We’ve identified communities where you will be safe and welcome and where your vote will be a game-changer at the ballot box.Oregon: A State and State of Mind
Oregon: Congressional District 5
Oregon is among the most climate resilient states in the nation, and Congressional District 5 includes many options for climate resilient living, including Lowest and Lower Climate Vulnerability Risk locales like: Lake Oswego, Albany, Portland (Brentwood-Darlington), and Bend.
Living in this vast region of Oregon, stretching from its northern metropolitan center, south through the agricultural valleys and eastward to the high desert, offers a dramatic range of lifestyles within a single state. Across this diverse landscape, a common thread is the strong connection to nature and a palpable sense of the Pacific Northwest. Residents experience a varied climate: the western valleys are known for their mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, supporting lush greenery, while the eastern high desert boasts more extreme temperatures and significantly more sunshine. This diverse geography provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, from coastal activities and river sports to mountain hiking, skiing, and desert adventures. The quality of life here is generally high, emphasizing a balance between community engagement and a passion for the outdoors.
The cost of living across this broad region varies considerably. While areas closer to the largest city and popular coastal towns can be quite expensive, central and eastern Oregon often offer more accessible housing prices, making the dream of homeownership more attainable. Oregon's lack of a sales tax is a statewide advantage, though the presence of a state income tax can offset some of these savings. The economy is robust and multifaceted. The western valleys benefit from strong high-tech industries, manufacturing, healthcare, and a thriving wine and agricultural scene. Moving eastward, the economy shifts more towards outdoor tourism, natural resource industries, and increasingly, remote work. This economic diversity contributes to a dynamic, though sometimes competitive, job market. Educational opportunities are generally strong, with many public school districts across the region highly regarded, and numerous universities and colleges contributing to the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of both urban centers and smaller communities.
Much of this district includes areas designated Lower and Lowest Vulnerability on the US Climate Vulnerability Index.
COMMUNITY SNAPSHOTS
Bend, Deschutes County
Bend Livability Stats:
Suburban ● $$$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: B ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Outdoor Adventure
Living in Bend often feels like a permanent vacation for outdoor enthusiasts, nestled in the high desert with the majestic Cascade Mountains as a backdrop. The climate is generally dry and sunny, boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it ideal for year-round recreation, from skiing and snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor in winter to hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and fly fishing in the warmer months. The city boasts a vibrant and growing economy, heavily influenced by tourism and outdoor industries. However, it also has a burgeoning tech sector with companies like Effectual and Kollective Technology, and a strong healthcare presence, anchored by St. Charles Health System, the largest employer in Central Oregon.
Bend's community is active, health-conscious, and largely friendly, with a strong emphasis on local businesses, craft breweries, and an evolving culinary scene. The Bend-La Pine School District serves the area, encompassing numerous elementary, middle, and high schools that are well-regarded and offer a variety of programs, including Spanish Dual Immersion and technology magnet schools. For healthcare, residents have access to comprehensive services through St. Charles Bend Hospital, as well as numerous clinics and specialized practices like High Lakes Health Care and Summit Health, ensuring high-quality medical care, including readily available reproductive healthcare options provided by organizations like Planned Parenthood. However, this popularity comes with a significant trade-off: the cost of living, particularly housing (with a median home price around $646,800), is considerably higher than the national average, though generally more affordable than other major West Coast.
Bend Climate Stats
Deschutes County has a relatively low overall climate vulnerability. The county ranks 31st out of 36 counties in Oregon and falls into the 3rd national vulnerability percentile for lowest vulnerability.
Key Vulnerabilities:
Climate Impacts
Wildfires: Vulnerability to wildfires is a significant risk, ranking in the 95th national vulnerability percentile. This is the highest single vulnerability metric for the county.
Air pollution-related illnesses: This ranks high, in the 69th national vulnerability percentile and 3rd in Oregon.
Drought: Vulnerability to drought ranks in the 64th national vulnerability percentile.
Community Baseline
Minority Status & Language: Vulnerability in this area ranks in the 78th national vulnerability percentile.
Exposures & Risks: This ranks in the 65th national vulnerability percentile.
Financial Services: Vulnerability to financial services is also a concern, ranking in the 61st national vulnerability percentile.
Areas of Relative Resilience:
Community Baseline
Environment: Environmental factors that pose a threat to the community's well-being show low vulnerability, ranking in the 23rd national vulnerability percentile.
Social & Economic: Social and economic stressors that impact community resilience have a low vulnerability, ranking in the 20th national vulnerability percentile.
Health: Factors reflecting the baseline state of population health show low vulnerability, ranking in the 18th national vulnerability percentile.
Infrastructure: Essential structures, services, and resources that affect community resilience rank in the 3rd national vulnerability percentile.
