The latest survey conducted by the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center, an independent and nonpartisan research center based in Portland, reveals that Oregonians remain divided on the state’s political and social landscape despite sharing similar concerns.

According to survey results, 46% of Oregonians believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, while 45% believe it is on the right track. Certain demographics are more optimistic about Oregon’s future, with those 75 and older, college graduates and urban residents more likely to believe the state is on the right track. Republicans expressed higher levels of worry compared to Democrats, liberals and moderates.

Every demographic group in the survey noted its primary concern was homelessness, followed by substance abuse and housing availability.

“It has to be the homeless, and securing help for the homeless. It’s such a heated topic, and people get political about it and they can be cruel about it and compassionless,” wrote one woman from Josephine county. “On the other hand, I see people’s frustrations. It’s a truly difficult situation.”

Responses to Oregon Values and Beliefs Center’s surveys are recorded anonymously.

“Homelessness is the biggest blip on the radar screen for Oregonians,” said Amaury Vogel, the associate executive director of Oregon Values and Beliefs Center, in an email. “It continues to be the most important issue for every single demographic group.”

Central Oregon residents reported higher levels of satisfaction socially and economically when compared to their counterparts across the state. A majority of Central Oregon residents, 66%, noted they felt “connected and happy” about their community, compared to 55% statewide. Those living in rural areas are more likely to feel a strong community connection.

“With a lot of the new housing that is currently being built, I don’t see how it is considered affordable when houses start at the $500k range,” said one Clackamas resident. “I honestly don’t know how people can afford to rent or buy in this day and age when they cannot earn a livable wage.”

About two-thirds of those surveyed, or 67%, believe that common values among Oregonians can bridge political divisions and lead to collaborative efforts to improve the state’s well-being. When asked the same question in 2021, only 60% of respondents were confident they shared common ground with others throughout the state. Around 2,700 Oregonians over the age of 18 responded to the survey.

When it comes to economic well being, a little over half of Oregonians — 54% — feel they are being left behind economically. Respondents who are more likely to feel left behind include individuals age 18-44, those with some college education or less and people of color.