New census report shows higher income and high housing costs in Oregon

(JANUARY 30, 2026) People in Oregon earn more money than the average person in the United States. But many people also pay a lot for housing.

This information comes from the American Community Survey by the U.S. Census Bureau. The survey looks at data from 2020 to 2024. It studies income, housing, and population in the U.S.

Median household income is the middle amount of money that families earn in one year, after all families are listed from the lowest income to the highest. During this time, the median household income in the U.S. was about $80,700. In Oregon, it was higher, about $83,000. 

For 2024, the federal poverty level for a family of four was approximately $29,960 to $31,200 and $14,891 to $15,060 for an individual, with higher amounts in Alaska and Hawaii. The poverty rate in the U.S. was 12.5%. In Oregon, it was lower at 11.9%. This means fewer people in Oregon live in poverty compared to the country as a whole. 

However, housing costs in Oregon are high. The median monthly rent in the U.S. was $1,413. In Oregon, rent was higher at $1,525 per month.

Many renters in Oregon spend a large part of their income on rent. About 52% of renters pay one-third or more of their income for housing. This makes it hard for some people to save money.

Census data is important for Oregon. The state uses it to plan programs, write laws, and decide how much federal money it gets.

The Census Bureau also shared new population numbers. From July 2024 to June 2025, Oregon’s population grew slowly. About 8,200 people were added. The total population is now about 4.27 million.

Overall, Oregon has higher income and lower poverty, but housing costs remain a big challenge for many people.