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What's It Like living in Oregon Wisconsin?
Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller

How Is Living in Oregon, WI? | 🏜️ What to Know Before Moving to Oregon WI

Last Updated On: 19th August 2024, 03:33 pm

Are you searching for a laidback, family-friendly city with easy access to essentials? Then moving to Oregon, WI may be the perfect fit.

The village of Oregon is a peaceful suburb situated south of Madison, Wisconsin. The village was founded in 1841 by a settler named Bartlet Runey. Initially known as Rome Corners, the community was renamed after the Chicago and North Western Railroad came to the village, as the main line that ran from Chicago to Minneapolis passed through Oregon. The village was officially incorporated in 1881.

These days, Oregon, Wisconsin is known for its annual events, beautiful parks, and top-notch golf courses. It's a good place to live for families and commuters as it offers a welcoming atmosphere, excellent schools and an easy drive to Madison. For those who are on the fence about potentially residing in this picturesque town, here is everything you need to know about living in Oregon, WI.

Where Is Oregon, WI?

Oregon, WI is in Dane County within the Madison metropolitan area. US Highway 14 and Wisconsin Highway 138 converge in the southeast corner of the village, offering a convenient route to Madison and other parts of the state. There is also an Oregon town in Wisconsin situated adjacent to the village, which is larger in area but less populated. It's about 10 miles or a 20 minute drive from Oregon, WI to Madison, WI.

Oregon Population & Demographics

According to the 2020 Census, the Oregon Wisconsin population is 11,179. It's a relatively fast growing area and the population increased by 21% between 2010 and 2020. It has a sparse, suburban atmosphere and the population density is 2,482 residents per square mile.

It's a fairly wealthy, family-oriented suburb. Married couples make up 66% of households and 28% of residents are under the age of 20 while 30% are in their 30's and 40's. The median household income is $95,453, which is about 30% higher than the rest of Wisconsin.

The racial and ethnic breakdown is 91.4% White (90.8% White, non-Hispanic), 3.2% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Asian, 4.5% two or more races.

Other Oregon, WI Demographics

  • The median age is 40.2, which is about the same as the rest of Wisconsin
  • The Oregon WI population is 50% male and 50% female
  • 98.9% of residents living in Oregon, WI have a high school diploma, and 49.1% have a bachelor's degree or higher
  • The foreign-born population is 3%

Living in Oregon, WI is very safe. The total crime rate is 504 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 72.1% lower than the Wisconsin crime rate and 78.5% lower than the rest of the country.

The murder rate is 0, while the violent crime rate is only 65 incidents per 100,000 residents. That means it's 79.9% lower than the rest of Wisconsin and 83.2% lower than the rest of the country. The property crime rate is 439 per 100,000 residents, which is 70.5% lower than the state and 77.6% lower than the national average. So if you're thinking about moving to Oregon, WI crime won't be a major concern.

The Village of Oregon Police Department handles crime and public safety in the community with the assistance of 21 law enforcement personnel, including 18 sworn officers and 3 civilian employees.

Cost of Living in Oregon

Living in Oregon, WI is relatively affordable for the quality of life residents enjoy. A great way to get a sense of how much it costs to live in an area is to refer to the cost of living index. It measures the affordability of a place compared to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.

The COLI for the Madison area is 98.1, indicating it's about 1.9% less expensive than the rest of the country. The Economic Policy Institute has a Family Budget Calculator that shows that the average family of four with two adults and two kids needs to make about $119,563 per year to afford to live in the Madison area.

Typical Oregon, WI living expenses

  • Loaf of bread: $3.95
  • Gallon of milk: $2.47
  • Gallon of gas: $3.31
  • Visit to the doctor: $154.26
  • Hamburger: $5.22
  • Carton of eggs: $2.29
  • Average Oregon, WI monthly energy bill: $192.73

Source: Payscale

Redfin reveals that the median sales price of homes for sale in Oregon, WI is $554,888. The Oregon real estate market has consistently gone up in recent years, and home prices have increased by 84% since 2020. The median price per square foot of Oregon Wisconsin real estate is $221.

Although most residents own a home, renters will find plenty of options as well. About 72% of Oregon WI real estate is owner-occupied, while 28% is rented out. Rentcafe shows that the average rent in Oregon WI is $1225 per month.

Only about 4% of rentals are large-scale buildings with more than 50 units, while 86% are small-scale complexes and 9% are single-family homes. Rent prices start around $975 for a one-bedroom and go up to $2300 for a three bedroom.

Oregon Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Oregon

Oregon, Wisconsin is a peaceful suburb offering friendly neighbors, low crime and great schools regardless of where you choose to reside. However, naturally certain areas have an especially notable reputation due to the amenities and quality of life they offer. Here are a few of the best neighborhoods if you're planning on moving to Oregon, WI.

Autumn Woods | A Luxury Neighborhood with Custom-Built Homes

Autumn Woods is a desirable area around Wolf Street that stretches from Main Street to the Foxboro Golf Club and offers luxury homes with custom built designs starting in the high $300,000s.

Legend at Bergamont Homes | An Exclusive Golf Community with Upscale Amenities

Legend at Bergamont is a semi-private golf club with an 18 hole course, swimming pool, club house and other amenities that also features two communities with lots and new construction homes for sale.

