The Great Escape: Multnomah County’s Affluent Residents Are Fleeing, and They’re Not Looking Back

August 18, 2024

If you listen closely, you can almost hear the sound of wealth tiptoeing out of Multnomah County. The richest among us, those whose bank accounts can swallow ours whole, are saying their goodbyes. And they’re not just sneaking away—they’re practically sprinting, leaving a trail of luxury home listings in their wake.

For years, Multnomah County has been the crown jewel of Portland living. It’s where you’d find the sleekest condos, the most manicured lawns, and the highest taxes. But the tide has turned. The well-heeled, once content to sip artisanal coffee in their million-dollar kitchens, are now trading in their PDX pride for something simpler—lower taxes, less crime, and more space between them and the problems they’d rather not deal with.

And where are they going? Anywhere that’s not here, it seems. Washington County, Clark County—heck, some are even daring to cross state lines to the wilds of Texas and Idaho. Because when you’ve got money, you’ve got options, and these folks are exercising theirs like they’re training for the Olympics.

The data tells the story: a spike in high-end property sales, an influx of moving vans, and a noticeable shift in who’s left holding the (tax) bag. The rich are leaving, and they’re taking their tax dollars with them. This isn’t just a blip—it’s a trend, and it could reshape Multnomah County for years to come.

But let’s not get too gloomy. Some see opportunity in this exodus. Those sprawling estates and penthouse suites might finally be within reach for middle-income buyers. Imagine that—a more “balanced” community, where the gap between the haves and have-nots doesn’t feel quite so insurmountable. It’s a silver lining, albeit a very thin one.

The powers that be in Multnomah County are, of course, concerned. There’s talk of policy changes, of addressing the issues driving people away. But for now, the county’s most privileged residents are voting with their feet. They’ve decided that the grass really is greener somewhere else—anywhere else. And who can blame them?

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