Oregon, known for its lush forests, scenic coastlines, and bustling cities, is facing an unexpected crisis: a population decline in many of its smaller towns. While the state’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation initially attract residents and tourists alike, a mix of economic uncertainty, environmental concerns, and shifting social dynamics is pushing people to seek opportunities elsewhere. The following ten towns, once thriving communities, now grapple with the challenges of population loss, each with its own unique set of struggles.
10. St. Paul: A Town of Firsts with an Uncertain Future
2020 Population: 238
St. Paul, home to the Pacific Northwest’s oldest brick structure and the grave of a Revolutionary War veteran, holds historical significance. However, high property taxes (0.97% effective tax rate in Oregon) and above-average crime rates (Oregon’s property crime rate exceeds the national average) have contributed to its decline. Despite these challenges, the town’s annual Rodeo, a local tradition since 1935, remains a hopeful beacon for tourism and economic revitalization.
9. Dunes City: A Fight for Land and a Shrinking Population
2020 Population: 1,302
Founded on the ideals of local land control in the 1950s, Dunes City now faces a different battle: demographic aging. With a median age of 54.3 years (compared to Oregon’s state average of 38.8), the town’s population is rapidly aging. Coupled with an unemployment rate above the national average, the town’s future remains uncertain. While some may still find charm in its historical roots, fewer are choosing to settle here long-term.
8. Gaston: From Railroad Stop to Struggling Town
2020 Population: 638
Once a bustling stop on the West Side Railroad, Gaston flourished as a hub for the surrounding farming community. The town’s proximity to Portland, about 30 miles away, once boosted its growth, but that advantage has diminished. Efforts to restore Wapato Lake and its wetland ecosystems provide a glimmer of hope, but residents are leaving for cities offering greater opportunities.
7. Pilot Rock: An Agricultural Hub Losing Its Workforce
2020 Population: 1,471
Pilot Rock, a town steeped in Oregon Trail history, was historically a hub for agriculture and lumber. However, with Oregon’s agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector shrinking by 7.2% between 2013 and 2023, the town faces a workforce shortage. As traditional industries decline, fewer people are staying or moving to this once-thriving town.
6. Scio: Covered Bridges and a Struggling Economy
2020 Population: 684
Known for its iconic covered bridges, Scio is nicknamed the “Capital of Bridges.” However, the town’s economy has faltered, with small businesses struggling to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. Despite efforts to maintain its charm and appeal, the town’s workforce continues to dwindle, leaving the community to work hard at preserving its historic landmarks.
5. Halsey: A Town with a Towering Icon and a Shrinking Population
2020 Population: 903
Halsey, known for its towering grain elevator, once symbolized the town’s industrial heritage. Unfortunately, safety concerns led to the partial demolition of this landmark. Although Halsey has seen some growth in the trucking industry, economic revitalization is slow. With limited job opportunities and a younger population seeking careers in larger cities, the town’s future remains uncertain.
4. Condon: Rich History Overshadowed by Economic Woes
2020 Population: 688
Condon, originally a railhead town, boasts a historic downtown and nearby Air Force installations. However, the town’s reliance on industries like agriculture and forestry has led to economic decline, and with an aging population (Gilliam County’s median age was 51.2 in 2020), the town’s vibrant past is increasingly out of reach for many. Efforts to capitalize on its arts scene may help, but population loss continues to challenge the town.
3. Maywood Park: A Planned Escape Now Facing the Same Struggles as Portland
2020 Population: 4,238
Maywood Park, originally a planned escape from Portland, has faced its own set of challenges despite city incorporation. The construction of I-205, which the town had sought to avoid, impacted its infrastructure. Now, with Portland seeing a net migration loss of over 6,700 people in recent years, Maywood Park has been similarly affected by economic struggles. While the town once promised a peaceful respite from Portland’s bustle, its proximity to an ailing city now compounds its own challenges.
2. Detroit: Natural Beauty Marred by Environmental Disasters
2020 Population: 254
Nestled along the Santiam River and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Detroit’s reliance on tourism makes it particularly vulnerable to environmental disasters. The town has been struck by severe drought, wildfires, and snowstorms in recent years, all contributing to its rapid decline. The town has seen an 11% decrease in population from 2020-2023 as residents seek more stable futures.
1. Gates: A Post-Pandemic Decline in a Picturesque Town
2020 Population: 489
Gates, located between Linn and Marion counties, offers scenic views of the Santiam River and the Cascade Mountains. However, the town’s post-pandemic struggles have been compounded by the Santiam Fire of 2020. The fire’s impact, combined with slow rebuilding efforts, has resulted in a staggering 28% population decline. Limited job opportunities and the pace of recovery continue to drive residents away.
The Road Ahead for Oregon’s Small Towns
The stories of these ten Oregon towns illustrate the many faces of rural America’s population decline. The reasons behind the exodus are varied—economic struggles, environmental disasters, aging populations—but the results are clear: towns are losing residents, and with them, tax bases, jobs, and community spirit.
Yet, all is not lost. Several towns are taking steps toward revitalization by promoting sustainable development, fostering local businesses, and boosting tourism. By investing in infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and prioritizing eco-tourism and renewable energy, these towns may yet turn the tide. The future of Oregon’s smaller communities depends on their ability to adapt and innovate, drawing on their unique histories and natural assets to rebuild and thrive in the coming years.
While challenges remain, the resilience of small-town Oregon offers a hopeful path forward, one that relies on creative thinking, community engagement, and strategic investments in both people and place.