📊 Population Growth & Characteristics

Between 2010 and 2019, Oregon’s population grew by 10.1%—the 11th highest rate among U.S. states. This growth reflects Oregon’s appeal as a destination state, particularly for its quality of life and natural amenities.

However, at 50.6, Oregon’s fertility rate is 6th lowest in the nation, indicating demographic challenges similar to other Western states.

Oregon has the nation’s 11th longest life expectancy at birth. The state’s annual death rate of 863.5 is slightly below the national average, but when adjusted for median age, Oregon’s rate is the nation’s 13th lowest.

👶 Infant Health Excellence

At 4.69 per 1,000 live births, Oregon’s infant mortality rate is 11th lowest in the U.S.

Oregon’s rates of low birthweight and preterm births are 2nd and 4th lowest in the nation, respectively, demonstrating exceptional prenatal and maternal healthcare outcomes.

✅ Areas of Excellence

Oregon is among the ten states with the lowest rates of several health-related causes of death, including:

• Heart disease: 6th lowest nationally (131 per 100,000)
• Kidney disease: 5th lowest nationally (8.0 per 100,000)
• Septicemia: Among the lowest rates nationally
• Pneumonia + Flu: 6th lowest nationally (9.0 per 100,000)

⚠️ Health Challenges

Oregon’s rate of death due to hypertension is the nation’s 7th highest, and the state’s rates of Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and liver disease are above the national averages.

For this reason, it’s not all that uncommon for many applicants applying from Oregon to first consider purchasing a no medical exam term life insurance policy first, rather than choosing to apply for a traditional fully underwritten term life insurance policy that will require both a blood and urine sample.

✅ Homicide Rate Success

With only 3.0 homicides per 100,000 population, Oregon has the nation’s 11th lowest homicide rate, reflecting strong public safety outcomes.

🚨 Mental Health Concerns

Oregon’s drug overdose death rate is the country’s 11th lowest, but its suicide rate is 9th highest nationally at 20.4 per 100,000, indicating significant mental health challenges that require attention.

🦠 Pandemic Performance

Oregon’s COVID-19 death rate for 2020 was 26.3 per 100,000—4th lowest among U.S. states (behind Vermont, Hawaii, and Maine).

Through July 2021, Oregon drops to 5th place (behind Alaska, as well), still demonstrating strong public health response and community adherence to safety measures.

⚠️ Mixed Safety Record

Oregon’s rate of accidental deaths due to injury is consistent with the national average. However, specific concerns include:

• Accidental falls: 18.4 per 100,000 (about 50% above national average, 8th highest among U.S. states)
• Accidental poisoning: 12.9 per 100,000 (well below national average)

For these reasons while we would always advise one to consider purchasing an accidental death policy as a way to “supplement” one’s traditional coverage, choosing to ONLY apply for an accidental policy is strongly discouraged.

Key Health Metrics Summary

Data Sources

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service (citing U.S. Census Bureau, 2019)

Statista, Population Density in the U.S. by Federal States (2020)

StatsAmerica (Indiana Business Research Center), Median Age in 2019

Kaiser Family Foundation, Number of Deaths per 100,000 Population (2019)

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, Fertility Rates by State (2019)

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, Stats of the States (2021)

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, Life Expectancy at Birth by State (2018)

CDC, Division of Vital Statistics, National Vital Statistics Report (2018)

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, Provisional Death Rates for COVID-19 (2020)

New York Times, Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count (July 23, 2021)

National Safety Council, State Overview Table: 2019