The 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Oregon For 2023


We used data and science to identify the most dangerous cities in the Beaver State for 2023.

Most dangerous cities in Oregon research summary. We analyzed the most recent FBI crime data to determine the most dangerous cities in Oregon based on violent and property crimes per capita. Here are the results of our analysis:

  • The most dangerous city in Oregon is Ontario based on the most recent FBI crime data.

  • The violent crime rate in Oregon is 657 per 100k people.

  • The property crime rate in Oregon is 5,788 per 100k people.

  • The safest city in Oregon is Talent.

  • Oregon is the 21st most dangerous state in the United States.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Table | FAQs | References


No, it’s not all peace, love, and harmony in The Beaver State. RoadSnacks knows of 281 violent crimes and 2,968 property crimes that says so.

Do you think that you live in one of the most dangerous cities in Oregon? Now, before you lock your doors and grab your taser, we suggest you take a look at RoadSnacks’ list of the most dangerous places in Oregon for 2023, there might be some that surprise you.

How’d we do it? We consulted the numbers. In total, we analyzed 70 cities. We looked at the FBI’s latest crime report for violent crime and property crime statistics for every place with over 5,000 residents. We discovered that Oregon’s violent and property crime numbers, while not the worst in the country, could be better.

If you asked most Oregonians, they would say that their little corner of this Pacific Northwest state is the best, but that’s not the case for the people who live in Oregon’s most dangerous places. The residents in these places are not only witnessing high crime, they are dealing with unemployment, low wages, and lack of rehabilitation programs.

And while Oregon might not be one of the top ten most dangerous states in the country, the state’s most dangerous places do need some work. Maybe more police? Security cameras? Drug programs? We’re not entirely sure. One thing that we are sure about, however, is that you should take a look below at the list of Oregon’s most dangerous places before you make any life changing decisions.

The Most Dangerous Cities In Oregon For 2023

  1. Ontario
  2. Portland
  3. Coos Bay
  4. Roseburg
  5. Lincoln City
  6. Salem
  7. Klamath Falls
  8. Eugene
  9. Newport
  10. Astoria

If you guessed that most of the state’s problems are centralized around most of Oregon’s largest cities, Portland and Salem, you guessed right. Oregon’s biggest cities can’t catch a break. Surprisingly, however, the most dangerous place in Oregon doesn’t even have 10,000 residents.

So, where is Oregon’s most dangerous place? The most dangerous place in Oregon would be, Ontario.

To see how your city faired, take a look at the list below; and if you don’t find what you’re looking for there, head to the bottom.

Learn more about the safest places in Oregon.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

For more Oregon reading, check out:

The 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Oregon For 2023

Located along Snake River on the border of Idaho, Ontario ranks as the most dangerous city in Oregon.

Ontario saw a increase in violent crime and a increase in property crime for last couple of years, which explains why it moved several spots on the list for 2023.

Ontario residents had a 1 in 152 chance of being the victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 17 chance of having their stuff stolen or vandalized over 2021.

Included in those numbers is the tenth highest murder rate, 28th highest rate of rape cases, and tenth highest rate of burglaries in Oregon.

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 10,952
Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 657 (Fourth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,788 (Most dangerous)
More on Ontario:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Ontario, OR

We all know Portland has a lot of avant-garde hipsters and various disciples of American counter-culture, but the biggest city in Oregon also has the second worst crime numbers in the state.

With all the gardens and parks around, you might think Portland’s a peaceful place, but anyone who watches the news knows otherwise.

Portland is the third most violent place in Oregon, with about ten violent crimes going down each day, on average. Property crime isn’t much better, considering the 9,007 stolen cars and 4,430 burglaries recorded in 2021.

All of which is definitely not cool.

