Independent Living in Oregon

Oregon Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to community records in Oregon.

In Oregon, independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Oregon is considered to be less affordable than the national average. Like other states on the west coast, Oregon has an extremely high housing cost and lots of prime real estate. This high cost is slightly offset by the fact that Oregon has no sales tax, which means that the price of consumer goods tends to be more affordable than elsewhere. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

• Cost of Living: 131
• Groceries: 110
• Housing: 182
• Utilities: 88
• Transportation: 137

Demographics

About 18% of Oregon’s population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Oregon leaned considerably liberal. The Portland metro area is the most densely-populated part of the state, and also the most left-leaning politically. Outside of the cities, Oregon is very rural and tends to vote reliably conservative. Many people in Oregon are active in the outdoors and a majority of the population is interested in environmental conservation and protection.

2016 Presidential Election

• Voted Democrat: 50%
• Voted Republican: 39%
• Voted third party: 11%

Population

• Median age: 39
• Over the age of 55: 31%
• 2018 population: 4,190,713
• 2020 population: 4,280,368
• Estimated 2025 population: 4,512,988

Miscellaneous

• 29% regularly attend a religious service
• 43% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
• The state has a total of 4,026 congregations
• There are 120 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

A large portion of the state of Oregon has a warm-summer Mediterranean type of climate. This means that the summers tend to be warm and pleasant while the winters are often cool and rainy. The coastal regions of Oregon receive especially high amounts of precipitation, and certain parts of the state, like the Valley of the Giants, are even considered rainforests. The average relative humidity is Oregon is around 70% with an average dew point of about 39°F.

Humidity and Precipitation

• Average humidity level: 69%
• Average monthly precipitation: 3”
• Average maximum monthly precipitation: 16” (December)

Air Quality

• Average air quality index rating: 35 (Good)
• Average maximum air quality rating: 75 in August (Moderate)

Moderate air quality means that those who are sensitive to particulates in the air should limit the amount of time they spend on outdoor exertion.

Seasonal Temperatures

• Average temperature: 50°F
• Average summer temperature: 65°F
• Typical summer high: 94°F (July)
• Typical summer low: 35°F (June)
• Average winter temperature: 37°F
• Typical winter high: 57°F (February)
• Typical winter low: 11°F (December)