From June 27th to July 10th, 2025, the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center (OVBC) conducted a statewide survey of Oregonians’ values and beliefs on the topics of financial well-being and consumer justice in Oregon. The research was conducted in partnership with Oregon Consumer Justice, who leverages the data in their commitment to advancing consumer justice, shaping an equitable and inclusive marketplace, and enhancing Oregonians’ rights as consumers through advocacy, legal support, community engagement, and consumer outreach.
The question numbers in this document correspond with the accompanying annotated questionnaire and tabs. For survey full question wording, all statistically significant subgroup findings, and respondent quotes, readers are encouraged to refer to the accompanying documents located at the bottom of this post under “For More Information”: (1) annotated questionnaire, (2) crosstabulations, and (3) verbatim written responses spreadsheet (upon request).
Due to rounding, the percentages reported below may not add up to 100% or compare exactly to the percentages for the same question in the annotated questionnaire or tabs. Included below for selected questions are noteworthy subgroup variations for age, gender, area of the state, BIPOC/white, etc. The accompanying set of tabs notes subgroup variations for all the questions.
NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, each statement summarizing noticeable differences captures a comparison within an identification category. For example, if respondents aged 75 and older show higher support for a particular statement, this refers to a comparison with other age groups.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Oregonians’ ability to experience health, joy, and economic opportunity has remained constant since last year. However, more Oregonians in 2025 believe their families will be “worse off” in the next year than believed so in 2024.
- Only 2/5 Oregonians say they can comfortably cover a $400 emergency expense.
- Housing and utility costs are the top financial stressors for Oregonians over the past year.
- Holding insurance companies accountable is a high priority for Oregonians.
WHERE ARE OREGONIANS COMING FROM?
Oregonians’ ability to experience health, joy, and economic opportunity remained consistent from last year [Q24]. However, there was a slight shift in mindset when looking to the future. In 2025, 32% of Oregonians believe their families will be “worse off” when looking ahead to the next year, up from 24% in 2024 [Q25].
- When asked about their well-being in the future*:
- Respondents aged 55+ are more likely to say “worse off.”
- People with less than $25,000 and those who cannot pay a $400 emergency expense are more likely to say “don’t know.”
- Those living in non-urban areas are more likely to say “about the same.”
- For both questions on current and future well-being*:
- Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and men are more likely to say they are ”better off,”
*Each statement summarizing noticeable subgroup differences captures a comparison within an identification category. Ex: If respondents aged 75 and older show higher support for a particular statement, this refers to a comparison with other age groups.
FINANCIAL STRESSORS
When asked to identify causes of financial stress in the past 12 months, Oregonians most commonly cite rent or housing costs (39%) and utility costs (39%) [Q35]. Credit card debt (27%) and loss of income (22%) are also frequently reported. About a fifth of respondents (21%) report that none of the listed factors caused them financial stress in the past 12 months.
- Those more likely to say “none of the above”*:
- Men, people age 75+, those with a 4-year+ degree, people in the Tri-County area, those with an annual income of $100,000+, homeowners, and those who can easily pay an emergency expense of $400.
*Each statement summarizing noticeable subgroup differences captures a comparison within an identification category. Ex: If respondents aged 75 and older show higher support for a particular statement, this refers to a comparison with other age groups.
One-third of Oregonians report that they could not cover a $400 emergency expense without borrowing money or going into debt [Q36]. An additional 27% say they could pay for the expense, but it would be challenging. Only four in ten respondents indicate they could pay the amount without difficulty. Compared to when OVBC first asked this question in 2023, there has been both a decline in the proportion of those who can pay without difficulty and an increase in those who cannot afford the expense.
- Those more able to pay an emergency expense without much difficulty include*:
- Men, those age 75+, people with a 4-year degree or more, white people, those living in the Tri-county area, those with an income of $100,000 or more, and homeowners.
- Those more able to pay an emergency expense, but with some difficulty, include*:
- BIPOC and 18-29 year olds.
- Those more likely to be unable to pay the emergency expense include*:
- Women, those with a high school degree or less, people living in the Willamette Valley, and those with an income of $25,000 or less.
*Each statement summarizing noticeable subgroup differences captures a comparison within an identification category. Ex: If respondents aged 75 and older show higher support for a particular statement, this refers to a comparison with other age groups.
Of those who indicated they would not be able to pay the emergency expense, many said the most likely way they would come up with the money is to sell something (22% ranked it as their most likely option, 57% included it in their top three); borrow money from a family member (21% most likely, 55% included in their top three); and/or borrow money from a friend (9% most likely, 38% included in their top three) [Q37]. Oregonians are less likely to rely on institutional options such as using money from a bank or credit union loan or line of credit (14% included in their top three) or taking out a personal loan (11% included in their top three).
When asked to share more about how they would pay for an emergency expense, Oregonians frequently mention using their savings, credit cards, or borrowing from family [Q38]. Some also turn to crowdfunding platforms or similar alternatives. Other Oregonians, however, reflect on the stress of having limited options.
Below are representative quotes:
“I’d probably use savings first, but if that’s not enough, I might borrow from family or use a credit card carefully.”