Overall SnackAbility

8
/10

Population: 664,350
Rank Last Year: 4 (Up 2)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 720 (Third most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,576 (Second most dangerous)
More on Portland:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Portland, OR

Another coastal city, Coos Bay also saw a spike in crime over the past year. The city ranked as the sixth highest worst in both violent and property crime rates, with some alarming numbers in each category.

Like having the 26th highest rate of rape cases in Oregon by a pretty significant margin. And recording a burglary about every other day, on average, which is enough for the highest burglary rate statewide as well.

At least residents can find a bit of sanctuary at Shore Acres State Park — just bring a friend if you think you’ll be out after dark.

Overall SnackAbility

5
/10

Population: 16,378
Rank Last Year: 3 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 500 (Sixth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 4,438 (Fourth most dangerous)
More on Coos Bay:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Coos Bay, OR

Located about an hour south of Eugene, Roseburg ranks as Oregon’s fourth most dangerous place to call home. Despite Roseburg’s #4 position on this list, it actually has the third highest overall crime rate in Oregon.

How’s that happen? Well, when property crime is such that 1 in 19 residents is the victim of a theft or vandalization over the course of a year, it inflates your overall crime numbers.

And it’s not like it’s just a few picked pockets and broken windows going down in Roseburg either. The city also reported the eighth highest rate of rape cases in Oregon.

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 23,564
Rank Last Year: 7 (Up 3)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 424 (Ninth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 5,075 (Third most dangerous)
More on Roseburg:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Roseburg, OR

Geographically speaking, Lincoln City is a nice spot. Built along the Pacific coast in the northern half of the state, a traveler can enjoy beaches and beautiful vistas. Just stay vigilant as you check out the ocean. The town also represents the number 5 most dangerous spot in Oregon — and not from people getting swept away by the tide. Rather, the locals themselves represent the biggest risk.

Lincoln City has a serious issue with violence. In a town with 9,391 residents, the area reported 60 assaults and 7 rapes over the course of a year.

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 9,391
Rank Last Year: 5 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 745 (Most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,162 (16th most dangerous)
More on Lincoln City:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Lincoln City, OR

Turns out that Oregon’s capital city is also the sixth most dangerous place in the state.

Salem might be one place where wearing a wallet chain is actually a good idea, seeing as there were 4,643 larcenies in 2021. And while violent crime has been decreasing in Salem, property crime went up from last year.

Still, watch your back in any poorly lit areas of Salem’s parks of night — it’s still the seventh most violent place in Oregon, after all.

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 178,106
Rank Last Year: 10 (Up 4)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 457 (Seventh most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,597 (Tenth most dangerous)
More on Salem:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Salem, OR

Source: Public domain

We’re taking our first trip down to south-central Oregon to reach its seventh most dangerous city, Klamath Falls.

Klamath Falls had the 17th highest burglary rate in Oregon for 2021. At least nobody has tried to pull a heist on the Klamath County Museum yet.

Violent crime is the bigger problem in Klamath Falls, though. Residents had a 1 in 135 chance of being attacked over the year. That includes the 11th highest murder rate and tenth highest rate of rape cases in Oregon.

Overall SnackAbility

4
/10

Population: 22,960
Rank Last Year: 11 (Up 4)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 736 (Second most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,022 (18th most dangerous)
More on Klamath Falls:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Klamath Falls, OR

Eugene has the highest number of homeless people per capita in America, so it’s not exactly shocking that the city has to deal with high crime rates as well.

It’s just good protocol to keep a close eye on your stuff when you’re walking along the Willamette River Trail, or you might join the 6,478 victims of property crime Eugene had in 2021.

Additionally, Eugene averaged one aggravated assault each day, so if you’re not trying to get some free boxing lessons, do your best to avoid rowdy pugilists here.

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 175,007
Rank Last Year: 8 (No Change)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 407 (12th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,701 (Eighth most dangerous)
More on Eugene:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Eugene, OR

Newport, located in Lincoln County, ranks as the ninth most dangerous place to live in the state for 2023. While Newport does not have a high murder rate, with zero reported murders in 2021, it does have concerning levels of other violent crimes, including rapes and aggravated assaults. Additionally, 364 property crimes were reported in Newport during the same year.

