The town named the poorest in Oregon varies depending on the methodology and source, but recent analyses point to Ontario as the poorest city in Oregon for 2024, while some national outlets have previously cited Prineville or Oakridge in similar rankings.
According to a comprehensive review of U.S. Census data by RoadSnacks, Ontario—a city of about 11,600 people in eastern Oregon—currently holds the distinction of being the poorest city in the state.
Ontario has the lowest median household income in Oregon at $39,750 and a poverty rate of 21.4%, which is the third highest among Oregon cities of similar size. The combination of low wages and limited job opportunities contributes to Ontario’s economic struggles, despite the relatively low cost of living in the area.
“Ontario, unfortunately, ranks as the poorest place in Oregon thanks to a combination of low pay and a lack of jobs. The city of 11,610 people averages the lowest median household income in Oregon and the 3rd highest poverty rate.”
Other cities that consistently appear near the top of the “poorest” lists include Klamath Falls, Roseburg, and La Grande, each with high poverty rates and low median incomes, but Ontario remains at the top for 2024.
However, it’s important to note that different studies may yield different results based on their criteria. For example, 24/7 Wall St. identified Oakridge as the poorest town in Oregon in its national analysis, using a narrower population range and focusing on towns rather than cities.
Another previous report had named Prineville as the poorest town, citing a median household income of just under $30,000 and low educational attainment rates.
Despite these variations, Ontario is currently the most widely recognized as the poorest city in Oregon based on the latest available data and most comprehensive methodology. This status reflects ongoing challenges with employment, income, and economic opportunity in the region.
Poorest Towns in Oregon (2024–2025)
| Rank | Town/City | Median Income | Poverty Rate | Source/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ontario | $39,750 | 21.4% | Widely cited as poorest |
| 2 | Oakridge | Not listed | Not listed | 24/7 Wall St. (2025) |
| 3 | Prineville | $29,959 | Not listed | Older report |
While economic recovery efforts continue statewide, Ontario’s low median income and high poverty rate currently make it the poorest city in Oregon by most recent and widely accepted measures.
Sources
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk4p6TBqcjk
[2] https://www.roadsnacks.net/poorest-places-in-oregon/
[3] https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/
[4] https://kbnd.com/kbnd-news/local-news-feed/148025
[5] https://www.opb.org/article/2025/06/18/portland-dissatisfied-city-affordability-cost-living-survey/