Man, age 30-44, Deschutes County, Hispanic or Latino and White
“I don’t have the option to use most of these at all.”
Woman, age 30-44, Yamhill County, White
“If I had an emergency expense, I’d likely try to use my savings first, but if that wasn’t enough, I might need to borrow from family or use a credit card. It can be stressful knowing you don’t have a clear safety net.”
Man, age 30-44, Jefferson County, White
“I have two months’ expenses in my credit union savings account for this purpose, and I top it up at the end of every month if I’ve used any.”
Woman, age 65-74, Multnomah County, Hispanic or Latina, White, and another race or ethnicity not listed above
“I don’t think many people even have savings right now let alone an emergency fund. I know my family would be completely at a loss if we had an emergency expense come up. We can[‘t] get any loans because of bad credit and we can[‘t] afford to pull any more credit cards. I think more than not people are in the same boat as us.”
Woman, age 18-29, Jackson County, White
“Fortunately my family has some savings. But draw[ing] from that money could affect our future (i.e. education oppotunity, etc).”
Man, age 44-54, Washington County, Asian
“Set up a GoFundMe.”
Woman, age 44-54, Multnomah County, Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native
INSURANCE HIKE OPINIONS
When asked which statement comes closest to their views on insurance regulations, 28% of respondents say “holding insurance companies accountable could help prevent unfair or unnecessary rate increases” as their top choice [Q39]. An additional 39% chose the same statement as either second- or third-closest to their view, making it the most widely supported statement overall (67% include it in their top three).
Other commonly selected statements also reflect support for accountability— “insurance companies will raise rates no matter what, so they should still be held accountable like any other business” is included in the top three by 65% of respondents (23% ranking it first), and “it’s important to strike a balance between controlling rate increases and holding insurers accountable for unfair practices” was included by 59% (19% ranking it first).
When asked to share more about insurers or insurance rates, Oregonians frequently bring up rising costs and a lack of transparency [Q40]. Some express frustration with premiums increasing despite not having filed any claims, while others question how rates are calculated or call for stronger consumer protections. A few connect insurance challenges to broader issues, like climate change or corporate accountability. Others express distrust toward the insurance industry as a whole.
Below are representative quotes:
“Insurance is just a scam.”
Woman, age 65-74, Benton County, White
“Just that their rates are going through the roof, and the government needs to put a cap on it.”
Woman, age 55-64, Douglas County, White
“Insurance rates can be a heavy burden, especially for families on fixed incomes. Transparency from insurance companies and strong consumer protections are essential to keep costs fair while ensuring coverage quality.”
Man, age 30-44, Jefferson County, White
“Homeowner’s insurance is tied to climate change, and I would like insurers to work alongside the public to force legislators to take climate change seriously, as it puts strains on insurers and raises costs for consumers.”
Woman, age 44-54, Washington County, Black or African American
“Insurance should be fair rates, need transparency, and companies must be held accountable for hikes.”
Man, age 30-44, Washington County, White
“My homeowners insurance has doubled in the past 5 years… I have never filed a claim.”
Woman, age 55-64, Clackamas County, Native American, American Indian, or Alaska Native and White
“Rates are about spreading risk using actuarial models. If a mass disaster occurs that impacts lots of people, then of course, payout will be limited. What is fair? Maybe in situations where disaster doesn’t happen, then a reserve should be held… Like I said, a new model is needed.”
Woman, age 55-64, Tillamook County, Asian
METHODOLOGY
The online survey consisted of 1,897 Oregon residents ages 18+ and took approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. This is a sufficient sample size to assess Oregonians’ opinions generally and to review findings by multiple subgroups. Respondents were contacted by using professionally maintained online panels. In gathering responses, a variety of quality control measures were employed, including questionnaire pre-testing, validation, and real-time monitoring of responses. To ensure a representative sample, demographic quotas were set, and data was weighted by area of the state, gender, age, race, political party, and education.
OVBC surveys currently use aggregated data to analyze the opinions of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) residents in comparison to the opinions of residents who identify as white and not another race. BIPOC residents are not a homogeneous population, instead, they represent a wide diversity of races and ethnicities. The findings included in this memo should not be construed such that all people of color are believed to share the same opinions. Disaggregated race data will be provided when sample sizes permit reliability.
Statement of Limitations: Any sampling of opinions or attitudes is subject to a margin of error. The margin of error is a standard statistical calculation that represents differences between the sample and total population at a confidence interval, or probability, calculated to be 95%. This means that there is a 95% probability that the sample taken for this study would fall within the stated margin of error if compared with the results achieved from surveying the entire population. This survey’s margin of error for the full sample is ±2.25%
For More Information:
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Oregon Values and Beliefs Center (OVBC): This research was completed by the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center as a community service. OVBC is an independent and non-partisan organization and an Oregon charitable nonprofit corporation. Representative OVBC projects include a series of in-depth business interviews for the Columbia County Economic Team, as well as an extensive opinion research study about Oregonian’s values and beliefs, in partnership with over 20 organizations (Learn more about the 2023 Typology Study).
Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) is committed to advancing consumer justice, shaping an equitable and inclusive marketplace, and improving Oregonians’ rights as consumers through advocacy, legal support, community engagement, and consumer outreach.