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These Are The 10 Hardest Working Places In Oregon

By Chris Kolmar
May. 18, 2016
Last Modified and Fact Checked on: Feb. 8, 2026

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Top 10 Hardest Working Places in Oregon (2026)
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Oregon is a state deeply rooted in the spirit of hard work and opportunity. In 2026, as the job market continues to evolve, the dedication of its workforce remains clear. From remote work dynamics to the embrace of technology, Oregonians exemplify the work ethic that has long characterized the region.

While every corner of Oregon showcases its hardworking populace, certain areas stand out for their exceptional commitment to productivity. This article highlights the hardest working places in Oregon, where residents go above and beyond to make their livelihoods.

Leading the charge is Happy Valley, earning the title of the hardest working place in the state. Residents here are so dedicated that commuting to work is part of their daily grind, demonstrating an impressive work-life balance despite the demands of their jobs.

Curious about other cities that exemplify hard work? Here’s a look at the top contenders for the most industrious locations in Oregon:

  1. Happy Valley
  2. Sherwood
  3. Hillsboro
  4. Tigard
  5. West Linn
  6. Newberg
  7. Tualatin
  8. Beaverton
  9. Hood River
  10. Portland

Let’s delve into how we compiled this ranking, showcasing the dedication that defines these communities.

Determining the Hardest Working Places in Oregon

At Zippia, we pride ourselves on data-driven insights. To identify Oregon’s hardest working places, we utilized the latest American Community Survey data, focusing on key factors that reflect the commitment of the workforce.

For this analysis, we examined several criteria, including:

  • Average hours worked
  • Average commute time
  • Number of workers per household
  • Labor force participation rate
  • Percentage of adults with a college degree

This rigorous evaluation allowed us to rank 76 locations across Oregon, with 1 representing the “hardest working” community. The final scores revealed that Happy Valley truly stands out as the hardest working place in Oregon.

Below, you’ll find detailed statistics that illustrate why these locations earned their rankings in the industrious landscape of Oregon.

1. Happy Valley

Source: Wikipedia

Population: 15,693 College Graduates: 48.8%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 40.1
Workers Per Household: 1.6

2. Sherwood

Population: 18,687 College Graduates: 43.2%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.9
Workers Per Household: 1.5

3. Hillsboro

Population: 95,765 College Graduates: 33.7%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.4
Workers Per Household: 1.5

4. Tigard

Population: 49,633 College Graduates: 41.4%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 37.6
Workers Per Household: 1.4

5. West Linn

Population: 25,710 College Graduates: 54.1%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.0
Workers Per Household: 1.4

6. Newberg

Population: 22,451 College Graduates: 25.6%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 36.6
Workers Per Household: 1.6

7. Tualatin

Population: 26,604 College Graduates: 41.8%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.8
Workers Per Household: 1.4

8. Beaverton

Population: 92,593 College Graduates: 43.5%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 38.1
Workers Per Household: 1.4

9. Hood River

Population: 7,311 College Graduates: 39.9%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 36.1
Workers Per Household: 1.3

10. Portland

Population: 602,568 College Graduates: 44.4%
Average Hours Worked Per Week: 36.8
Workers Per Household: 1.4

