RANK #870 / 996 · POP 199,352 · OR
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.3%
Bend, the county seat, is a notable town in Deschutes County, Oregon, known for its access to outdoor recreation and a relaxed atmosphere. Located in Central Oregon, between the Cascade Mountains and the high desert, the county offers a mild climate. Commuting within the county is generally manageable, with an average commute time of under 20 minutes, and options like carpooling and vanpooling are promoted. The Deschutes River, a national and state scenic waterway, provides opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and exploring volcanic caves.
Life in Deschutes County attracts a mix of residents, including young professionals, families, and retirees, drawn to the area's natural amenities and quality of life. Over 90% of adults report good to excellent overall health. The economy, once centered on logging, has shifted towards tourism and a diverse service sector, including healthcare. While tourism remains a significant economic driver, there is also interest in developing renewable energy projects, such as biomass, solar, geothermal, and wind. The Bend-La Pine Schools district serves a large student population with above-average public schools.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Prices detached from rents
Housing looks overvalued at 8.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Deschutes Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Facility
BrightNight Power (DECH bn, LLC)
|
$1,000M | Planned |
|
Enel Greenpower North America Solar Project (Bend-Redmond)
Enel Greenpower North America LLC
|
$700M | Proposed |
|
Finley Butte Climate Fixer Solar Project (La Pine)
Finley Butte Climate Fixer LLC
|
$650M | Proposed |
|
Enterprise Zone Authorizations (Various Projects)
Various
|
$625M | Operating |
|
Amazon Delivery Hub (Redmond)
Amazon
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Knott Road/Baker Road: US97 Interchange
Deschutes County Road Department
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Deschutes County has a Boom Town Index score of 13/100, ranking #870 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.9% and a median household income of $82,042, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Deschutes County is $526,200 with median rent at $1,550/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.1559, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.9%. Home values changed -2.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.3% of Deschutes County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.