Oklahoma City and Portland provide different offerings to both residents and tourists. Climate, cost of living, taxation, and cultural experiences are some of the varying factors between these two cities. As Oklahoma City sits in "Tornado Alley", it experiences a more unpredictable weather condition compared to the mild and rainy Portland climate. Oklahoma City is more affordable to live in than Portland but the latter offers a richer cultural and culinary experience.
Distance between
Oklahoma City, OK and
Portland, OR : 1,481.4 miles
Oklahoma City's population is larger by 7%. Its population has grown by 181,593 people (35.9%) since 2000. The population of Portland has grown by 112,041 people (21.2%) during that time.
Comparing the two cities in terms of crime rate, Portland generally has higher per capita crime rates. However, much of this can be attributed to the higher population density. On a neighborhood to neighborhood basis, there are safe and potentially dangerous communities in both cities. For tourists, it is vital to review and understand the neighborhoods when making travel or relocation arrangements. If you are considering relocating, using local resources or real estate agents can provide a clearer view of the situation.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,386 registered sex offenders living in Oklahoma City and 374 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Oklahoma City is 461 to 1; the ratio in Portland is 1,710 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Oklahoma City than that in Portland.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Oklahoma City tends to be lower than in Portland, indicating a significant difference in home prices, median income, and overall life expenses. This could be a determining factor for anyone considering relocation or extended stays.
Income Tax
State income tax in Oregon (Portland) can be high, up to 9.9% depending on income. Oklahoma (Oklahoma City) state income tax is lower, with rates ranging from 0.5 to 5%.
Property Tax
Oklahoma City has more affordable property tax rates compared to Portland. However, properties are generally more expensive in Portland due to higher demand and cost of living.
Sales Tax
Oklahoma City has a higher sales tax (8.63%), compared to Portland which has none, giving the latter an advantage for those leery of taxes.
Income
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Estimated median household income
$59,214
$79,057
Estimated per capita income
$31,630
$49,003
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
85.4
106.5
If you make $50,000 in Oklahoma City, you will have to make $62,354 in Portland to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Oklahoma City is relatively flat with few natural landmarks, situated in the Great Plains region. Portland, in contrast, is known for its picturesque, hilly terrain surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountain Range.
When it comes to education, both cities portray significant attractions. Portland schools like Reed College, Lewis, and Clark College, and the University of Portland bring in a robust academic appeal. Oklahoma City offers options such as the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University, known for their contributions to the academic sector.
The economy in both cities is robust, each with strengths in different sectors. Oklahoma City's economy primarily thrives off industries such as energy, aviation, and healthcare. Portland, conversely, has strengths in technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
Portland's biggest employers are Intel, Nike, and Providence Health & Services. In Oklahoma City, the largest employers include the U.S. federal government, Integris Health, and Hobby Lobby Stores.
There were 4,127 building permits issued in Oklahoma City in 2012 (2834 more than in 2011) compared to 474 building permits issued in Portland in 2012 (23 more than in 2011).
