#37: Oregon
Minimum wage: $14.20–$15.45 (varies by region)
Oregon’s wealthy often work in technology, manufacturing leadership, healthcare, real estate, and creative industries. High earners cluster around Portland and desirable coastal or mountain areas, enjoying walkable neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, and strong food and arts scenes supported by higher professional incomes.

For lower-income Oregonians, many jobs are in food service, retail, agriculture, and hospitality. Housing costs are a major challenge, especially in urban areas. Even with a higher minimum wage, rent, transportation, and childcare expenses can quickly strain household budgets.
