Policy and Avocacy What We Do

Oregon's Housing Need

A growing number of Oregonians simply cannot afford the housing they need. While locally-based strategies and infrastructure exist to address the housing needs, these local resources and steps are not enough. There is far more work to be done before every Oregonian has a safe, decent place to call home. Learn more about Oregon's Housing Need.

  1. Low incomes and high housing costs make Oregon the second least affordable state for renters in the nation. Housing is considered affordable if no more than 30% of a household’s income goes toward rent. (American Community Survey)
  2. Over half of renters in Oregon pay more than they can afford to put a roof over their heads. One in four Oregon renters pay more than half of their total income in rent each month. (American Community Survey)
  3. Low-income renters suffer disproportionately from the affordable housing crisis. Over 75% of renters earning less than the median income spend more than 30% of that income on housing. (Oregon Progress Board)
  4. Many high-wage industry jobs in Oregon have been lost. The new jobs that have emerged pay significantly less, while housing costs remain on the rise. (Oregonian/HUD)
  5. Oregon renters have a higher hunger rate than renters nationwide since high housing costs eat up a large portion of their budget that would otherwise be spent on food. (CDN – M. Leachmen presentation)
  6. In 2004, a worker earning Oregon’s minimum wage ($7.05/hour) had to work 73 hours per week to be able to afford a two-bedroom unit at the fair market value. (NLIHC)
  7. Home prices are rising at unprecedented rates while household incomes lag behind. From 2004 to 2005, statewide housing prices rose 13% while per capita annual income grew only 6%. (Oregonian and OFHEO Housing Price Index)
  8. From 2004 to 2005, the median home price in the Portland metro area rose 22.5% and Medford home prices rose 24%.