In Oklahoma City (Oklahoma County), 41.7% voted for Democrats and 58.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Portland (Multnomah County), 75.4% voted for Democrats and 20.6% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Portland
2020
48.1%
79.2%
49.2%
17.9%
2.7%
2.9%
2016
41.2%
73.3%
51.7%
17.0%
7.1%
9.7%
2012
41.7%
75.4%
58.3%
20.6%
0.0%
4.0%
2008
41.6%
76.7%
58.4%
20.6%
0.0%
2.7%
2004
35.8%
71.6%
64.2%
27.1%
0.0%
1.3%
2000
36.6%
63.8%
62.3%
28.3%
1.1%
7.9%
1996
36.5%
59.2%
54.7%
26.3%
8.8%
14.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Portland
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
20.7%
0.5%
20.0%
3.8%
CATHOLIC CHURCH
8.5%
15.2%
3.0%
6.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.7%
0.7%
1.3%
2.2%
INTERNA PENTECO HOLINESS CHURCH
0.7%
0.0%
2.9%
0.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
1.0%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.9%
1.5%
3.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.3%
0.8%
0.1%
2.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.3%
0.6%
1.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.9%
0.9%
4.0%
Weather
Oklahoma City exists within the “Tornado Alley,” experiencing harsh weather conditions from time to time. However, the city gets more sunshine and less rainfall compared to Portland. On the other hand, Portland is characterized by its wet, cool weather during winter, warm, dry summers, and overall mild climate, offering a central attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather and climate
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Temperature - Average
60.1°F
53.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
73.1%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35%
42%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
85%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
44%
Precipitation - Yearly average
35.7 in
41.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
17.2 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
23.1%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
72.1%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
21%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
79%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
58%
20%
Wind speed - Average
12.3 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Average climate in Portland, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City
Portland
Oklahoma City
Portland
2018
85
79
0.29
0.26
6.6
8.8
31.9
21.4
0.002
N/A
21.3
N/A
9.6
7.2
0.0
0.4
2017
82
93
0.32
0.26
6.7
8.7
33.0
22.6
0.002
N/A
20.7
N/A
8.9
7.1
0.0
0.4
2016
72
72
0.29
0.25
6.6
8.7
31.9
20.8
0.002
N/A
19.4
N/A
8.5
5.2
0.2
0.2
2015
76
91
0.24
0.28
7.0
9.2
31.5
20.1
0.002
N/A
19.1
N/A
7.8
7.4
0.5
0.5
2014
84
91
0.15
0.24
7.1
8.5
32.4
21.0
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
6.3
0.1
0.8
2013
84
85
0.14
0.29
8.6
9.6
32.8
17.9
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
8.6
0.2
1.1
2012
97
78
0.13
0.30
9.4
9.1
34.0
21.0
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.9
7.4
0.3
0.6
2011
107
89
0.24
0.34
9.9
9.4
36.3
18.5
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.9
8.1
0.8
0.8
2010
81
80
0.30
0.33
8.8
9.1
31.7
19.4
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
6.4
0.7
1.4
2009
82
95
0.52
0.32
8.1
10.2
31.9
20.0
0.002
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
8.4
0.7
1.6
2008
78
101
0.51
0.34
9.8
10.9
31.0
19.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
1.4
1.0
2007
81
101
0.44
0.35
10.2
11.4
29.4
18.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.8
2.0
1.3
2006
95
106
0.43
N/A
10.1
N/A
33.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.8
1.2
1.5
2005
88
96
0.38
N/A
11.6
N/A
31.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
1.3
1.7
2004
75
92
0.46
N/A
10.5
N/A
28.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.8
0.6
N/A
2003
87
77
0.42
N/A
10.9
N/A
30.8
N/A
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
N/A
N/A
2002
91
68
0.35
N/A
14.3
N/A
29.0
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
2.0
N/A
2001
87
73
0.69
N/A
13.1
N/A
31.0
N/A
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.9
1.8
N/A
2000
89
52
0.66
N/A
13.4
N/A
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.0
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
353.4%
8.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
938.9%
1,575.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
43%
9%
Transportation
Portland shines in the public transportation sector with its revered TriMet system that includes buses, light rail, and streetcars. In contrast, Oklahoma City is more car-dependent but offers public bus transit services and a commuter rail system called the Heartland Flyer.
Transport
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
0
804
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
0
6
Means of transportation to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Bicycle
0.2%
3.1%
Bus
0.3%
4.6%
Carpooled
8.6%
9.4%
Car alone
87.6%
76.2%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.9%
Streetcar
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.2%
0.1%
Walked
1.4%
3.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Average
25.6 min
28.8 min
Other means
21 min
21.8 min
Public transportation
33.1 min
38.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
89.5%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
7.1%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.7%
0.8%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0.6%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.4%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Oklahoma City is historically less expensive than in Portland. This affordability extends to both rental and purchase prices, benefitting both consistent residents and transient tourists.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods for different lifestyles. In Portland, the Pearl District and Hawthorne neighborhood are popular. Oklahoma City features distinctive areas like Bricktown and Nichols Hills, appreciated for their unique atmospheres.
