Oregon (OR)

Known as the "Beaver State," Oregon is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cities, and outdoor adventure. From the rugged Pacific coastline to the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Mountains, the state offers diverse landscapes and endless recreational opportunities. With a thriving arts scene, rich history, and famous craft breweries, Oregon is a perfect blend of nature and culture.

• Population: ~4.3 million
• Weather: Mild, wet winters (35-50°F); warm, dry summers (70-90°F).
• Famous Sites: Crater Lake National Park, Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood, Cannon Beach, Columbia River Gorge.
• Top Activities: Hiking, wine tasting, skiing, coastal road trips, visiting breweries, exploring waterfalls.

Oregon’s job market is strong, with great opportunities in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and education. These industries provide stable careers with good salaries. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Oregon based on earnings and job availability. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Oregon offers a mix of lively urban areas and charming college towns. Each of the state's largest cities features unique colleges and universities that attract students from all over. Below is a table that shows the top 10 largest cities in Oregon, their approximate populations, and the number of college students enrolled in each city.

Oregon is home to top public and private universities, offering excellent programs in science, business, engineering, healthcare, and the arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Oregon

• University of Oregon (UO) – The state's flagship university, known for its programs in business, journalism, and environmental sciences.
• Oregon State University (OSU) – A leading research university with strong agricultural, engineering, and marine science programs.
• Portland State University (PSU) – An urban research university recognized for business, social work, and sustainability studies.
• Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) – A top institution for applied sciences, healthcare, and engineering programs.
• Western Oregon University (WOU) – Known for strong teacher education, social sciences, and liberal arts programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Oregon

• Reed College – A highly regarded liberal arts college known for its rigorous academic programs and intellectual environment.
• Lewis & Clark College – Offers strong programs in law, environmental science, and international affairs.
• Willamette University – The oldest university in the West, known for its strong business, law, and liberal arts programs.
• University of Portland – A Catholic university with strong nursing, business, and engineering programs.
• Linfield University – A small college known for its nursing, business, and wine studies programs.

Oregon is home to some of the best high schools in the nation, providing students with excellent academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college preparation. Whether public or private, these schools emphasize strong curriculums, dedicated faculty, and well-rounded learning experiences.

Top Public High Schools in Oregon

• School of Science & Technology, Beaverton – A top-ranked school focused on STEM education, offering rigorous courses and advanced placement options.
• International School of Beaverton, Beaverton – Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, this school excels in preparing students for college and global opportunities.
• South Eugene High School, Eugene – Offers a variety of AP and IB courses, with strong programs in the arts and sciences.
• West Linn High School, West Linn – Recognized for academic excellence, athletics, and a wide range of extracurricular activities.
• Lakeridge High School, Lake Oswego – Provides outstanding academic programs and strong college preparatory support.

Top Private High Schools in Oregon

• Catlin Gabel School, Portland – An elite private school with a focus on experiential learning and academic rigor.
• Oregon Episcopal School, Portland – Offers a challenging curriculum with a strong emphasis on community involvement and leadership development.
• Jesuit High School, Portland – A highly regarded Catholic school known for its academic achievements and strong ethical values.
• St. Mary’s Academy, Portland – An all-girls private school that excels in preparing students for college and leadership roles.
• Northwest Academy, Portland – Offers a personalized learning approach with a strong focus on the arts and critical thinking skills.

Oregon has a rich sports culture and is home to professional teams in basketball and soccer. While the state does not have teams in the NFL, MLB, or NHL, its existing teams have passionate fan bases and strong regional support.

The Portland Trail Blazers are Oregon’s only team in one of the "big four" major leagues. They compete in the NBA and have a dedicated following, with a history that includes an NBA Championship in 1977. The team plays at Moda Center and has seen legends like Clyde Drexler and Damian Lillard wear its uniform.

In soccer, Oregon boasts two highly successful teams: the Portland Timbers (MLS) and the Portland Thorns FC (NWSL). The Timbers are one of Major League Soccer’s most popular clubs, known for their passionate supporters and intense rivalries. The Thorns, representing women’s soccer, are among the most successful teams in the National Women’s Soccer League, with multiple championships and a consistently strong fan base.

While Oregon does not host an MLB or NFL team, minor league and semi-pro teams contribute to the state’s vibrant sports scene.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Oregon

Baseball 🏟️

• Hillsboro Hops (High-A – Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate) – A key developmental team in minor league baseball, providing future major leaguers with early experience.

Hockey 🏒

• Portland Winterhawks (WHL – Western Hockey League) – A junior ice hockey team with a strong tradition of developing NHL talent.

Soccer ⚽

• Lane United FC (USL League Two) – A developing club helping to grow the sport in smaller markets.

With its thriving basketball and soccer teams and emerging minor league scene, Oregon remains a great state for sports fans.

1. Home of the Deepest Lake in the U.S. 🌊 – Crater Lake in Oregon is the deepest lake in the United States, reaching a depth of 1,943 feet. It was formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago.
2. No Sales Tax! 💰 – Oregon is one of the few states with no statewide sales tax, making it a shopper's paradise.
3. First U.S. City to Ban Plastic Bags 🛍️ – In 2011, Portland became the first major U.S. city to ban plastic bags in retail stores, promoting a greener environment.
4. Has the Only Levitating Road 💨 – Oregon's Mystery Hole in Gold Hill is famous for its strange gravitational effects that make objects and cars appear to move uphill.
5. The Largest Cheese Factory in the World 🧀 – The Tillamook Creamery, famous for its dairy products, is one of the largest cheese producers in the world and offers tasty samples to visitors.
6. Bigfoot Sightings Galore! 👣 – Oregon has one of the highest numbers of reported Bigfoot sightings, especially in the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest.
7. Home to the Smallest Park in the World 🌳 – Mill Ends Park in Portland holds the Guinness World Record for being the world's smallest park, measuring just 2 feet in diameter.
8. Mount Hood is an Active Volcano 🌋 – Oregon’s tallest peak, Mount Hood, is an active volcano. Although it hasn't erupted in over 200 years, geologists keep a close eye on it.
9. The Birthplace of Nike 👟 – The global sportswear giant Nike was founded in Oregon in 1964. Its headquarters are still located in Beaverton today.
10. The Last Blockbuster Video 🎥 – The world’s last remaining Blockbuster Video store is still open in Bend, Oregon, attracting nostalgic visitors from around the globe.