Firstly why Coos-Bay, Oregon?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Coos-Bay
- State: Oregon
- Population: 16,303 people
- Coos-Bay’s quick summary would be recognized for its stunning coastal views and vibrant arts community this city is a charming destination for beach lovers and artists.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 600 annually
- While this many move-out: 200 annually
- Net Migration: 400 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 670
- Number of Homeless people: 276
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features scenic coastal views appealing to nature lovers
Perk #1: Coos-Bay Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 29%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
- The median income is (and growing) $54,683
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Coos-Bay is $65,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $10317 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Coos-Bay’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 102 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,200
- Property Tax %: 1%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,500
- Rent for an average house: $1,800
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Coos Bay
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Coos-Bay, North Bend, and probably could include Bandon
- Avg. Age of Homes in Coos-Bay: 45 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.2%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Coos-Bay’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Coos-Bay are Tourism, Fisheries, and Manufacturing
- Coos-Bay Job Scene: limited job market primarily in tourism and local services
- The General Tech Scene: limited tech engagement primarily around local industries and tourism , ,
- Coos-Bay Resident’s pay $1,800 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Coos-Bay: 8.2%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 1
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Coos-Bay
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $106 on average per person
- Freeway Access: U.S. Route 101 runs through Coos Bay providing coastal access
- Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion near the bridge
- Transportation Score: 26 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Coos-Bay: 15,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.9
- No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Coos-Bay: oregon.gov/odot/dmv
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 64 of 100
- Local Airport: Southwest Oregon Regional
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Coos-Bay’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Severe Storm
- General Weather in Coos-Bay is best described as experiences mild wet winters and cool summers with frequent precipitation
- Winter Weather in Coos-Bay i’d describe as cool with frequent rain
- Spring Weather in Coos-Bay can be described as cool and rainy
- Summer’s in Coos-Bay are mostly mild and pleasant
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Coos-Bay is usually cool and wet
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 6 days in summer
- Days in a row in Coos-Bay below Freezing: 7
- Average Annual Rainfall: 65 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained by coastal winds
- Coos-Bay Winter Air generally good air quality minor pollution issues
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Coos-Bay Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Coos-Bay 1
- While the number of trade schools inside Coos-Bays’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Coos Bay Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Coos-Bay Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Coos-Bay only Doctors is about 30
- Local Hospitals here is 2
- Full-time Coos-Bay only Police Officers is about 53
- Crime Rate Index: 56/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Coos-Bay’s Monthly utility bill average is $200
- Coos-Bay’s Monthly Gym Membership: $40
- Coos-Bay’s Water Quality Score: 75
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Coos-Bay
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: small coastal city with a focus on fishing and local events
- You might enjoy concerts at the Coos Bay Boardwalk
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Coos-Bay has a relaxed atmosphere with cozy bars and dining options perfect for unwinding after work
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Coos-Bay
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Features seafood restaurants and local dining options
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Coos-Bay
- The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
- Top Level Political Climate in Coos-Bay can be described as conservative coastal town focused on fishing and local economy
- Coos-Bay’s Longer standing religious establishment is Coos Bay Church of Christ
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Coos-Bay Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Coos-Bay has 6 Parks?
- Coos Bay Boardwalk is Coos-Bay’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Coos Bay Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 2pm-6pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Beach activities, hiking, and biking
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Coos-Bay Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Coos-Bay can be described as quiet coastal pace focused on nature and local industry
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Coos-Bay beach outings exploring parks attending community events
- The Cities people commute to from Coos-Bay are Portland 15 miles away Beaverton 6 miles away Hillsboro 16 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Coos-Bay or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic congestion near the bridge. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Coos-Bay’s Severe Storm risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Coos Bay is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Coos-Bay are Portland 15 miles away Beaverton 6 miles away Hillsboro 16 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 56 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Coos-Bay has 7 days in a row below freezing and 6 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Coos-Bay people have an average (positive or negative) $10317 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
276 homeless people living in Coos-Bay. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general conservative coastal town focused on fishing and local economy could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Coos-Bay.
Retiree & Senior Life in Coos-Bay
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive financial help aimed at reducing property taxes
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is Baycrest
- Coos Bay Senior Center hosts diverse activities health workshops and community resources for seniors
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Coos-Bay, Oregon?
If Coos-Bay, Oregon ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Coos-Bay, Oregon, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!