What Does It Really Take to Afford a Home in Oregon in 2025?

I recently joined other real estate professionals from across the country at the Real Estate Video Blueprint event in San Antonio—and while we talked about a lot of exciting stuff, one stat from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) really stuck with me:

👉 According to their data, a family of four in Oregon needs about $158,000/year to afford a home in 2025.

That number stopped me in my tracks—and it likely will for you, too, especially if you’re in the thick of raising a family, considering a move, or trying to understand how much home you can actually afford right now.

📈 What Does That Look Like in Canby and Clackamas County?

Let’s get hyper-local, because state-wide averages can be misleading.

In Canby, where I live and work, finding something under $500,000 is tough. Yes, they exist—but they’re often dated, small, and gone in a flash. A 3-bed, 2-bath ranch that doesn’t need much work? You’ll likely be looking closer to $650,000, which is about our current median price point.

If you're buying under $300K in our area, you're likely looking at:

• A townhome or condo

• A manufactured home

• Or something that needs a full remodel—and will still have a dozen offers

So while the $158K income stat might reflect some kind of statewide average, in towns like Canby, Wilsonville, or Oregon City, it doesn’t go as far as you’d think.

💡 Income Isn’t Keeping Up

At the same event, I spoke with agents from the East Coast—like Tara Crossley, who works in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Their prices and income challenges mirror ours: home prices up, rent up, and wages struggling to keep pace.

It’s no secret. Whether you're in the Portland suburbs or coastal New England, the numbers just don’t feel like they pencil out the way they used to.

🧭 Location Still Matters (a Lot)

If you’re wondering how to make the numbers work, here’s something to consider: distance from urban centers still makes a big difference.

The further you are from Portland or the I-5 corridor, the more likely you are to find affordable housing. But that comes with trade-offs like longer commutes and fewer amenities. Some folks are okay with that. Others—especially if they’re looking for that sweet spot of an accessible small-town charm (like Canby!)—are looking for ways to make it work closer in.

🏠 Why Your Agent’s Marketing Game Really Matters

Here’s the thing I’ll never stop preaching: it matters who you work with.

And in a market like this—where every dollar counts and competition is still intense in certain price ranges—you need someone who knows how to:

• Tell the story of your home

• Maximize exposure beyond the MLS

• Tap into video and social media to attract real buyers

I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference this makes. I’m still getting DMs about a listing I marketed weeks ago because the video told a story the photos couldn’t.

🎯 Bottom Line?

If you’re navigating today’s housing market, especially in South Clackamas County, don’t go it alone. Whether you’re trying to figure out what you can afford or how to make your home stand out, I’d love to help you work through it.

📍 I live in Canby. I grew up in the North Willamette Valley. I know these neighborhoods inside and out.
📲 Let’s talk through your options—no pressure, just real conversations.

Connect with me here, or follow along on Instagram @jenschurter for more insights.