Newport has the potential to improve its safety situation. By addressing the root causes of crime and implementing effective policing strategies, Newport can work towards creating a safer environment for its residents. Furthermore, Newport’s location on the Oregon coast offers opportunities for tourism and economic growth, which can enhance safety measures and foster a thriving community.

Overall SnackAbility

7
/10

Population: 11,247
Rank Last Year: 25 (Up 16)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 391 (13th most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 3,236 (13th most dangerous)
More on Newport:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Newport, OR

Welcome to Astoria, Oregon’s hub of violent crime. A port city located just east of Warrenton, Astoria recorded the fifth highest violent crime rate in Oregon for data year 2021.

Residents had a 1 in 165 shot of being the victim of a violent attack. So look out for criminals when you’re moseying down the Astoria Riverwalk, or you could join that unfortunate group.

Astoria also had the highest rate of rape cases and third highest burglary rate statewide — not statistics you want to be associated with your city.

Overall SnackAbility

6
/10

Population: 10,086
Rank Last Year: 9 (Down 1)
Violent Crimes Per 100k: 604 (Fifth most dangerous)
Property Crimes Per 100k: 2,944 (22nd most dangerous)
More on Astoria:  | Cost Of Living | Crime Report

Astoria, OR

Methodology: How we determined the most dangerous cities in Oregon for 2023?

Every year the FBI release two crime datasets on cities in Oregon. First a preliminary dataset limited to the biggest cities in Oregon, followed by a more detailed release at the end of the year.

For our analysis, we focused on the 2021 data, specifically the 2021 Crime In The United States Report for Oregon. We will update the results when data becomes available in September 2023.

So what criteria did we use? Have a look:

  • Violent Crimes Per Capita
  • Property Crimes Per Capita

In order to make the analysis as apples to apples as possible, we only considered Oregon cities over 5,000 in population. That left us with 70 cities in Oregon.

We then ranked each city from 1 to 70 for the two criteria with a #1 ranking being the most dangerous for the particular criteria.

Next, we averaged the two rankings into one “Dangerous Index”.

Finally, we ranked every city on the “Dangerous Index” with the lowest index being the most dangerous in Oregon — Ontario. Any ties went to the smaller city.

Most Dangerous Places To Live In Oregon FAQs

No, Oregon is not a dangerous state as it ranks as the #30 safest state in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. The violent crime rate in oregon ranks 36th highest in the United States — 24.74% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the Beaver State ranks seventh highest in the United States — 35.79% worse than US average property crime rate. The latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020.

Yes, Portland is a dangerous city. Portland ranks as the #33 most dangerous out of 320 major cities over 100,000 people in the United States based on our analysis of the latest FBI Crime Data. Keep in mind that are always safe and dangerous parts of any city, so even though Portland might be considered dangerous you still need to be aware of where you are. For example, Homestead is the safest in Portland, while Sunderland is considered dangerous by many based on recent crime stats.

Compared to other big cities, the violent crime rate in Portland ranks 136th highest in America — 4.78% better than US average violent crime rate. The property crime rate in the ranks 22nd highest in the United States — 78.44% worse than US average property crime rate. Note the latest reporting year from the FBI was 2020 and that no city in America is ‘dangerous’. Despite the uptick in murders, it’s nothing like you’d see in Tijuana or Caracas where the murder rate is 2x any American city.

Graphing The Most Dangerous And Safest Places In Oregon

Most Dangerous Cities In Oregon Graph

Click To Enlarge

Summary: Locking It All Up In Oregon

So what is the most dangerous city in Oregon? After analyzing 70 cities in Oregon, Ontario takes the top spot as the most dangerous city in Oregon based on the most recently reported FBI data — 2021.