Houses and residents
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Houses
302,241
303,483
Average household size (people)
2.5
2.3
Median year apartment built
1978
1976
Median year house/condo built
1986
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
11.8 years
12.1 years
Houses occupied
275,285 (91.1%)
286,734 (94.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
164,470 (59.7%)
153,121 (53.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
110,815 (40.3%)
133,613 (46.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,241
$1,917
Median monthly housing costs
$983
$1,535
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$278,299
$248,225
Estimated median house or condo value
$190,900
$520,200
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
4.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.2
Median house price - detached houses
$254,772
$568,464
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$318,820
$576,814
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$128,784
$426,181
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$170,231
$466,898
Median house price - mobile homes
$112,256
$136,996
Median house price - occupied boats, rvs, vans etc.
$67,765
$126,313
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$245,885
$416,951
Median house price - All housing units
$249,488
$544,799
Median house age
40
56
Renting percentage
40.3%
46.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
497.9
2,259.4
House value disparities
34.7%
23.1%
Household income disparities
44.3%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,907
$122,948
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,761
$72,663
Housing units without a mortgage
1,238 (1.2%)
2,404 (2.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
4,838 (4.7%)
11,239 (10.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
100,798 (98.8%)
108,864 (97.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
123 (0.1%)
396 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,921 (5.8%)
12,832 (11.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.9%
0.9%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Oklahoma City
Portland
One, detached
67.8%
53.3%
One, attached
3.4%
5.7%
Two
2.0%
3.5%
3 or 4
5.1%
4.5%
5 to 9
6.0%
4.0%
10 to 19
5.6%
4.7%
20 to 49
2.4%
6.6%
50 or more
4.6%
16.2%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,964
25,437
State government workers
17,132
15,615
Unpaid family workers
555
688
Industries and Occupations
Oklahoma City's economy is largely driven by the energy, healthcare, and aviation sectors. Meanwhile, the tech industry (dubbed the "Silicon Forest"), manufacturing, and healthcare sectors are dominant in Portland. Both cities have a good unemployment rate compared to the national average.
Both cities offer multiple health care facilities with state-of-the-art medical technology. Oregon Health & Science University in Portland and Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City are among the top healthcare providers.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have well-developed infrastructures. Oklahoma City fares well with the availability of good roads, free public parking, and a successful MAPS redevelopment program. Portland, known for its urban planning, offers an extensive public transportation system and bicycle paths for eco-friendly commuting.
Infrastructure
Type
Oklahoma City
Portland
Hospitals
61
21
TV stations
20
18
Arenas or stadiums
4
3
Bank branches located here
183
208
Bank institutions located here
44
30
Main business address for public companies
15
32
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
4
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Oklahoma City
Portland
1999
2,925
1,922
2000
2,396
1,651
2001
1,824
1,193
2002
1,507
1,235
2003
2,014
1,844
2004
2,323
2,651
2005
3,134
3,396
2006
3,132
3,510
2007
2,036
3,008
2008
1,143
1,465
2009
593
712
Culture and Food
Portland is well known for its rich culture and diverse food scene, composed of countless breweries, food trucks, and farm-to-table restaurants. Oklahoma City has a vibrant cowboy culture with food scenes predominantly filled with steakhouses and BBQ joints.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts would love both cities: Oklahoma City boasts the Thunder NBA team, while Portland houses the Trail Blazers NBA team and the Timbers MLS team.
Oklahoma City, OK
Portland, OR
Oklahoma City, OK and 
Portland, OR : 1,481.4 miles