Climate Impacts
Health: Expected changes in community health from a warming climate show low vulnerability, ranking in the 27th national vulnerability percentile.
Social & Economic: The vulnerability related to the social and economic costs of climate change is very low, ranking in the 3rd national vulnerability percentile.
Extreme Events: Vulnerability to historical and projected extreme weather events is moderate, ranking in the 51st national vulnerability percentile.
Overall climate vulnerability for Deschutes County is very low, ranking 31st out of 36 counties in Oregon, which places it in the 3rd national vulnerability percentile (lowest vulnerability).
Brentwood-Darlington (Portland), Multnomah County
Brentwood-Darlington Livability Stats:
Suburban/Urban ● $$$$ ● Schools: B ● Crime: N/A ● Community Health: Above Average ● Nearby Airport ● Walkable
Brentwood-Darlington Homes for Sale and Rent
Living in the Brentwood-Darlington area of Southeast Portland, Oregon, provides a distinctly more suburban and family-oriented atmosphere within the city. This largely residential neighborhood features quiet streets, a mix of older and newer homes, and ample green space, including Brentwood Park (a 14.05-acre park with a dog area, playground, and sports fields) and Errol Heights Park (with restored natural areas, trails, and a community garden). The local economy is supported by small businesses, retail, and services, with many residents commuting to other parts of Portland for employment in diverse sectors like technology, healthcare, and education.
You'll find a growing number of diverse food options, particularly excellent Asian restaurants and markets, reflecting its varied population, which includes a significant percentage of Asian and Hispanic residents. The area offers a strong sense of community, where neighbors often connect through events hosted by the active Brentwood-Darlington Neighborhood Association, such as artisan markets and community dinners. The public schools serving Brentwood-Darlington are part of the Portland Public Schools district and are generally well-regarded. For healthcare, residents have access to various local clinics, including Providence Primary Care - Southeast Portland, and Federally Qualified Health Centers like OHSU Health Family Medicine, East Portland Community Health Center, ensuring comprehensive and accessible medical services, including reproductive healthcare options.
Multnomah Climate Stats
Multnomah County, home to the Portland Darlington-Brentwood neighborhood, has a relatively low overall climate vulnerability. It ranks 27th out of 36 counties in Oregon and falls into the 7th national vulnerability percentile for lowest vulnerability.
Key Vulnerabilities
Community Baseline
Exposures & Risks: This is a major vulnerability, ranking in the 99th national vulnerability percentile and 2nd in Oregon.
Pollution Sources: Vulnerability in this area is also high, ranking in the 97th national vulnerability percentile and 1st in Oregon.
Minority Status & Language: This ranks in the 97th national vulnerability percentile and 4th in Oregon.
Climate Impacts
Flooding: Vulnerability to flooding ranks in the 78th national vulnerability percentile and 11th in Oregon.
Costs of Climate Disasters: This ranks in the 67th national vulnerability percentile and 15th in Oregon.
Drought: Vulnerability to drought ranks in the 58th national vulnerability percentile and 22nd in Oregon.
Areas of Relative Resilience
Community Baseline
Social & Economic: The county has a low vulnerability to social and economic stressors, ranking in the 53rd national vulnerability percentile.
Health: Factors reflecting the overall state of population health show low vulnerability, ranking in the 18th national vulnerability percentile.
Infrastructure: Vulnerability in essential structures and services is very low, ranking in the 0th national vulnerability percentile.
Climate Impacts
Health: Expected changes in community health from a warming climate show low vulnerability, ranking in the 26th national vulnerability percentile.
Social & Economic: The vulnerability related to the social and economic costs of climate change is very low, ranking in the 7th national vulnerability percentile.
Extreme Events: The vulnerability to historical and projected extreme weather events is very low, ranking in the 0th national vulnerability percentile.
Overall climate vulnerability for Multnomah County is very low , ranking 27th out of 36 counties in Oregon , which places it in the 7th national vulnerability percentile (lowest vulnerability).
We have put together a comprehensive guide for Oregon that includes:
Modeling data about climate risks, vulnerabilities, and strengths;
Political Context and Competitiveness;
Community Overview of the Region and Neighborhoods;
Economic Opportunity and Cost of Living; diversified economy with growing opportunities;
Schools and Education;
Civic Engagement Opportunities, including political, community and advocacy organizations.
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Why OR-05 Represents the Future
Oregon's 5th Congressional District embodies the kind of place where you can find some stability in a changing environment.
The climate is less vulnerable than much of the country.
Your vote genuinely matters in one of the nation's most competitive districts
Your voice can influence policy through accessible local government and civic engagement
Your life can flourish with affordable living, economic opportunity, and community connection
Your presence helps build the inclusive, competitive democracy we all need
This isn't just a place to find refuge—it's a place to build the future.