The latest FBI crime data shows that Ontario ranks as the most dangerous city in Oregon for 2023.

We want to point out again that there’s still safes places in Ontario and that this isn’t a comment on the people that live there. So please don’t beat us up.

If you guessed that most of the state’s problems are centralized around most of Oregon’s largest cities, Portland and Salem, you guessed right. Oregon’s biggest cities can’t catch a break. Surprisingly, however, the most dangerous place in Oregon doesn’t even have 10,000 residents.

So, where is Oregon’s most dangerous place? The most dangerous place in Oregon would be, Ontario.

To see how your city faired, take a look at the list below; and if you don’t find what you’re looking for there, head to the bottom.

Learn more about the safest places in Oregon.

If you’re looking for something more national, check out the most dangerous cities in America or the most dangerous states in America.

Here are the safest cities in Oregon:

  1. Independence (Pop. 11,129)
  2. Central Point (Pop. 19,313)
  3. Lake Oswego (Pop. 40,138)
  4. Milwaukie (Pop. 21,094)
  5. Molalla (Pop. 9,383)
  6. Eagle Point (Pop. 9,782)
  7. Monmouth (Pop. 10,728)
  8. West Linn (Pop. 26,908)
  9. Philomath (Pop. 5,742)
  10. Talent (Pop. 6,767)

For more Oregon reading, check out:

Crime By City In Oregon

Rank City Population Violent Crimes Per Capita Property Crimes Per Capita
1 Ontario 10,952 657 5,788
2 Portland 664,350 720 5,576
3 Coos Bay 16,378 500 4,438
4 Roseburg 23,564 424 5,075
5 Lincoln City 9,391 745 3,162
6 Salem 178,106 457 3,597
7 Klamath Falls 22,960 736 3,022
8 Eugene 175,007 407 3,701
9 Newport 11,247 391 3,236
10 Astoria 10,086 604 2,944
11 Gresham 110,448 452 2,949
12 Woodburn 26,386 420 2,975
13 Warrenton 5,815 275 3,903
14 Medford 84,297 326 3,211
15 Grants Pass 38,672 336 3,017
16 Sweet Home 10,136 315 3,068
17 Sutherlin 8,267 411 2,612
18 The Dalles 15,643 268 3,547
19 Tualatin 27,617 271 3,295
20 Hermiston 17,898 273 2,832
21 Tigard 56,914 274 2,714
22 Corvallis 59,585 218 3,683
23 Springfield 63,599 283 2,603
24 Pendleton 16,804 220 3,177
25 Seaside 6,938 331 1,989
26 Madras 7,140 140 4,103
27 Hood River 7,848 127 4,013
28 Cornelius 13,241 332 1,631
29 La Grande 13,431 253 2,293
30 Ashland 21,308 225 2,538
31 Beaverton 99,886 249 2,361
32 Gladstone 12,506 255 2,158
33 Redmond 35,230 221 2,455
34 Baker City 9,882 161 2,934
35 Forest Grove 25,890 293 1,467
36 Hillsboro 113,053 242 2,004
37 Prineville 11,541 346 1,100
38 Dallas 17,630 215 2,422
39 Stayton 8,314 180 2,489
40 McMinnville 35,498 236 1,983
41 St. Helens 14,178 282 1,269
42 Oregon City 38,602 225 1,800
43 Keizer 39,913 233 1,763
44 Tillamook 5,480 145 2,500
45 Milton-Freewater 7,050 283 1,092
46 Scappoose 7,715 233 1,542
47 Albany 56,746 174 2,278
48 Brookings 6,583 319 957
49 Junction City 6,303 174 2,062
50 Florence 9,285 21 2,681

References

  • FBI UCR 2022

  • Census – American Cumminity Survey

This article is an opinion based on facts and is meant as infotainment. It is our tenth time ranking the most dangerous places to live in Oregon and is updated for 2023.
About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.