Oregon, a state known for its diverse landscape and growing economy, is home to several towns that face significant economic challenges.
In recent years, Oakridge has been named the poorest town in Oregon according to the latest 2025 report by 24/7 Wall St. Let’s take a deeper look into the data and reasons why Oakridge holds this distinction.
Recent Rankings and Data
According to the 2025 report, Oakridge has the lowest median household income in Oregon, standing at $29,336. This is far below the state’s median household income of $76,632. The town also faces a poverty rate of 31.6%, which is more than double Oregon’s overall poverty rate of 11.9%.
Additionally, Oakridge’s residents have a much lower rate of attaining a bachelor’s degree compared to the state average, contributing to the ongoing economic struggles.
Alternative Rankings
Although Oakridge currently holds the title of the poorest town in Oregon, other towns have also been named as the poorest in different years and by different sources. Here are a few:
Prineville: In recent years, Prineville has been reported as the poorest town in Oregon by several outlets. The median household income here is slightly higher than Oakridge at $29,959, but the town has similarly low rates of educational attainment, which impacts economic opportunities.
Ontario: Another town highlighted in some reports, Ontario has a median household income of $39,750, which is relatively higher than Oakridge but still below the state’s median. Its poverty rate is above 21%, indicating considerable economic challenges.
Coquille: Although older data, Coquille has also appeared on poverty rankings in past reports. With a median income of $31,220 and a poverty rate of 21.7%, Coquille continues to face economic hardship.
| Town | Median Household Income | Poverty Rate | Reference Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakridge | $29,336 | 31.6% | 2025 | Most recent ranking[1] |
| Prineville | $29,959 | ~ | Recent years | Low educational rates[2][3] |
| Ontario | $39,750 | 21.4% | Recent years | Alternative ranking[3] |
| Coquille | $31,220 | 21.7% | 2019 | Older data[3] |
Why These Towns Rank Lowest
The key factors contributing to the low economic status of towns like Oakridge, Prineville, Ontario, and Coquille are:
Low Median Household Income: These towns have incomes significantly lower than the state’s average, making it difficult for families to maintain a comfortable living standard.
High Poverty Rates: A large percentage of the population in these towns lives below the poverty line, making it harder to break the cycle of poverty.
Lower Educational Attainment: Many of these towns have fewer residents with higher education degrees, which limits employment opportunities and economic mobility.
Currently, Oakridge holds the title as Oregon’s poorest town based on the most recent data. However, towns like Prineville, Ontario, and Coquille also face significant economic difficulties and have been recognized in previous years as some of the poorest towns in Oregon.
Understanding these challenges is crucial for finding ways to address economic disparities in Oregon’s rural areas.
[1] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[2] https://kbnd.com/kbnd-news/local-news-feed/148025
[3] https://mywaynecountynow.com/this-town-has-been-named-the-poorest-in-oregon/
