Rep. Wright: How Oregon compares

By Representative Boomer Wright

The Oregon Business and Industry Research and Education Foundation released its “Oregon Competitiveness Book” earlier this month. The report discusses how Oregon industries compare to those nationwide. According to the analysis, Oregon is a “hostile” place to do business compared to other states.

Additionally, Oregon is ranked as the 18th highest state in local taxes collected per capita and has the 16th highest tax burden per $1,000 of personal income. Oregon’s average personal income does not support the high cost of living and excessive tax burden.

Education trends are equally as grim. Though OBI reported an exponential increase in spending, Oregon has seen a decrease in performance. Oregon is ranked 48th in fourth grade math and 46th in fourth grade reading.

OBI also reported that the housing costs in Oregon are high with homeownership sitting at 61.9% — putting Oregon 46th in the nation. The median home sale price for 2024 was $502,900, about $60,000 above the national average.

While there was miniscule growth in some areas, all areas fell from where the state was in 2022. OBI predicted this is due to people and businesses fleeing the state due to unaffordability.