities to live in Oregon. Let’s dive in!
Editor’s Note: Longtime readers know the drill: the fun lives in the comments! Agree or disagree, let other readers know your two cents in the comments below (it helps other locals out). Cheers!
The Safest Cities in Oregon
Click for a handy Table of Contents!
#10. Keizer
- Population: 40,000
- Median home price: $455K
- Median income: $65K
- Property crime incidents: 22 per 1,000 residents
- Violent crime incidents: 2.1 per 1,000 residents
Keizer is often ranked as one of the safest cities in Oregon, which is part of the big draw, but the history of this city is equally fascinating.
Named after pioneer Thomas Dove Keizur, one of the area’s first settlers (who arrived in the Wagon Train of 1843), the town was built on the banks of the Willamette River, an area susceptible to floods. Slowly, residents began to build their homes on higher ground, but the constant flooding inhibited the town’s growth.
It wasn’t until dams were built in 1950 that the city began to grow en masse. Oddly enough, Salem has tried to annex Keizer into its city limits a handful of times (starting in 1964).
Several stubborn residents, chief among them married couple Janet and Richard Bauer, convinced locals they should start their own city. In 1982, residents voted to make that so. Since then, Keizer has evolved from its agricultural roots into a desirable suburban community and one of the safest cities in Oregon.
#9. Silverton
- Population: 10,500
- Median home price: $610K
- Median income: $64K
- Property crime incidents: 20 per 1,000 people
- Violent crime incidents: 1.1 per 1,000 people
Silverton is no stranger to the limelight. Known for being the gateway to Silver Creek Falls State Park, it’s not only one of the safest cities in Oregon, but also one of the most charming.
Nestled in the verdant Willamette Valley, the charming small town is known for a stunning backdrop of rolling hills, picturesque farms and ample hiking trails. The town’s historic downtown area is lined with beautiful buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, oozing irresistible small town charm.
With a strong sense of community, picturesque surroundings, slower pace of life and low crime rates, Silverton is one of the most desirable safest towns in Oregon.
#8. Bend
- Population: 103,300
- Median home price: $745K (ouch!)
- Median income: $66K
- Property crime incidents: 21 per 1,000 residents
- Violent crime incidents: 1.7 per 1,000 residents
Bend is best know for two things: epic outdoor recreation and top-notch breweries. Many locals (myself included) consider Bend one of the best places in the state for nature lovers.
Seems like we’re not the only ones that think so. According to WalletHut, Bend was the second-fastest growing city in America in 2020. The fact that Bend is also one of the safest cities in Oregon is mere icing on the cake.
From fragrant ponderosa pine forests to some of the most striking mountains in the Cascade Range, the hiking possibility are endless. If helpful, my husband and I spent a year hiking every trail in the area and came up with a list of 20 Jaw-Dropping Hikes in Bend.
Two helpful guides you might enjoy reading: 15 HONEST Pros & Cons of Living in Bend, Oregon & 20+ EPIC Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
#7. Lebanon
- Population: 17,700
- Median home price: $400K
- Median income: $46K
- Property crime incidents: 21 per 1,000 residents
- Violent crime incidents: 1.7 per 1,000 residents
A city built around the once-thriving timber industry, Lebanon attracts self-sufficient locals who prefer the rewarding satisfaction of growing their bounty over driving to Costco. The city is located smack dab between Salem and Eugene, yet folks seldom take the time to explore.
One of the safest places to live in Oregon, Lebanon is a great option for those that want a slower pace to daily life. The city has an endearing sleepy vibe, full of farmland (most famous for strawberries!).
The best part? This safe Oregon town serves as a gateway to the Willamette Valley, which means you’ll never go thirsty for knock-out Pinot noir while living in the area.
#6. Milwaukie
- Population: 21,040
- Median home price: $520K
- Median income: $62K
- Property crime incidents: 14.8 per 1,000 residents
- Violent crime incidents: 1.7 per 1,000 residents
Named after Wisconsin’s Milwaukee, Milwuakie (Oregon) is located 7 miles south of Portland. Officially, it’s considered a suburb of Portland, but unofficially, the city has a feel all its own.
You might be wondering about the spelling? Nobody really knows, but some people claim the city was intentionally spelled differently to avoid any confusion with its Wisconsin counterpart.
The birthplace of the Bing cherry (the most produced sweet cherries in the country), Milwaukie offers a unique mix of city amenities with a tight-knit community, while offering easy access to Portland.
A city built with a commitment to sustainability, you’ll find lively farmers markets and bike-friendly infrastructure. Likewise, Milwaukie’s scenic parks offer serene natural spaces for locals to enjoy while living in one of the safest cities in Oregon.
#5. Independence
- Population: 10,500
- Median home price: $412K
- Median income: $54K
If the name is any indication, Independence is not to be trifled with. This safe Oregon town is steeped in rich history and unparalleled access to the Willamette River.
In fact, it’s the access to the river that served as the basis for the establishment of this town. The area was first settled by pioneers (from Independence, Missouri) in 1847. The town thrived in agriculture and lumber until the 1950s.
The city’s downtown area is lined with historic buildings, small shops and a handful of restaurants. It may be sleepy and small, but that’s part of the allure. Likewise, the town attracts crowds every September for the Hop & Heritage Festival, which celebrates Independence’s agricultural roots.
