Bend

by The Linguist

Bend is a city located in Central Oregon, in the northern part of Deschutes County. As of 2020, Bend had an estimated population of 99,178, making it the largest city in Central Oregon.

Population and Demographics

According to Wikipedia, Bend’s population grew rapidly throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Between 1990 and 2000, the population nearly doubled from 20,447 to 52,029. Growth continued into the 2000s, with the population reaching 76,639 in 2010.

The demographic makeup of Bend is primarily white, with nearly 93% of residents identifying as white alone in 2019 census estimates. Hispanics and Latinos make up the largest minority group at just under 7% of the population.

Bend also has a fairly young population compared to national averages. The median age is 36.7 years old. Nearly a quarter of the population is under 18 years old, and just 13.5% are over 65.

Top Attractions and Things to Do

Bend is situated in a beautiful natural landscape in the Deschutes National Forest and is surrounded by mountain peaks. Outdoor recreation is a huge draw for both tourists and residents.

Mount Bachelor

Mount Bachelor ski resort offers one of the longest ski seasons in North America, with lifts open from mid-November through May. Mount Bachelor is famous for its plentiful powder snow.

Deschutes River

The Deschutes River runs right through the heart of Bend and provides ample opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and more. Sections of the river are gentle enough for tubing in the summer months.

Smith Rock State Park

Known worldwide for rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park offers over 1,000 different climbing routes across stunning canyon walls and rock formations. Hiking trails are also available ranging from easy to difficult.

Crux Fermentation Project

One of Bend’s most popular microbreweries, Crux Fermentation Project offers award-winning beers, delicious food, and a relaxed, dog-friendly patio. They host events like trivia nights, live music, and more.

High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum provides a great introduction to the landscapes, plants, animals, and history of the region through indoor and outdoor exhibits. Visitors can see river otters, porcupines, birds of prey and more up close.

Economy and Major Employers

Bend has a diverse economy anchored by the technology, healthcare, tourism/outdoor recreation, and manufacturing industries. Some of the top employers in Bend are:

Other major employers include Mt. Bachelor ski resort, Les Schwab Tire Centers, Bright Wood Corporation, and Consumer Cellular. The hospitality industry also provides many jobs in Bend supporting tourism.

Bend’s economy has diversified over the years but is still heavily reliant on the outdoor recreation and tourism industries. The median household income is $66,479, which is above the national median.

Sports Teams

Bend is home to the Bend Elks, a minor league baseball team that plays at Vince Genna Stadium. The Elks are part of the West Coast League and offer affordable family fun during summer months. Read more on the Bend Elks website.

Bend FC Timbers is Bend’s soccer club, with competitive youth teams for boys and girls as well as adult leagues. Get info on Bend FC Timbers programs.

Many elite athletes come to Bend to train and compete in various outdoor endurance sports like nordic skiing, cycling, trail running, triathlon, and more. Bend hosts major sporting events throughout the year such as the XTERRA Trail Run National Championship, the Cascade Cycling Classic, and the Bend Marathon.

Living in Bend

Bend offers a high quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation, a friendly community, a diverse array of restaurants and breweries, and pleasant weather with all four seasons. The job market is competitive though, and the cost of living is relatively high for homes. Traffic and growth are top concerns for residents.

To learn more about Bend, be sure to visit the Visit Bend tourism website and City of Bend Facebook page.