Hillview Heights | A Quiet, Family-Friendly Neighborhood with Affordable Homes

Hillview Heights is a popular neighborhood located west of highway 14, that offers well-maintained streets and 3 to 4 bedroom, ranch-style homes starting at $200,000.

Oregon Weather & Climate

Oregon has a continental climate according to the Koppen classification system, which means you can expect cold, snowy winters and warm, wet summers. The temperature typically stays between 13F and 82°F, although the winter can get as low as -7°F and summers can get up to 90°F. As a result, The best time to visit Oregon is typically from about mid June to early September.

You should also prepare for precipitation if you're thinking about moving to Oregon, WI. The village averages about 36 inches of rain and 41 inches of snow per year. So pack an umbrella and a snow shovel!

Things to Do in Oregon

Residents will find no shortage of fun things to do in Oregon WI, from gorgeous parks to ice skating rinks. For shopping, you'll find plenty of great local shops and boutiques in town, such as the Oregon Farm Center or the Best of Wisconsin Shop. You can also drive into Madison for larger retailers at malls like the Hilldale Shopping Center. If you're looking for more action, here are some of the best things to do in Oregon Wisconsin.

Lerner Conservation Park

Lerner Conservation Park is a 60 acre park in Oregon WI with a 1.7 mile trail that is great for hiking, biking, bird-watching, picnicking and more.

400 E Netherwood St, Oregon, WI 53575 (608) 835-3118

Oregon Ice Arena

Oregon Ice Arena is a community skating rink offering youth and adult leagues, player development programs, tournaments, skating lessons, birthday parties and more.

100 N Perry Pkwy, Oregon, WI 53575 (608) 561-9960

 

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Oregon Historical Society

The Oregon Historical Society is a local history museum situated at the corner of Lincoln and Market Streets that features artifacts and exhibits charting the development of the community.

159 W Lincoln St, Oregon, WI 53575 (608) 835-8961

Additional Attractions in Oregon, WI

If you're looking for more Oregon WI parks, community events, entertainment options, and wellness classes, the village parks and recreation department has resources on its website.

Oregon Restaurants

You'll also find a range of appetizing restaurants in Oregon WI, serving everything from local cuisine to exotic dishes. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Oregon, Wisconsin.

Maria's Pizza

Maria's Pizza is a laid back pizza place serving classic Italian dishes in a vintage brick storefront. It's the best restaurant in Oregon WI if you're in the mood for a slice and a cold soda.

134 S Main St, Oregon, WI 53575 (608) 835-5455

Bodihow Brewing Company

Bodihow Brewing Company is a one of a kind Oregon Wisconsin restaurant serving craft brews and mesoamerican cuisine such as tacos made with homemade tortillas and fresh ingredients.

201 Concord Dr, Oregon, WI 53575 (608) 291-0160

 

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Firefly Coffeehouse

Firefly is a popular Oregon WI coffee shop serving handcrafted espresso and daily breakfast and lunch, including hot sandwiches, salads, and wraps with vegetarian and vegan options available.

114 N Main St, Oregon, WI 53575 (608) 835-6238

Jobs in Oregon

Oregon is primarily a residential suburb and you won't find many major employers in the village itself. However, you will find a few local Oregon WI businesses in town, and its close proximity to Madison offers additional opportunities.

Dane County has a very low unemployment rate of 1.9%. Most residents are employed in office and administrative support, executive and management, sales, business and financial operations and production occupations. About 67% of employees are white collar workers, while 32% are blue collar.

Major employers in Dane County offering quality jobs in Oregon, WI:

Payscale shows that the average salary for an employee in the Madison area is $74,000 per year. Residents can find all kinds of exciting Oregon WI jobs, from physical therapy assistants to patient relations representatives.

Oregon Schools

Moving to Oregon, WI also offers access to fantastic schools. The Oregon WI School District serves the community. The district consists of three elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school and one high school. Prairie View is general seen as the best and ranks #223 out of all elementary schools in Wisconsin.

Oregon High School is also very well respected and ranks 5th out of all Madison area high schools and 58th in Wisconsin, according to US News and World Report. It has a graduation rate of 96% and AP Participation rate of 96%.

Sursum Corda Classical School is a private Lutheran school that serves students living in Oregon, WI. Book lovers can also check out the Oregon Public Library for media and community events.

Oregon Statistics & Information

  • Oregon county: Dane County
  • Oregon area: 4.49 square miles
  • Oregon WI zip code: 53575
  • Oregon area code: 608
  • Oregon elevation: 1,053
  • Oregon time zone: Central Standard Time (UTC -5 and -6)
  • Closest airport to Oregon: The Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) is 18.7 miles away.

Oregon, WI Map

Discover more Oregon WI restaurants, businesses, shops, and things to do with this map.

Ready to relocate to this peaceful paradise? Count on our dependable Oregon, WI movers to make your relocation easy and affordable. Call (608) 856-6683 today for a free quote.

Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller is the owner of Dairyland Moving & Storage, a moving company dedicated to being responsive, friendly, and reliable, providing our customers with more than just an efficient relocation, but also a stress-free, positive experience.
Read More Posts By Brandon HERE
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