#4. Lake Oswego
- Population: 40,200
- Median home price: $912K
- Median income: $110K
- Property crime incidents: 13.4 per 1,000 people
- Violent crime incidents: 0.5 per 1,000 people
Located just south of Portland, Lake Oswego has long been known as one of the safest places to live in Oregon. Affluent and posh, Lake Oswego has garnered a rather unfortunate reputation as being snobby. But I wouldn’t take that to heart.
Lake Oswego’s reputation as one of the safest Oregon cities is well earned. Property and violent crimes are well below the state and national averages, which is why many families find the area attractive (the schools are top-notch as well).
The city’s charming downtown district is full of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and great restaurants. Known for well-maintained parks and a thriving arts scene, Lake Oswego attracts high earners seeking a high quality of life in one of Oregon’s safest cities.
#3. Monmouth
- Population: 10,700
- Median home price: $462K
- Median income: $40K
- Property crime: 13.8 per 1,000 people
- Violent crime incidents: 1.2 per 1,000 people
Home to Western Oregon University, Monmouth is a vibrant community offering a fun mix of residents, from college students to retirees. Everything seems to be running pretty smoothly in this part of the state, as Monmouth often lands on any list of the safest cities in Oregon.
There’s ample outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, fishing and rafting that makes it easy to get to know new people. But the sense of community can mostly be attributed to the never-ending list of fun events hosted in town, most notably the Monmouth Music Festival and the great 4th of July Celebration.
#2. Sherwood
- Population: 20,100
- Median home price: $650K
- Median income: $79K
- Property crime incidents: 11 per 1,000 people
- Violent crime incidents: 0.6 per 1,000 people
An idyllic little town, Sherwood is often ranked as one of the safest cities in Oregon. Found just outside of Portland, the area is home to a charming historic downtown buzzing with locals during warm summer weekends.
The biggest draw of this safe Oregon town is its proximity to the breathtaking wineries in the Willamette Valley. Not into wine? Not problem.
Sherwood is located two hours from Mt. Hood and the Oregon Coast. As one of the cities with the lowest crimes rates in Oregon, the unparalleled access to the great outdoors makes Sherwood a great place to live.
#1. West Linn
- Population: 30,000
- Median home price: $762K
- Median income: $112K
- Property crime incidents: 8.7 per 1,000 people
- Violent crime incidents: 0.9 per 1,000 people
West Linn is a 30-minute drive southeast of Portland. The city has seen massive growth in the past 10 years with many locals moving for more affordable homes and relaxed way of living.
With median home prices clocking in at $762K, it’s a stretch to call West Linn affordable. However, the area is attractive because it’s one of the safest cities in Oregon.
West Linn boasts some of the lowest property crimes in Oregon, not to mention the very low violent crime rates. For perspective, the state’s average violent crime rate is 3.6 per 1,000 residents (almost four times higher). All this to say, West Linn is definitely one of the safest places to live in Oregon.
List of the Safest Cities in Oregon (Post Overview)
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the safest cities in Oregon, hope you enjoyed!
- West Linn
- Sherwood
- Monmouth
- Lake Oswego
- Independence
- Milwaukie
- Lebanon
- Bend
- Silverton
- Keizer
You forgot eastern oregon. The safest place in oregon.
Hey Luis, I’ll be visiting Easter Oregon this summer, which towns do you recommend?
Eastern Oregon, John Day! Don’t forget Mitchell!
Hood river as well Colombia River Gorge was highly overlooked in this top 10.. as well as the south and east. You’re mostly looking at Salem metro my friend which is only so-so safe you’ll run into crazy in the bigger towns almost everywhere. Whether or not you get involved that’s on you
You all don’t even want to be part of Oregon so what are you complaining about? I am from Eastern Oregon. Born and raised but I HAD to get away from the conservatives that are destroying our state, environment and the peace of BIPOC in Eastern Oregon. It’s disgusting.
The problem, and where credibility of the survey wanes, is that all the Portland suburbs listed may be statistically ok but the connect to Portland. The toxic, unsafe, cesspool Portland has INDISPUTABLY become taints the metro region. Recommending places that you have to live in a bubble is not right. Also, those places are a heartbeat away from disaster. Be honest with people
What do you mean by disaster, can you be more specific.
Michael Fesser might disagree with West Linn’s selection in the #1 slot based on his experiences:
https://projects.oregonlive.com/michael-fesser/
There’s a whole other side to Oregon east of the Cascades, ya know! Check out towns like Baker City, LaGrande, John Day, Joseph. These places are largely ignored and often make Eastern and Western Oregon feel like two different states entirely.
Baker City (10k pop, 28.71 property, 1.77 violent)
La grande (13k pop, 23.41 property, 2.58 violent)
Not quite top 10. John Day and Joseph are too small to be on the FBI reporting.
Milwaukie absolutely does not belong on this list. Parts of Milwaukie are scarier than some pretty scary parts of Portland. Particularly along Mcloughlin getting close to the MAX line
Hood river I think should have been one of the top city’s in Oregon as well. Only people who want to give you an experience, a chat, or keep to themselves until prompted. Very mild, and the people and scenery tend to be 7-10/10
Cause honestly you’ve only touched salem metro area my friend
Which southern oregon cities, rogue river areas best to live?