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Overall Rating: 73/100 · 280,000 veterans (6.6% of population)
Reviewed 2026. Programs and exemptions verified against Oregon veterans-affairs and tax-authority sources.
Benefit details verified January 2025. Tax exemptions, caps, and eligibility change and can vary by county — always confirm current figures with your county assessor and your Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs before you rely on them.
Taxed at 4.75-9.9% (only pre-Oct 1991 service exempt)
0.9% average effective rate
$32,512 of assessed value (40%+)
Flat $32,512 assessed-value exemption for service-connected 40%+ (same all tiers ≥40%); $27,092 non-service-connected. Nothing below 40%.
Source ↗No sales tax in Oregon (saves $1,500-$2,500/year)
$48,000
VA Medical Center
3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239
(503) 220-8262
Cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, primary care, mental health, audiology, ophthalmology, women's health
State Tuition Waiver
Children/spouses of 100% disabled veterans, KIA/MIA, or Purple Heart recipients (post-9/11)
4-year value: $55,728
Median Home
$537,200
1BR Rent
$1,400/mo
COL Index
117
Unemployment
3.5%
Major employers: Intel (22,000), Nike (12,000), Providence Health, Legacy Health, OHSU, Daimler Trucks, Columbia Sportswear, Port of Portland, VA Portland
Pros: Best job market, VA Medical Center in city, largest veteran community, craft beer/food culture, no sales tax, outdoor recreation within 90 min
Cons: Most expensive ($537K median), high cost of living (17% above national avg), homelessness visible downtown, traffic congestion, property crime
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$0 down, no PMI. Funding fee waived for service-connected veterans.
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Oregon public employers add 5 percentage points to a veteran's application/exam score and 10 points to a disabled veteran's score; qualified veterans and disabled veterans who meet the minimum qualifications must be granted an interview.
Official source ↗Oregon resident veterans with a 25%+ service-connected disability qualify for a free ODFW combination hunting, fishing, and shellfish license with a Columbia River Basin Endorsement, plus a $25 elk tag; renewable annually.
Official source ↗Oregon State Parks offers a Special Access Pass to veterans with disabilities providing free tent/RV camping (up to 10 nights per park or per 30-day period) and free parking at day-use fee parks.
Official source ↗Oregon DMV adds the word 'Veteran' to a driver's license, permit, or ID card at no additional fee for U.S. veterans who request it and provide proof of honorable service (DD-214 or VA Summary of Benefits letter).
Official source ↗Veterans with a qualifying service-connected disability under ORS 805.100 may obtain permanent Disabled Veteran plates and pay a one-time permanent vehicle registration fee, keeping the plates for life.
Official source ↗Oregon operates two veterans' homes: The Dalles Oregon Veterans' Home and the Edward C. Allworth Veterans' Home in Lebanon, offering long-term, memory, and rehabilitative care. Open to honorably discharged veterans, their spouses/surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents.
Official source ↗The unremarried surviving spouse (or registered domestic partner) of a qualifying disabled veteran who owns and lives at the homestead may claim the Oregon disabled-veteran property tax exemption (an annually adjusted homestead assessed-value reduction).
Official source ↗Sourced from official state agencies; programs and eligibility change — confirm with your Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs before applying.