Portland's decline: city sputters as crime and homelessness surge

Massive population loss in Portland, Oregon, amidst numerous problems such as rising crime, the drug crisis and homelessness, makes the decline of the state's largest city increasingly evident.

According to the nation's Census Bureau estimates Portland has had the sixth-largest population decline since 2020. In the two years leading up to July 2022 alone, the city lost more than 18,200 residents, and while it is unclear what has prompted these people to leave, the exodus comes amidst a wave of crises.

Increase in crime

Since city leaders cut the police budget in 2020, the crime rate has increased. In 2022, homicides reached record highs, with more than 90 murders.

Theft and vandalism have also increased so much that many businesses have had to close up shop. Even large corporations such as Nike, Walmart and Cracker Barrel have closed locations due to increased crime.

Homelessness

The increase in homelessness does not improve the city's situation either. According to Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler's office, between 2019 and 2022, the number of homeless people setting up encampments and taking over streets and sidewalks increased by 50%.

"I saw two people on the street the other day just smoking crack. The problem is growing. Every time I turn a corner there is another homeless camp somewhere, and I don't want that to be the case," opined one Portland resident.

Drug crisis

According to public health data, opioid-related fatal overdoses increased fivefold between 2018 and 2022 in Multnomah County alone. However, the entire city has been affected by the increase in drugs.

Fentanyl use has even caused delays in public transportation because trains and buses are forced to stop to ventilate the units due to the smoke generated by the drug, which can be fatal for both passengers and drivers.

Cost of living

Despite being a city with various problems, the cost of living has not dropped. In fact, real estate brokerage firm Redfin reported that expenses are 24% higher than the national average.

"Portland used to be an accepting, friendly, beautiful and clean city. Now, so many good people [are] leaving the area and it feels like they are being replaced with criminals or homeless," said Ghaith Sahib, a restaurant owner in the city.