Detailed List of Hardest Working Places in Oregon

City Rank Population College Graduates Average Hours Worked Per Week Workers Per Household
Happy Valley 1 15,693 48.8% 40.1 1.6
Sherwood 2 18,687 43.2% 38.9 1.5
Hillsboro 3 95,765 33.7% 38.4 1.5
Tigard 4 49,633 41.4% 37.6 1.4
West Linn 5 25,710 54.1% 38.0 1.4
Newberg 6 22,451 25.6% 36.6 1.6
Tualatin 7 26,604 41.8% 38.8 1.4
Beaverton 8 92,593 43.5% 38.1 1.4
Hood River 9 7,311 39.9% 36.1 1.3
Portland 10 602,568 44.4% 36.8 1.4
Damascus 11 10,711 22.3% 36.9 1.6
Lake Oswego 12 37,310 65.2% 38.9 1.2
Wilsonville 13 20,335 39.3% 38.9 1.3
Canby 14 16,821 25.8% 37.7 1.4
Corvallis 15 54,735 58.5% 32.3 1.3
Bend 16 79,698 39.0% 36.1 1.3
Oregon City 17 33,834 22.7% 38.5 1.4
Newport 18 10,045 28.9% 38.3 1.1
Warrenton 19 5,089 19.9% 37.0 1.3
Sandy 20 9,945 17.7% 38.0 1.3
Keizer 21 36,875 24.6% 37.0 1.3
Milwaukie 22 20,449 26.1% 37.9 1.3
Astoria 23 9,503 28.5% 36.2 1.2
Gladstone 24 11,668 20.7% 38.4 1.3
Monmouth 25 9,769 35.0% 30.8 1.4
Hermiston 26 17,031 16.1% 39.4 1.3
Talent 27 6,164 28.1% 34.4 1.1
Troutdale 28 16,339 21.5% 37.2 1.5
Molalla 29 8,247 14.8% 40.2 1.4
Silverton 30 9,342 29.5% 36.4 1.3
Fairview 31 9,094 18.2% 35.6 1.2
Gresham 32 108,250 18.6% 36.5 1.4
Ashland 33 20,412 57.8% 33.2 1.1
Forest Grove 34 22,070 22.5% 35.1 1.4
Eugene 35 158,131 39.9% 34.1 1.2
Salem 36 157,967 26.9% 36.4 1.3
Scappoose 37 6,778 20.1% 38.1 1.3
La Grande 38 13,090 24.7% 35.4 1.2
McMinnville 39 32,839 21.1% 36.4 1.3
Pendleton 40 16,830 19.3% 37.2 1.2
Albany 41 51,210 23.5% 37.3 1.2
Umatilla 42 6,998 7.2% 40.6 1.5
Woodburn 43 24,282 12.8% 38.3 1.4
Medford 44 76,648 24.2% 35.9 1.3
Cornelius 45 12,068 11.9% 37.8 2.0
Central Point 46 17,443 18.2% 37.5 1.2
North Bend 47 9,591 22.4% 38.5 1.2
The Dalles 48 15,068 18.5% 36.3 1.1
St. Helens 49 13,017 15.9% 37.3 1.4
Creswell 50 5,065 16.4% 37.7 1.2
Lebanon 51 15,761 16.5% 38.0 1.1
Lincoln City 52 7,977 21.9% 37.6 1.1
Brookings 53 6,350 25.5% 36.2 1.0
Eagle Point 54 8,599 11.8% 38.0 1.3
Florence 55 8,498 24.6% 34.7 0.7
Seaside 56 6,481 23.2% 37.0 1.1
Springfield 57 59,882 15.2% 36.6 1.3
Stayton 58 7,719 16.1% 37.1 1.3
Junction City 59 5,566 12.2% 37.0 1.4
Independence 60 8,654 17.6% 34.5 1.4
Coos Bay 61 16,022 20.8% 36.6 1.0
Madras 62 6,419 13.6% 38.5 1.2
Roseburg 63 21,858 21.5% 37.8 1.0
Milton-Freewater 64 7,094 11.7% 37.3 1.4
Baker City 65 9,774 18.7% 36.6 1.0
Dallas 66 14,788 17.1% 37.5 1.1
Sheridan 67 6,081 7.9% 37.4 1.4
Klamath Falls 68 21,165 20.8% 36.4 1.1
Redmond 69 27,002 18.7% 36.2 1.2
Cottage Grove 70 9,772 12.8% 36.9 1.0
Grants Pass 71 34,916 15.9% 35.8 1.0
Sweet Home 72 9,042 12.4% 36.4 1.0
Sutherlin 73 7,776 10.4% 34.6 1.1
Ontario 74 11,148 14.5% 36.1 1.1
Prineville 75 9,184 11.2% 37.7 1.0
Winston 76 5,356 8.8% 34.9 1.1

In conclusion, the emphasis on hard work remains a hallmark of Oregon’s communities. As we progress into a more technologically advanced future, these cities continue to embody the resilience and determination that define the Oregon workforce. Whether you’re looking for a new job or simply want to admire the dedication of your neighbors, these hardest working places in Oregon are worth celebrating.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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